Things to pack while coming to the U.S.
Getting ready for the U.S. Departure — Part 3
Packing
There are a lot of packing lists available online for travelers. Here, I’m including a few essentials only and some basic tips.
· Caution while packing
First of all, make sure that whatever you are bringing with you, is allowed by your airline. Each airline may have its own policy, and you need to be aware of those restrictions. There are further guidelines on things not allowed in hand-carry, like batteries and fluids that are only allowed in luggage bags.
In general, your documents and portable electronics like the laptop, iPad, and phone should be with you in your backpack or hand-carry, and you should only have small travel-size toiletries and perfumes with you. The rest will go to your main luggage.
If you are bringing packed food, spices, and utility items, those should be in the original packing, clearly labeled by the company with an expiry date, otherwise, it might not be allowed on an airplane (depending on their policy).
· Electronics
Avoid taking additional electronics other than your mobile phone and personal laptop with you. The operating voltage in the U.S. is lower which can damage your electronics that may not be designed for the low voltages.
Make sure you purchase the universal converter for mobile and laptop chargers that is compatible with the plugs in the U.S.
Regarding electronics in the U.S., you will have a variety of options to purchase a new phone, tablet, watch, or laptop. Refer to our shopping blog for details.
· Medical items and prescriptions
Don’t forget to bring your important medicines and all the prescriptions with you. I would recommend bringing extra painkillers, and emergency medicines for the flight. In the U.S, you cannot get any medicine without a prescription especially anti-biotics that are not available over the counter. Purchase some anti-biotics for yourself just in case you needed them.
Eye care and dental are not included in your health insurance and are very expensive. Hence, keep an extra pair of your eyeglasses and contact lenses, and don’t forget your eye medicines. Tear gels, eye lubricants, and allergy medicines are recommended to keep for the flight since the humidity level is too low and you may get an allergy.
You can also keep cough drops, stomach medicines like Flygel, Vapo-rub, or a pain-relieving gel, and at least one painkiller like Panadol for flight. You will get almost all over-the-counter medicines in the U.S, but my favorite items that are hard to find here are Qarshi and Hamdard Herbal products (Joshanda, Gastofill), Ispaghol, liquid antiseptic (Dettol), and some sanitary products.
For a more comprehensive health and safety list, refer to the CDC website
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/pakistan/traveler/packing-list
· Desi stuff and spices
Keep in mind that you can find almost everything in the U.S. but it would be a little expensive. Usually, there are Indian and Pakistani stores where you can buy spices, desi food, and kitchen items. Students often bring Tawa, Rolling Pin (Baylan), tea strainers, pans, etc from Pakistan, when traveling for the first time. An online site khanapakana.com is available where you can order these things online.
I would recommend bringing a few spices and basic kitchen stuff like tea, cardamom, and dish washing supplies, etc. You may also bring some utensils to use for initial days like plates, spoons, cups, glass, frying, and saucepan, etc. All this stuff can be bought from Walmart and Family Dollar once you arrive.
· Household essentials
Pack your toiletries, cosmetics, cotton buds, nail cutter, shaving kit, comb, hairbrush, towel, bed sheet, socks, and travel pillow, etc.
Bring formal and casual shirts, formal suits, some cultural stuff and a few traditional dresses which are difficult to find here. Other than that don’t pack too many clothes, sweaters or jackets as you will find them here at good rates in better quality. The same goes for joggers and sneakers, just bring a comfortable pair of shoes and flip-flops. Everything else is available here in good quality.
I would highly recommend bringing signature items and gifts for your advisor and cultural items for you. Things like Ajrak, Pink salt products, clay pottery, wooden models of landmarks, and northern shawls and bags cannot be bought from here. Students also love bringing sweets and Sohan halwa.
Please also refer to this image to pack your essentials.
