City Introduction
Travel Tips
for Those Adopting from China
Hi! Going to China to adopt a baby and haven't got a clue as to what to pack or what to do?
This is an attempt to formalize these hints and do a little long distance hand-holding. There, there. You can do it. Feel better now?
What's the weather going to be like?
Find the basic weather analysis before you go and find the weather forecast on the website.
Where will we be?
Find the basic city introduction about the city you are going to pick up your baby.
What does that say?
Find out some basic Chinese before you go.
What questions should we ask about our child?
Print out a list and make notes. You'll never remember all of them in the excitement.
Interacting with China and the Chinese
Be on your best manners all the time to everyone. Some of the officials may not speak English in front of you but that does not mean that they don't understand what you say.
Remember your sense of humor.
Educate yourself before you go. Read as much as you can about China on all topics -- history, geography, culture, language, economics, agriculture, music, literature, religion, day to day life. It will enrich your experience and understanding of the country tremendously. It is so easy for us to see something and interpret it from an American point of view, sometimes erroneously
Relax and enjoy. Let your guide guide you and sort out the paperwork, the bills, and the steps. You just relax and follow along like a little lamb. Save your energy for the baby. She's more fun.
Chinese public toilets: Brace yourself. Bring your own paper. Standard fee is about 3 jiao (about 2 cents). Some have Western plumbing of greater or lesser age. Some have stalls with a hole in the floor to squat over. Some have a gutter in the floor that you straddle and no stalls. Have fun.
Heating and air conditioning:
Traditionally, the Chinese do not heat their homes and offices south of the Yangtse River. North of the Yangtse, homes are sometimes heated with charcoal braziers.
In big cities modern offices, hotels have central heating and AC. Traditionally, babies are bundled more than they need, and since they get used to it, you should take it easy with your baby’s cloths when you receive her. And do not underdress your baby either.
Clothing Police: If you are receiving an infant or small toddler, you will meet them. They are the little old ladies who come up to you on the street, curious about your child. They will pull back the blanket and peer at her face. They will zip up zippers, rewrap scarves, pull up socks, pull down pants legs, and generally cluck and fuss about. Please do not fuss over those people, just smile and be grateful for their attention. And change it back the way you like after they leave.
Language tape pronunciation is for Beijing. Mandarin is popular in all over the country. Almost everybody under 50s can understand mandarin but may not speak well. Bring a phrase book and point. Everyone can read the characters, no matter what they speak. If you are adopting a toddler or older child, be sure to learn words like mommy, daddy, potty, eat, sleep, yes, no, etc.
Cash in China. Carry enough yuan and jiao, but remember you must convert it before you leave because you can't take it out of the country.
Sightseeing: DO walk around. You will find the people friendly and nice. The Chinese do not have the same sense of space that we have, and will sometimes literally be in your face. Get someone to write a note for you in Chinese that says that your baby is an orphan and you are adopting her so you can show the note to folks. We got nothing but handshakes and smiles and thumbs up from all that we met. It was great. In Guangzhou, be sure to check out the Qing Ping market, which is near the White Swan Hotel. Always take a card with the hotel's name and address on it in Chinese when you leave your hotel. You can get this at the front desk, or grab a piece of stationery.
Souvenirs: Practice this phrase -- BOO YOW! Say it firmly. It means "do not want" (Literally bu=negative yao=want) You will need to say it often at the tourist attractions. That said, if you see something you like, buy it because you will not see it again on your trip, you won't find it cheaper in the US, and you will not be able to go back again and get it later.
Gifts: The Chinese have a pleasant habit of giving small presents to visitors. It is nice to return the compliment to those who have helped you in the adoption process. In the past, people have given perfume, cosmetics, scarves, cassette music tapes, postcards, souvenirs of your own town or state, Bulls (Michael Jordan) stuff, stamps, chocolate, pens. Please don't give anything that was made in China. Check with your agency and recently returned parents for more suggestions. I kept a stash of stamps handy in my camera bag at all times.
Baby things
That sweet smiling face
Pacifiers and clips: Pacifiers are not very popular in China. It may be easily adopted by infants, but when babies up to 6 months may not take it at all.
