Beijing Packing List Tips by Krystynn

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Winters in China can be very harsh. When we were there, it was even snowing in Beijing! So bring along some heavy duty woollen jackets if you're planning to go in winter.

Their summers can be hot and humid. You'd also notice lots of flies swarming towards you during this season. Not a good time to visit if you're not particularly excited about flies!


Photo Equipment: I usually bring along THREE types of cameras with me these days and load them with different types of films i.e. ASA200 film (for day) and the high speed Kodak 800 film for museums or places that do not allow flash photography. So, the cameras that I'd bring are: the Olympus mju Zoom (with wide-angle lens). I usually use this camera for day photography.

I also bring along my Pentax Zoom which I use for places that does not allow flash photography...AND my ultra-small Canon IXUS Zoom camera - smaller than the size of my palm. This camera requires a special type of film (APS) to be used.



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Miscellaneous: DON'T forget to bring along your much-treasured ATM card to withdraw cash. Yes, no need to rush to the money-changers to change all your currencies into Chinese Renminbi (or Yuan, as the locals there call it) before your trip. Once you adhere to the following steps closely, you should be fine:

- Flip to the back of your local ATM card now, do you see the logos 'Cirrus', 'Plus', 'The Exchange', 'Maestro' etc on it?

- If the answer is 'yes', then you have absolutely nothing to worry about!

- Why? Because you can withdraw cash from any ATM machines in China, no matter how obscure the town or village you're at is.

- If you use this method, you'd also save alot on the interbank exchange rates. Money changers will charge you much, MUCH more compared to a bank.

- DO NOT withdraw cash from your Visa/ Mastercard. This is considered a CASH ADVANCE and you'd be slapped with a very hefty fee! Not worth it. :-(

I've used this method many, many times before and so far, no ATM machines in this world have failed me.... Yes, even at the remotest village in China! :-)

So, happy travels!

'Every land has its own special rhythm, and unless the traveler takes the time to learn the rhythm, he or she will remain an outsider there always!' - Juliette de Baircli Levy (English Writer); b.1937

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