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The Ultimate Packing List for China as a TEFL Teacher

Writer's picture: William DaviesWilliam Davies

Packing for vacation or backpacking holiday isn’t the same as packing for teaching abroad. You'll need to be much more thorough with your packing list for China, whether that means planning for diverse climates, bringing professional clothing, or downloading useful apps for China, and so on.


Here’s the guide to your teaching abroad packing list for China! 


Things to Consider for your Packing List for China 

One of the main differences is that you’ll be spending a considerable amount of time in China, whether it be a semester, academic year, or even longer. Because of this, you’ll have to anticipate a range of things. 


  • Varied climate: Although your breathable teaching shirt will provide you comfort in August and September, you may want to reconsider in the depths of winter. As a teacher in China, you’ll experience a variety of conditions throughout the seasons. 

  • Location: It’s also important to factor in where you’ll be teaching in China. While Shanghai and Beijing have similar summers, winter will be significantly colder in Beijing. It’s important to research the climate of where you’ll be teaching.

  • Lifestyle: Consider how China’s local laws and customs will affect not only your wardrobe but your home. You may need to download a VPN to access your favourite apps and websites, such as Facebook, or, you may need to forego items which aren’t legal in China. 

  • School type: Depending on your unique school and their policies, you may need to change up your packing list. If you’re teaching somewhere with a strict uniform policy, you should plan to bring smart teaching attire. Or, if you’re working at a kindergarten or primary school, consider bringing age-appropriate memorabilia.


What to Bring to China

Now that you know some of the things that you’ll need to consider, here are the most important things to bring to China. 

A suitcase and items for traveling purposes

Essential Documents and Paperwork

Before you consider even making a packing list for China, it’s important to ensure that you can at least enter the country. While these may be obvious, the most important items on your checklist includes: 


  • Passport: Ensure that your passport has enough empty pages and also has at least 6 months validity from your arrival. 

  • Z-visa: To work legally in China, you’ll need a Z-visa. This should come in the form of a stamp in your passport. 

  • Teaching documents: Your legalised and original degree certificate, and TEFL certificate will be needed throughout your time in China for bureaucratic purposes. Bringing a copy of your contract can help reinforce the validity of your stay and help you provide additional information should you run into any issues. 

  • Health certificates and vaccinations: Your employer may request for you to complete a health check in your home country before entering China. Be sure to bring your medical records, health certificates, vaccination logs, and so on. 


Clothing for Teaching and Life in China 

You can get whatever you need in China, so there’s no need to fret squeezing everything from your packing list for China into your suitcase. While each school is unique and will have different requirements, you’ll generally need to follow these rules when it comes to teaching English in China. 


  • Professional teaching attire: You’ll need to carry and present yourself professionally as a teacher in China. Although school uniform and policies may differ, you should consider wearing a formal shirt, smart trousers/skirt, and covering any tattoos or piercings that you may have. It’s best to start out too formal, and to relax as you understand the school’s etiquette more. 

  • Seasonal clothing: You’re not on a two-week guided tour in China, you’re living and working in China! Because of this, you’ll experience all sorts of climate, from chilling winters, sweltering summers, monsoons, and more.

  • Additional clothing for taller people!: The average height and foot size in China is lower than in Western countries. For the most part, you’ll be able to find clothing in China, but if you’re significantly tall even for your home country, consider bringing an extra pair of shoes and clothing just in case! 

  • Respectful clothing: Outside of teaching, you’ll want to relax and unwind. It’s important that you also consider that dress respectfully, especially if you are visiting religious or culturally significant sites. Consider wearing clothes which aren’t too revealing.


Electronics and Tech Essentials

You’ll need to prepare for different plug sockets, essential apps, and tech items which can aid you in the classroom. China uses socket types A, C and I. Be sure to buy an adapter beforehand so you can charge your essential items as soon as you land. 


Surprisingly, many first-time teachers ask if it’s necessary to bring a laptop to teach abroad. Remember - it’s not a backpacking holiday. Teaching English abroad means that you’ll need to plan and present lessons to the classroom.



The Best Apps to Download for China

Due to the “great firewall of China”, you’ll need to consider downloading these essential apps before or while you’re teaching there. 


  • WeChat: WeChat - a social media and payment app - is the jack of all trades and will make your life much easier when living in China. Here, you’ll be able to converse with friends, colleagues, transfer payments, share photos, and so on. 

  • AliPay: AliPay is a digital payment app which makes online transactions much easier. Use your e-wallet to book taxis, top up your SIM card, and much more. 

  • BaiduMaps: With Google Maps off the table, consider downloading BaiduMaps, which can help you navigate Chinese cities and find information about transportation links. 

  • DiDi: Much like Uber, DiDi will help you schedule trips with licensed taxi drivers. 

  • VPN: Many popular western apps - notably Facebook - are banned in China. If you want to watch your favourite TV shows or catch up with family and friends, download a VPN - such as LetsVPN - before you enter the country to stay connected while you’re teaching in China. 

  • Language learning apps: While you’ll benefit from formal language lessons in China, it’s also easy and convenient to download a language app. Using Duolingo can be a quick and convenient way to practice your language skills while in transit, at home, and so on while in China.


Teaching Materials and Resources

Teachers in China are often provided with a curriculum to follow and materials to use. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to put in the extra effort to spice up the classroom. 


Aside from basic stationery items such as notebooks and pens, there are many things that you can bring to personalize the lesson and improve engagement lessons in the classroom. 

Depending on the age group of your students, you can use many different items, such as stamps, stickers, sweets, and so on to incentivize learning and positive behaviour. 


After you’ve spent time in the classroom, you’ll form a great rapport with your students. You’ll understand their interests which can help you personalize the classroom. On special occasions, consider bringing gifts or a token from your home country to share with students and colleagues, whether it’s your home country’s flag, a signature snack from home, photographs, or something else. 


Health and Personal Care 

When it comes to your packing list for China, the most important thing you’ll need to consider is how you can maintain your health. 


If you're taking medication, bring a prescription and a doctor’s note to help you find the necessary medication abroad. It’s also important to understand whether or not the medication is available in China. If not, find out whether there is an alternative available in China. While you should also consider stocking up, don’t do so excessively, otherwise it may raise attention at airport security.


Again, always travel with a prescription and doctor’s note!  You can show these documents or medication to doctors and pharmacies in China to help you continue your medication without experiencing discomfort or withdrawal. 


Furthermore, consider your personal hygiene and care. If you’re someone who places great emphasis on their skincare or hair health, consider bringing a reserve of products from home to buy yourself time before finding suitable replacements in-country. Skin whitening chemicals are pervasive even in basic skincare and body wash products, so bring a familiar brand with you while you look for alternatives. 


Create the Ultimate Packing List for China! 

The wing of a plane and a cloudy skyline

Ultimately, you need your phone, wallet, and passport. By simplifying your packing list for China down to these essential items, and understanding that you have access to most things in-country can help you feel less stressed and more prepared without compromising your suitcase and baggage allowance.


Read more about teaching English in China:


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