Expat Start-Up Kit

Hello friends and family!

We had been in China for about a week when we started this posting. Speed up to now 9 months in China. Finally, we are getting around to posting this.

Looking back on our time here so far and what we have utilized, wished for, and finally broke down and purchased, here are some things we wish were suggested and/or provided to help make the transition smooth.

So below you find a little Expat Start-Up Kit blog post.

1) Electric Kettle - This was one of the first things we purchased. With us being unable to consume China's tap water, we boil a kettle each morning. This is used to fill our water bottles, make instant noodles, and for morning coffee. We are finding this to be a must have.

2) Bus Pass - We walked everywhere for the first 3 months. We enjoy walking so it  has not really been an issue. However, the pavement is terrible when it rains, and this summer's heat was unbearable. Most bus trip are 1 Yuan each way (when paying with cash) or O.60 Yuan with a card.
We suggest taking a Chinese speaking friend to help translate as there is a form to fill out to get a bus card.

2a) After 9 months in China, we wish we had invested in an Ebike or bicycle. The busses are great transportation, and taxis/DD are regularly available, but we do miss the freedom that a car provides. Wouldn't you want to see the less traveled areas and roads in your city?

3) Maps - This is specifically a map for the locations in our area that we are likely to visit and their surroundings.
We heard that they exist, but after 9 months in China, still haven't found one. But, we recommend you do!

3a) Map App - If you have a bike, this is really a needed item. We had downloaded one, but it was in Chinese and because our phones are from the States, you needed a VPN. Therefore, it wasn't useful.

4) Mattress Pad - It is an understatement to say the beds are hard. In reality, it seems the Chinese actually just sleep on the box spring. And we were lucky enough to have a co-teacher give us a spare pad. This has made a remarkable difference. By no means is it like our bed in the States, though. To be honest, we usually sleep on our wonderful sectional couch.

5) Pillow - the simple luxuries are certainly missed. Thankfully, pillows can be found at Metro, Walmart, or even Auchan.

6) Translator App - Pleco and Google Translate have been awesome. Can't read a sign, no problem, take a picture and Google Translate will help! Remember, it will most likely be a rough translation.

7) Wechat - This is a necessity in China. Download it before you come. Connect with groups in the area where you will live. You can even connect with us!
It's like what'sapp and Facebook combined, plus it has the wallet feature. We enjoy using it.

8) Cooking appliances - We eat out regularly as the food is really cheap in China. The breads, bings,  meat sticks, dumplings are all amazing. We miss a home cooked meal at times. This is when having a slow cooker or George Foreman grill would be of value. We have friends who even went on to purchase deep fryers. Metro or Taobao/Baopals all sell these appliances.  You can even get electric mixers or (what we call) toaster ovens. Real ovens like what we have in the States don't seem to exist. You won't be making a stuffed turkey for Thanksgiving in your house here in China.

9) Shoes - This one can be extended to really any clothing items. Western sizes do not exist in Changzhou.  Sure, there's H&M but, it is still different here. Shorts are super short, sizes seem to be smaller, and the style variety may not be what you are use to or looking for. Matt wears a size 48 in China, and it's almost impossible  to find comfortable walking shoes. We've been to the Nike and Adidas stores, and the largest Men's size is around a 46. Maybe we should cut off his toes?

10) VPN - Mainland China blocks a lot of apps and webpages. We recommend downloading a free VPN at minimum before coming. We use both free ones and paid for VPN providers. China really cracks down on the use of Netflix. We even have Amazon Prime and find it hard to watch their movies. "GeoIP Restrictions". (sigh).

11) Apps - In China, there are some awesome apps. Food delivery and DD (Uber). There's Taobao and Baopals. We recommend learning which ones work in your city and province and use them. They make living here so much easier!

12) Bring an open mind and your sense of adventure.  Your time in China can be amazing, but realize it is not your home country. The pace is slower.  The language isn't easy to learn. You will be a minority. Expect to be stared at or even ignored.  Or the complete opposite, and treated like a celebrity where people photograph you will you are simply standing at a bus stop. The pollution and smog is exactly how other bloggers have said it is. The noise and frogger game is true. The hocking and spitting is something you just need to accept. I try to laugh it off and think of Stella having hairballs. Gotta learn to roll with the punches.

#lifeisshort #youonlyliveone #justdoit