U.S. Immigration focus U.S. Immigration Guide:
No1 Passport:
It generally takes one month to process a passport, depending on your local police station. Once obtained, remember to make 2 copies—keep one with you and leave one with a trusted contact at home in case your passport is lost. (Be sure to remember this tip!)
No2 Visa:
Visa officers are generally foreigners who speak both Chinese and English, but they will conduct the interview in English. If you are applying for a tourist visa and do not speak English, simply inform them that you do not speak the language. Once your visa is issued, make copies as a precaution.
Friendly Reminder: If you find the visa process cumbersome, you can seek assistance from our team, as we specialize in these services!
No3 Local SIM Card:
Available on Taobao for 180 RMB, offering 19 USD/month, though data is limited to 50MB. Since schools have WiFi, this is quite cost-effective. If purchased in the U.S., it costs about 32 USD/month, with discounts available for group plans.
We would like to remind you that purchasing this SIM card may not be the most cost-effective option. The official Worldway website offers more economical alternatives; click to read the original article for details.
No4 Power Adapter and Power Strip:
A power adapter is essential and can be purchased at supermarkets or online. If all your devices are from Apple, you may not need one, as Apple plugs work in the U.S. A power strip is useful for charging multiple devices, but it can be heavy, so consider whether you really need it. Hotel front desks often have adapters available upon request.
No5 Cash:
You should exchange currency at a bank in advance, but there are limits on the amount of cash you can carry, which cannot exceed 5000 USD. I suggest not carrying too much; for a trip, about 1000 USD is sufficient.
Credit cards are very convenient. Note that you cannot withdraw cash using domestic credit cards abroad; while possible, the fees are very high. If you urgently need cash, you can open a U.S. bank account upon arrival and have funds transferred from home, which is much more cost-effective.
There are many banks in the U.S., such as Chase, Citibank, etc., and China Merchants Bank in Chinatown. To save money on currency exchange, monitor exchange rates and exchange your money on a day with a favorable rate.
It is best not to carry too much cash while traveling in the U.S., as most supermarkets and shops accept credit cards. Carrying large amounts of cash is also less safe.
No6 Credit Card:
Many ask whether to use a VISA or Master card, or if UnionPay is accepted. All are generally accepted. One netizen used a China Construction Bank Dragon Card (MasterCard) for 4 months abroad without any issues, and it also saved on intermediate exchange fees.
No7 Medication:
This is extremely important. It is best to check your medication in your luggage, as carrying it through customs may cause issues. There was a report of a Chinese traveler from Zhejiang who, along with his 12-year-old daughter, brought 16 bottles of compound licorice tablets into the U.S. for a friend in Los Angeles and was banned from entering the U.S. for five years because the medication contained prohibited ingredients.
If you must carry medication, declare it to customs, and ensure the quantity is limited to what is needed for your trip. If selected for inspection, it is best to present a doctor's prescription in English.
Any traditional Chinese medicine containing animal ingredients, such as tiger bone wine, bear bile powder, bird's nest, or bezoar detox pills, is prohibited. U.S. Customs has clear regulations on prohibited items, which can be found on their website.
Bring cold medicine, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, and gastrointestinal medications. Seeing a doctor in the U.S. is inconvenient, and purchasing medication often requires a doctor's note.
No8 Snacks:
Some travelers bring instant noodles to save money or because they are concerned about not liking foreign food. While U.S. supermarkets sell instant noodles, they are not comparable to those from home.
You can bring some snacks, but be careful. Fruits, vegetables, plants, meat, livestock, poultry, and their by-products are generally prohibited. Canned meat products are allowed if officials can confirm they are cooked and commercially packaged. Other canned, pickled, or dried meat products, such as meat floss, cured meat, ham, or beef jerky, are strictly restricted. Strongly scented seasonings like Sichuan peppercorns are also prohibited. Dried tangerine peel is also a prohibited item.
No9 Feminine Hygiene Products:
It may be a bit awkward, but please remember to track your cycle and bring necessary sanitary pads. Many people in the U.S. prefer tampons, which some Chinese women may not be accustomed to. It is difficult to find the winged pads commonly used in China in U.S. supermarkets, so it is best to be well-prepared.
No10 Clothing:
It is recommended to bring fewer clothes, as items under 100 USD in New York are tax-free, and prices for quality brands are often half or less than those at home. So, feel free to shop in New York—it is a shopper's paradise. Plus, there are frequent sales during holidays.
No11 Toiletries:
Due to environmental awareness, hotels abroad do not provide disposable toothbrushes, though they are usually available for free upon request at the front desk. For peace of mind, it is recommended to bring your own travel kit. Also, bring some disposable towels; compressed towels are a must-have for my travels. You can purchase skincare products from quality brands directly in the U.S.