1. Whenever you travel abroad, it's a good idea to register with the U.S. Embassy in the country you'll be visiting. This is particularly important during wartime or any other time when Americans might be at increased risk. For China, you may register online by clicking this link: REGISTER NOW!
   
   
2. Call credit card companies to let them know you will be in China.
   
   
3. Pay your bills!
   
   
4. Have all of your affairs in order: insurance documents, power of attorney, currant will, and guardianship arrangements. Organize all of your adoption paperwork needed in China.
   
   
5. Don't forget your cash, airline tickets, and passports!
   
   
6. Make sure you pack your camera and film in your carry-on bag. Checked luggage is put through a much stronger source of xray equipment that may fog your film.
   
   
7. Get traveller's checks at your bank.
   
   
8. Call and have a hold put on your mail and/or newspapers.
   
   
9. Turn your water heater down to lowest setting.
   
   
10. Leave a house key, a complete itinerary, and copies of ALL your most important documents and identification cards with a family member or neighbor.
    
    
11. Take an extra set of passport pictures with you.
    
    
12. Take enough prescription meds to get you through the trip and then some.
    
    
13. Unplug electronic items in your house and set timers for lights to avoid burglaries.
    
    
14. Check your health insurance and your homeowner's insurance to make sure you are covered in case of lost or stolen items while on your trip.
    
    
15. A passport allows the beholder to travel in foreign countries. All US Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date you return home from China. A visa is an approval made on a passport denoting that the bearer has requested permission to enter a specific foreign country for a determined amount of time. You can no longer apply for a Chinese visa on your own. You must have a sponsor. Ask your agency for recommendations.
    
    
16. Get vaccinations from your local health department. They are not required but are recommended. Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, Flu Shot. Check the Center for Disease Control online.
    
    
17. Make sure you have an antibiotic for the adults and for the children just in case. Cipro is excellent if you get a stomach bug over there. Don't take immodium as it will keep the critter inside you prolonging your illness. Zithromax is a good general antibiotic and can be ordered by your pediatrician in powdered form. The pharmacist and/or pediatrician will give you instructions for mixing.
    
    
18. NOTE: Ask your doctor and your child(ren)'s pediatrician before taking any of the medicinal/health advice listed on this site.