Disposable bottle liners: 8 oz and 4 oz sizes, about 100 of each , which was more than enough. No need to worry about spoilage if you do this on a daily basis. Don't stockpile them days in advance. Keep formulas in cans as long as you can.
Nipples for the bottles: Six or 8 should be sufficient. Also bring something to enlarge the nipple holes, if necessary, embroidery scissors, etc.
Bottle holders: 3 of the 8 oz size and 2 of the 4 oz size, which gave a good turn around, with washing and boiling.
Burp cloths: Skip it. Use hand towels in the hotel. See also Bandannas.
Powdered formula: Buy powdered Isomil or other soy-based formula. Recommend taking 4 cans 14 oz to be safe. Check with your baby orphanage about your baby’s digest if she is ok with milk based formula if you can. It is very easy to buy milk-based formula in big supermarket in Beijing and Guangzhou. It will save you a lot of room on packing.
Do not repack your formula for space-saving sake. The tins don't take up that much space. They are hermetically sealed. You open them only as you need them. If you repack the formula, I guarantee that you will never achieve a totally sterile transfer from tin to bag. Some mold and fungi spores and bacteria will get in, as well as moisture, for a bag just can't be sealed as well as that tin was.
That cute little bottom
Disposable diapers:
Disposable diapers are readily available in China. Plan accordingly. Take some in case you receive your baby before you get a chance to shop. If you go to your baby’s town to receive your baby, disposable diapers in local supermarket may not recommended. Stork up brand name diaper in big city like Beijing or Guangzhou before and after you receive your little angel.
Baby wipes: Use refill packs in a ziploc so it will shrink in the luggage as you use them up. You can always buy some in Beijing and Guangzhou.
Diaper rash creme: Be SURE it has Zinc oxide in it!!!!! (But if the child has a nasty rash, try to let her air dry as much as possible.)
Diaper bag w/ changing pad: Get a large one that can be easily wiped out. You can always stick your camera bag in it if they count too much carry on luggage.
Baby bath soap: Can double as shampoo. Don't bathe your baby immediately. Give her a little time to adjust to you.
Cornstarch baby powder: For baby and mommy, especially if it is hot where you are going. Take one 4 oz. container.
Skin lotion or creme: such as Lubriderm, Eucerin. Some babies have very dry skin. Since it is very dry in north of china most of the year, mom may need to use it too.
Cheap vinyl picnic tablecloth: The changing pad in a diaper bag is not big enough to keep the baby's legs and arms and head from touching the surface of the counter you have laid her on. If you have to change in an airport lavatory, or your hotel room is a little funky, or you have a baby who wants to play on the floor, this will be most useful, and is cheap enough to jettison on the way home.
Bundling your little bundle
Blankets: One or two cotton.
Sleepers: Baby can kick off the blanket in a hotel room and then get chilled in a onesie. But also bring onesies for daytime. Drawstring kimonos are good too.
Extremities: Baby hats, socks, and soft shoes, even in the summer!
Other clothes: Little dresses, pant and shirt sets, etc, according to the local weather.
Medicines, etc.
Pedialyte: To replace baby's electrolytes in case she gets diarrhea. There is also a powdered version -- just add boiled water.
Digital baby thermometer, probe covers, and small travel tube of Vaseline: Be sure to take a baby book that tells you how to use a rectal thermometer.
Baby Tylenol drops: take several packages. Discuss dosages with your pediatrician before leaving.
Baby cold medicines: Discuss dosages with your pediatrician before leaving.
Snugli, sling, stroller???? Snugli may be recommended, since a lot of snuggles and cuddles would be good for both of you, unless you are adopting a toddler. Umbrella strollers may or may not be the ticket for the older child. Umbrella strollers are readily available in China. Don't bring one, buy one there after you get your child. Car seat is not required in china, it is all up to you.
Toys, rattles, cardboard books: Foot rattles are fun, but may startle a child who has been bundled. Toy key rings are great. There is also a toy key ring that has photo holders so you can put pictures of siblings, grandparents, the cat in them. Keep your eye peeled for Chinese toys too. Even if they are too advanced for your child now, she will appreciate them later.
For the older child
You can always bring pants and shirts on the large side. If too big, you can roll up the legs and sleeves. Bring one or two pairs of tennis shoes. If too big, a second pair of socks will work until you can buy the right size. Check before you go by calling the orphanage for more information.
