Staring at an empty suitcase, you're probably wondering what to bring to Asia?
Don't let packing become a source of stress. Most items can be purchased inexpensively once you arrive, and much of the stuff you're thinking of bringing from home was probably made in Asia anyway!
The key is to think whether local people need or use an item; if only tourists buy something, prices tend to be more expensive.
Here are some unique items that will make your trip to Asia more comfortable and enjoyable.
Read more about planning a trip to Asia.
Consider Bringing These Items With You
While there are exceptions, these items are best brought from home:
- Deodorant: The deodorants in Asia rarely contain antiperspirant; many are just sticky perfumes that you put under your arms. Western brands are expensive when you find them in Asia.
- Sunscreen: Locals rarely use it. Much of the sunscreen that you find will either be expired, will contain whitening cream, or will be expensive and ineffective. See these sun protection tips.
- Insect Repellent: Despite the prevalence of mosquitoes in tropical parts of Asia, the insect repellent rarely works effectively. Read more about how to avoid mosquitoes.
- Condoms: Condoms in Asia can sometimes be expired or unsafe because of improper storage in hot climates.
- Passport Photos: Some countries require one or two passport photos when you apply for a visa. Bringing your own official-sized photos will save the time, hassle, and money of having photos made on the spot. Any printing shop at home can duplicate a few sheets of passport photos for cheap.
- Small Padlock: If you intend to stay in hostels or budget hotels, bring along a padlock for securing your valuables in the lockers provided. Also, some budget rooms are locked via a padlock on the outside; bringing your own provides an extra layer of security.
- Tampons: Women should bring tampons from home, they are difficult to find outside of big cities in Asia.
- Small Compass: No need for anything fancy, just a small ball-style compass works wonders. Sometimes directions come in the form of "turn west at the end of the road."
- US Dollars: Although the dollar has taken a beating lately, it still works well as a source of emergency funds in much of the world. The dollar is actually the preferred currency in Cambodia and Laos. Read more about money in Asia.
- Vitamins: Your immune system is about to be pummeled by strange new bacterias; your jet lag and constant exposure to public transportation increases the risk that you will get sick.
- Drink Mixes: Drinking only bottled water gets boring, and many of the choices in minimarts are full of sugar. Consider bringing drink packs with electrolytes that you can add to your bottled water.
- Point-It Book: Useful in places such as rural China and India where English is nonexistent. See http://www.graf-editions.de/pointit/point_it_eng.html.
Toiletries in Asia
Although toothpaste, shampoo, and other toiletries are relatively cheap in Asia, you may not find familiar Western brands. Check lotions, creams, and deodorants for whitening agents before you buy them.
Medicines and First Aid
Navigating pharmacies in Asia can be tricky; better to bring a few essentials such as aspirin and motion sickness pills with you. If carrying a lot of pills on an extended trip, bring along copies of your prescription. Prescription medication can be purchased directly over the counter in Asia. Read this recommended first aid packing list.
Items to Carry at All Times
- Toilet Paper: Many countries in Asia do not use it. Always keep some handy for encounters with squat toilets. After using it, never flush the paper; the sewer systems in many countries cannot process it. Instead, put the toilet paper into the bin beside of the toilet.
- Hand Sanitizer: Those same public toilets that do not have toilet paper also will not have soap for washing your hands afterward.
- Small Camera: The most random things can be seen when wandering the streets of big cities in Asia -- be prepared!
Stuff to Leave at Home
These items generally turn out to be more of a hindrance than useful:
- Mobile Phone: A majority of US mobile phones will not work in Asia. Unless your phone is GSM-compatible and ready for foreign SIM cards, leave it at home! Read more about other ways to call home from abroad.
- Voltage Converter: Most electronic chargers can operate between 120 and 240 volts; look on the power adapter for the operating range. Unless you carry devices that specifically only work on the US standard of 120 volts, you do not need to bring a heavy power converter. Read more about the voltage in Asia.
