Tips for Travel

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Hey everyone!
As of this week I only have a month left on the Beijing program, and I've now been away from home for a little over 6 months. Crazy, right?! I can't believe it's been so long! Anyways, because I honestly had no idea to write for this week, as nothing spectacular happened (other than getting to watch 花木蘭 Mulan in Chinese. That was pretty dope), so I'm just going to share some things that I've learned while I've been on this crazy adventure!



Packing/Preparing to leave


• Try to pack only one checked bag (not only because of the exorbitant prices to check bags nowadays, but also because this will make your life easier to handle), and a backpack.
• Pack an empty bag, such as a duffle, in your checked bag. This way, when you buy things abroad (which, let's face it, is inevitable), you will have somewhere to put them without having to worry about space in your suitcase or buying something abroad. Also, since you didn't have a second carry-on, you don't have to check another bag!
• Don't worry about bringing products, unless there is something you absolutely cannot live without. I was told that I wouldn't be able to find American brands in East Asia, but for most of the basic stuff, I have seen brands like Olay, Neutrogena, Pantine, Gatsby, Vasaline, and even Burt's Bees. If you're super picky, then bring stuff, but if not don't waste the space on things you can buy here! Granted, American brands are a bit more expensive than usual abroad, (no more than $10 more in Korea, a few $ more in Taiwan, and about equivalent price in China) but I would say it's worth it for the weight and space you save. It also means that you can try weird flavors of toothpaste and mouthwash, if you so desire.
• Watch this video to learn how to fold your shirts. It's quick, it's easy, and it saves a ton of space: https://www.facebook.com/idiscoverchina/videos/942632392466201/ (of course, if you are in China, you will need a VPN to access it...)
• Speaking of VPNs, do research before you leave on whether or not a VPN will be necessary. If you do need one, make sure to download all of the appropriate apps and whatnot BEFORE you leave. Once you're in the country, getting a VPN is either impossible or a huge pain in the butt.
• Depending on where you are going and what you are doing, I would advise against bringing extra shoes. Aside from maybe one or two instances, I have found that I only really use my everyday walking shoes, and for other occasions, I have a pair of black Keds that while not "fancy" can be dressed up enough to work (and really, I've not been to anything truly fancy). Also if you are headed to East Asia, I would advise bringing (or investing in upon arrival, about $3) a pair of cheapo shower flip flops. They are good for use in the shower and if you are staying in someone's home, you will want something to change into while you are in the house/apartment.
• While medicine is available, make sure to bring enough of any prescription drug to lastthe duration of your trip, and know that certain brands may not be available. For example, one of my friends in Japan mentioned not being able to find Aleve, which is a savior when it comes to cramps.
• Also if you're female, be aware that in East Asia pads are much more widely used than tampons. This means tampons are more difficult to find and more expensive when you do find them.
• Make copiesof your passport/visa and stash them in a safe place, just in case.
• Do research about phone usage. My phone is compatible with a Chinese SIM card, but some of my friends had to buy cheap Chinese brand smartphones, and some have an international plan that lets them use their phones overseas.
• As much as possible, try not to pack clothes with the intention of buying new stuff overseas(this is more or less opposite of what I was told before coming). It is true that you can find cheap clothes in the markets, but their quality matches the price. Name brand clothes are comparable here to US prices, if not slightly steeper, especially if you're looking at imported brands, so it's actually much cheaper to just be choosy and bring things you already have. In addition, check the climate and make sure you bring weather-appropriate clothing.
• On the flipside, be careful not to overpack! Whether you need them or not, you will likely buy new clothes while abroad, even if it is just because you're sick of what you have, so expect to return with more clothes than you started with. (Remember that extra duffle?)
• Bring a reusable water bottle. It's worth the space, and if you don't plan on using it during the flight, you can pack chargers or sunglasses in it to keep them organized or from getting squished.
• Don't bring books. If you're like me and need to have something to read, download something on your phone, tablet, or Kindle before leaving. While paperbacks are wonderful, they add weight and are easily smushed.
• Make sure to bring any important documents in your backpack. I keep all of my important paperwork in a folder that I just keep in my backpack, both to keep it organized and to have it handy if anything comes up.Figure out your money. How will you pay for things? How much cash will you bring, and if you need to withdraw money, how much will your bank charge you? Will you need to use a specific ATM? (I know some people on my program are able to withdraw money out of China Construction Bank ATMs with little or no withdrawal fee, but these ATMs are actually not very common in the area.) Will your credit card work abroad? In my case, my bank allows me to withdraw money abroad at a 2%!c(MISSING)harge, which is actually a really good rate. This means I can withdraw small amounts of money and I don't have to worry about having large amounts of cash. Speaking of cash, know whether the country you will be visiting is cash-based, as much of East Asia is. I know many places actually won't accept credit cards, which is something to be careful of. Also note that when you withdraw money from ATMs, the amount that you tell the ATM you want to withdraw is in that country's currency, not USD. I have some friends who made that mistake the first time, and were confused when they got a very different amount than they were expecting. Also, make sure to tell your bank that you will be traveling abroad! You don't want them to freeze your account thinking someone is hacking your account!! Money is important!


While abroad


• Beat the jet lag! Only go to bed at your normal time when you first get to the new country.
• Don't be surprised if people stare, because you will almost definitely stick out like a sore thumb. And if you don't, and look like the people of your destination, be prepared for double-takes when they hear you speaking fluently with foreigners.
• Expect to be ripped offat least once. You'll learn how to avoid it eventually.
• If you shop at a bargain market, the overall niceness of the place and the starting prices for items tell a lot about the item's quality. I would advise you shoot for a middle-range place. The exception is a place frequented by tourists. *Hint* If you're in a place with less than 70%!l(MISSING)ocals, it's a place for foreigners. These places will try to wayyy overcharge you (as they are used to the foreigners who don't understand bargaining), so when you bargain they will either eventually give you a very low price, or choose not to sell to you at all.
• If you are on a program of some sort, be prepared to pay "hidden fees."These can include wifi, air conditioning, SIM cards/phone minutes, bedding, etc. You shouldn't have to have the money right away, but be prepared for these expenses.
• Speaking of money, expect a learning curvefor figuring out what is/is not a good deal, and how much you should be spending on things.
• Don't be afraid of public transportation.Although it can be daunting at first, it's much cheaper and more convenient than taking taxis. In China, although public transportation in general is very cheap (hardly ever more than $1 one way within the city), some forms are cheaper than others. For example, the average price for the subway is 4元, whereas the bus is usually around 1元.
• At some point, you will find something that you HAVE to have. So long as it's not crazy expensive and it doesn't happen often, it's okay to indulge. Especially if what you have to have is Western food. Sometimes, the need for cheese gets intense.
• Also be aware that the seeming cheapness of things can get deceiving and be careful not to accidentally blow more money than you should.Just because it's half the price of what it would be in the US does not make it okay to start buying everything you take a fancy to. Things may be cheap but it is super easy to forget yourself and end up overspending and buying too much.
• Most importantly, be prepared to have the time of your life! Spending long periods of time abroad is amazing, and definitely makes a difference to your perspective on things. All of the things I have suggested are just that: suggestions. Without knowing any of this, I believe it would still be possible to have an amazing abroad experience, but being prepared and doing your research before you leave will definitely lessen the culture shock. There will always be a learning curve, and being open to new changes will help the process of easing in to a new country.


That's all I have for now! Hopefully these tips were helpful, new, and interesting. Until next week! Happy Thanksgiving!

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Comments

[nancy]

great travel tips Katie, glad you are having a great experience