Packing+List+&+Logistics

= Packing Checklist & Travel Tips =
 * **Packing List**
 * Please note that this is a list compiled by a Fall 2011 participant. Check your airline for specific baggage requirements and use your own judgment with the rest of the recommended packing list. Happy Packing!**


 * I. BAGGAGE**

A. You can bring up to **TWO** check-in bags maximum 50 1bs. each. B. You can bring up to **ONE** carry-on bag that will fit in the overhead bins, and **ONE** personal item such as a purse small bag. C. Pack medicine and some clothes in your carry-on bag, in case the check-in bags are delayed or lost.
 * International Flight**

A. For domestic flights, only one check-in bag up to 44 lbs. A. Passport (that will not expire within six months of traveling) with U.S. visa. B. Flight tickets C. Photo copies of the following items:  Passport (2 copies)  Visa page (1 copy)  Your photo ID (1 copy)  Credit card (1 copy)
 * Domestic Flight in China**
 * II. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS**

A. $300 easy cash to exchange once you arrive B. ATM card C. Credit Card (Visa or Master) D. At present, the following credit cards are accepted in China: Master Card, Federal Card, Visa, American Express, JCB, and Diners Card E. Keep your currency exchange receipts because you will need to show them when you change RMB back to your own currency at the end of visit. A. Personal Care / Medical 1. Medication (for the whole time you'll be in China) 2. Travel medical kit ( e.g. for allergy, diarrhea, fever/cold, indigestion, pain, etc) 3. Toiletries (small bottles) 4. Tissues - bring LOTS...you will use this as T.P. B. Clothing 1. Easily washable clothes 2. Light-weight waterproof rain jacket 3. Comfortable walking shoes 4. A dress up outfit C. Electronics 1.Laptop 2.Adaptors/converters 3.China is 220 volt 4. Alarm Clock 5. Flashlight or Headlamp D. Other 1.Umbrella 2.Extra bag for day travel 3.Gifts that represent your culture Calling from China (to the U.S.): • 00 + 1 + Area Code+ Tel # – Expensive to call from your hotel – Buy international calling card (IP card) at newsstand or post office and can call from cell phone or hotel phone, will have PIN number. • Calling to China: 011 + 86 (china country code) + Area Code+ Tel # • USE Skype • www.callingcards.com (cheap way for US to call China || = Baggage Rules per Airline!!! =
 * III. MONEY**
 * F.** China is a cash economy except for fine dinning and hotels. || **IV. PERSONAL PACKING ITEMS**
 * TELEPHONE**

[|LIST OF PROHIBITED ITEMS ON AIRPLANES] Continental Airlines: [|Rules for Checking Baggage] United Airlines: [|Baggage Rules for International Flights] [|Baggage Rules for Flying Within the States] Delta: [|Rules for Checking Baggage]

Travel Logistics & Tips:
Vaccinations -  Make sure you are up-to-date on all of the routine vaccinations required for the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers information about additional vaccines recommended for China. Please note that these are recommended and not mandatory to enter the country. You will not be visiting any rural areas of China on this trip, so you do not need to worry about many of the optional vaccines listed. To get routine vaccines - visit your regular family doctor. For others, you'll need to visit a specialized travel clinic. NCSU's Health Center has one, and there are several others in Raleigh. Make sure you get **vaccinated at least 4-6 weeks prior to departure**! Visit the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) web site for travel recommendations for China: []

Exchanging Money - You will get the worst rate and be charged a fee at the airport. But, make sure you have at least some RMB before you land in China. You can exchange a small amount at the international airport when you arrive in Beijing. OR, you can order currency through many banks here in North Carolina before you leave. Sometimes is takes several weeks to get currency when you order it from a bank, so plan on extra time. Please note that a passport is required to exchange money at banks or money exchange locations! Don't forget to bring it with you.

Money Preparations - Call your bank and credit cards to let them know you will be in China for 5 weeks. Otherwise, they may think it was stolen and block it.

Money in China - Have a plan for how you are going to access your money in China, and have some back-ups! Getting money out of an ATM using your debit card is often the best way (and best rate). Also, I would recommend having at least one credit card and cash to take with you.

What to carry with you at all times - Copy of passport Small amount of cash Address of BRS and Contact Info (You will receive a copy of this contact sheet soon!) Tissues (For TP)

Water - Do NOT drink the water from tap. Use your discretion when it comes to water usage for brushing teeth, face, etc.