Packing for a business trip requires careful consideration, particularly for international travelling. Ensuring you have all the necessary clothing is just part of the puzzle – there’s also the paperwork, guides, currency and customs to be familiar with. Here are a couple of quick tips to help you adequately pack for a trip to China.
1. Pack Small
A small suitcase (or, ideally, carry-on luggage) is a godsend when travelling to, and around, China. A benefit of a business trip is that your clothing needs are dramatically reduced. The length of your stay will dictate the amount of clothing you require, but many travellers can get by with one or two suits. Ladies may choose to bring both skirts and pants, weather permitting. If carrying a laptop bag as well as your personal items, check the airline allows both to be carried on.
Once you arrive in China, getting bags to your hotel can be difficult if you are relying on public transport. If you can arrange transport at the time of booking flights, it will make the trip to your hotel much smoother. It can be hard to get everything you need ready for a business trip, particularly international trips, so enlisting the help of a corporate travel expert, such as FCm Travel Solutions, can make life easier. If you are heading off for the first time, travel blogs can also give you tips for getting out of the airport with less stress.
2. Pack for the Season and the Region
China is such a large country, so the climate can vary dramatically depending on the region you are staying in. From May to November, the coastal areas of southern and eastern China are prone to severe weather conditions or even typhoons. The northeast is incredibly hot during summer, while winters can be freezing. Central regions may also experience extended periods of heavy rain, so packing an umbrella and wet weather gear is essential.
Being suitably dressed makes a huge difference to the success of your trip, so do your homework before setting off. Knowing how to dress for the seasons will make your trip much more pleasurable. If you’re looking for some new clothes, check out these JC Penney Coupons to save money on new clothes and luggage.
3. A Chinese to English, English to Chinese Translation Guide
As worldly as we would all like to think we are, most travellers will rely on a translation guide more than they care to admit. Mandarin is the most common dialect spoken in China, so learning a few key phrases will help you get by much more smoothly. You can also purchase a translator app for your phone, where you speak into the phone and it plays the translation. Just be mindful of roaming charges when using these apps.
Another idea is to have place cards with your hotel address listed on them in Chinese. In an emergency, these can be shown to passers-by as a way of asking directions, or to taxi drivers for navigation to your hotel.
Obviously there are additional items you will need to bring on a business trip to China, including a visa and a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. It’s also a good idea to exchange currency, as many small places do not accept cards. What are some essentials in your suitcase when you travel for work?