Kids above 12 months will probably be taking solids. Bring some Cheerios. They will be able to eat a remarkable amount of things from your plate. Just mash with a fork if necessary. Don't introduce too many new foods to an infant who isn't very used to solids yet.
Toddlers may or may not be potty trained.Check before you go by calling the
orphanage for more information.
Bring some toys, books, picture flash cards, crayons and coloring books, a stuffed animal, things to take apart and put together again, little dinosaurs, etc. Try to avoid stuff that will fall on the floor and roll away under the airline seats. Don't spring the toys all at once. Keep some in reserve for those boring moments while traveling or waiting for the next thing to happen. Make a little photo album of your home, siblings, other family members, pets, your town, and talk about them.
Adult things
Clothes: The keywords are comfortable and casual. You may take 5 shirts, 2 pants, and 3 shorts for summer. Try to avoid taking heavy jeans in the summer -- too heavy to tote and too hot for the climate. Remember also that you will have plenty of opportunity to buy t-shirts and other clothes as you travel.
If you travel in the winter, you will be faced with having to pack both winter and warm weather clothes.
2nd pair of shoes, maybe: Two pairs of shoes can also be very useful during the rainy season, so one pair can dry.
Flip-flops: Trust me. These are mandatory. People spit outdoors a lot in China. You won't want to walk on the floor bare-footed.
Toilet paper: Most Chinese toilet paper is kind of rough feeling. Bring one ore two rolls if you like.
Paper or Styrofoam hot cups: In case you don't trust the rural hotel glasses. Highly recommended.
Powdered Gatorade: This is a must to replace mommy and daddy's electrolytes in case you get diarrhea. Just mix it in bottled water.
Small hot pot: For washing and boiling the nipples. This is a small 4 to 6 cup pot that can be used to heat water, soup, coffee, etc. Westbend makes one, and there are probably several other brands as well. They can be found in the small appliance department at stores like Kmart, Walmart, Venture, etc.
REMEMBER, the tap water in China is NOT DRINKABLE!! You may bathe in it but don't even boil it yourself for drinking. Keep your mouth and eyes shut in the shower.
Ziploc bags: all sizes, from sandwich to gallon. You may pack your spillable toiletries in the smaller ones, and seal your documents in the gallon size. Don't throw the empties out. Use them to dispose of soiled diapers.
Rubber bands/scotch tape: A multitude of uses.
Needle and thread
Small plastic trash bags: for disposing of soiled diapers. You might also want to pack your shoes in them when packing to travel within China, just to keep the rest of your stuff clean.
Antibacterial wet wipes for your hands: Or use the baby wipes instead.
Saline nasal spray/ eye drops: The air on a plane and north part of china is desert dry. Or you may take a small spray bottle so you can mist your face and breathe in the moisture. Can't hurt. Might help.
Bandannas: Bandannas have a multitude of uses ---- dribble wipes, sweat bands, bald spot protectors, baby shade, baby toy, replacement luggage handle, fashion statement, etc.
Good voltage converter: You will use this a lot for charging the
video camera batteries. You will be dealing with at least two different types
of plugs so be sure to get one with multiple plugs. Some plugs in the hotels
are loose and you will have to fiddle around to get things to connect or
charge. Bathroom plugs are special culprits, and sometimes don't work at all.
Also used for hot pot. (By the way, some hotels have a special plug in the
bathroom for razors. It works for razors, but may kill you hot pot or cell
phone).
Cold, diarrhea, and constipation medications:
Sanitary supplies:
Extra pair of glasses/contact lenses if you are blind.
Adequate supply of any prescription medications you need.
Sunscreen: Just take a tiny amount. You won't be outside that much.
Bug spray/creme: There are fewer bugs in the Chinese cities than in American cities. But if you are going out into the countryside, you will need it.
Travel alarm: Hotels may or may not have alarm clocks.
Small pocket size notebook: to write down phone numbers, credit card numbers, names and addresses, your passport numbers, your thoughts as you travel through China, etc. And a pen. You can haggle on prices by writing numbers and passing the notes back and forth to the vendor. The Chinese use the same Arabic numbers we do. (But be sure you are both talking either in dollars or yuan !)
Good travel book on China: Several good ones are available. This is another item your travel group can share.
Laundry -- theory and practice
You can have it done cheaply and well at the hotel in the local baby’s town, and expensively and well at Guangzhou. You usually have to have it in by a certain time in the morning in order to get it back the same day.
Luggage and Packing
Pack light. Pack tight. Leave no empty spaces. Use hard sided luggage with good locks. Luggage takes quite a beating on a trip like this. Cloth bags are more likely to split zippers, or get slashed.
Start your packing plan early. You'll be astonished how time disappears once you get your referral. Set aside a place at home to collect stuff for the trip -- shampoo and toothpaste samples, power converters, ziplocks, etc. Put your packing list there, and make a note every time you think of something.
Be sure you check with your airline well in advance for any luggage restrictions, and check again 2 weeks out from your trip in case regulations have changed.
Don't bring a purse! Bring fanny packs so you can keep your hands free for the baby. But don't put valuables in the fanny pack! Use it for extra film, Kleenex, etc. while keeping the valuables in your money pouch or hotel safe.
Be sure your luggage locks work. Bring extra luggage keys.
Since most luggage looks alike, we recommend you use some colored tape (like electrical tape) and put green and orange stripes the length of each piece. You will have no trouble spotting your luggage at all
Use sturdy luggage tags, and be sure to put your name and BUSINESS address both INSIDE and OUTSIDE your luggage, including the phone number of a contact at home
When you pack your luggage, try to do it on the first floor of your home, rather than wrestle a full suitcase down the stairs. This is no time to throw your back.
Should you pack each person's stuff in their own individual bags, or spread things out so that if one bag is lost, one person won't be left naked? This one is up to you.
DO NOT pack your documents. Put them in the carryon.
Eats
You haven't eaten Chinese food until you eat Chinese food in China! The food was cheap, excellent, and very fresh and convenience. But, try to avoid raw foods, even salad.
Wash fruit thoroughly before eat.
Prior to the trip, vegetarians need to inform their trans-Pacific airline of their dietary request. They need to reconfirm this one week before and one day before their flight. Also, inform the flight attendants as you board that you have requested vegetarian meals, so they can get them to you more easily, and so they don't accidentally give them away. This is not an issue for the in-China flights because they tend to be relatively short.
Vegetarians will have no problem in China. But need to be a little flexible while travel with groups.
If you are adopting an older infant or toddler, be sure to have kiddy snacks readily available in the hotel room for emergencies -- Cheerios (which you can safely repack), fruit rollups, granola bars, zwieback, rice cereal, oatmeal, etc. Jar baby food is too heavy to mess with.
On the other hand, there may be a minifridge in every hotel you stay in. Very handy for storing baby's bottle. Check the price list before you enjoy the refrigerator contents, and please remember that the little ice cubes in those tiny freezers might have been made from water you wouldn't want to drink at room temperature. Freezing does not kill all bacteria and viruses.
Will we have to eat with chopsticks in China?
If you stay in the big cities and in the larger international hotels, you will have forks & spoons for eating. However, if you end up traveling to a smaller city for the adoption, you may end up in a restaraunt where chopsticks are the only available eating implement. It might be a good idea to practice with chopsticks regularly at your local Chinese restaraunt before you travel. Or, you may pack up some plastic utensils before you go.
CHINESE TAP WATER IS NOT DRINKABLE!! REMEMBER THIS!! Hotel will supply you with a large thermos of hot boiled water and another of cool boiled water. You can get these replenished as needed by asking the attendant on the floor any time of the day. Additionally, bottled water is sold everywhere. It comes in plastic bottles of various sizes and is cheap. Carry a bottle or two with you in the diaper bag as you go about for your own drinking needs. Be sure you don't get overcharged for water at the tourist attractions. A 700 ml bottle should be about 3 yuan, not 10 yuan.
Cameras (video and still)
Never walk around ANYWHERE without a camera!
Lead lined film bags: Just in case, to protect your 35 mm film from all the xray machines you go through (about 8). Available at camera stores. Video tape is not harmed by xrays. It is harmed by magnets.
It is easy to buy batteries in china.
Ask if you have a doubt. You may even get the adoption proceedings on videotape, after asking.
No photography is allowed outside at the American Consulate in Guangzhou.
Money matters
Adoption Tax Credit: Coming soon - a link for more information. This is complicated and you will need the help of a tax professional.
Special Needs Tax Credit: If you are adopting a Special Needs child, you must apply for this early in the process. This is a federal thing administered by the states, so it varies from state to state.
Bring extra copies of your passports and all documents, credit card numbers, plus addresses and phone numbers of contacts at home, friends, relatives, your doctor, etc.
Credit cards: BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE USA, call all your credit card companies and see if they charge a CURRENCY CONVERSION FEE. American Express charges 1% just to convert from yuan to dollars. Others vary. Check it out. Hotels in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. But local hotel may not accept plastic at all.
Bring cash AND travelers checks. Reserve the cash for government fees. Use the travelers checks for other expenses.
How much money to bring? Well, it is all up to you. You're only going to be there getting your baby once!
Get belts with zippered money compartments and pouches you can wear under your clothes to carry cash and passports. Money belts and pouches can be purchased at places like Walmart, Venture, Penney's, or specialty travel or luggage stores.
You are more at risk of theft here than in China. The penalties for theft are so stiff over there that it is rare, though not unheard of. Extra attention is needed when you walking around Guangzhou shopping area. Ask your guide before you wander off.
Shopping: It will be easier to shop at the Friendship store and the tourist attractions before you get the baby. Take advantage of it. Prices are dirt cheap. Buy lots of books, especially at the tourists sites you will see. You can show them to your baby later. Some tourist videos are available. Be sure you buy the VHS format because Chinese vcr's use a different format.
Some people have purchased future birthday presents for their daughter while in China so that each year she will get another little something from her homeland -- jewelry, jade, cloisonne, porcelain, books, etc. I think this is a lovely idea.
Customs: Be aware of the US regulations before you leave. Keep a record of what you buy and keep your receipts. If you have nothing to declare, you might be waved through with no luggage inspection.
ET Phone Home: Get instructions from your phone company on how to call home. Or simply rent cell phone in china. There are a lot of on line service, you may get it on the time of your arrival.
Draw up a will before you leave. You know you should, so now's the time. Select a guardian for your daughter, just in case. You will be surprised at the peace of mind that doing this gave you.
Insurance
Worst Case Scenario Department:
You may buy a travelers insurance for about $80, which covered you for the worse case scenario during your trip. Packages vary. Talk to your travel agent if you're interested. They will not cover your baby.
Health Insurance for your baby: Check with your benefits department to find out their requirements for adding your child to your insurance coverage. Be sure you understand the rules. If there is any doubt on your part, ask them again.
Health Insurance for you: Check your health coverage for overseas travel before leaving.
Life and Disability Insurance: Now's the time to review this too.
Health and general maintenance
While you are getting the letter from your doctor, discuss immunizations. Many insurance plans will not cover immunizations for foreign travel.
Despite all the excitement and stress you will experience after you receive your referral, it requests you to take good care of your health during this time. The trip to China is demanding. You will be exposed to bacteria and viruses your immune system has not dealt with before. You will be jetlagged and sleep deprived, as well as happy beyond description. Get as much rest as you can, especially on the flight to China, and eat properly. Take vitamins. Take it easy.
The US government requires a medical exam for the baby in order to issue her exit visa. It is done at a clinic on Shamian Island in Guangzhou. It consists of the following: be sure she is not blind, be sure she is not deaf, listen to her heart, measure her length, weigh her, look in her mouth. That's it.
Make an appointment with your pediatrician so you can bring your baby in immediately after you return.
Certain medical tests are highly recommended for your child by the American Medical Association.
Get prepared at home before you go
Stock up on frozen dinners, carry out coupons, laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies, paper goods, cat litter, etc. Get a couple of extra laundry baskets. If your child is older, baby proof as much as possible beforehand.
Take a CPR class.
When you get home
Naturalization: You can order the form before you leave and start the process when you return.. Readoption: The most important reason to do this is to generate an American birth certificate. You also reconfirm that this your child. You can legally change her name at this time.
College: Start saving now.
Enjoy your new life as a family together!