Luggage for China: complete checklist, power bank, and what cannot go in cargo
What to put in carry-on, what goes in cargo, and the mistakes that cause customs problems in China — including the power bank CCC certification rule.
Main rule
Organize baggage in two layers: documents, medications, and critical items always stay in carry-on. Power bank must have CCC certification — without it, it is held at Chinese airport X-ray.
Baggage manifest
Carry-on bag
Never put these items in the cargo hold
- ★
Passport + visa
Original always with you
- ★
Main international card
Plus backup card in separate pocket
- ★
Phone + charger
With Type A/I power adapter
- ★
Power bank (with CCC)
Prohibited in cargo hold — see rule below
- ★
Continuous medications
With translated medical prescription
- ★
Hotel address in Chinese
Printed + saved offline on phone
- ★
Booking confirmation + return ticket
Printed and digital offline
- ○
One change of clothes
Emergency in case of checked bag loss
Checked bag
Can go in cargo hold — but be careful
Clothes and toiletries
Distribute between bags in family
ID tag
Name in English + phone + email
Extra cables and adapters
Backups for non-essential electronics
Gifts and non-essentials
Everything you can afford to lose for 24-48h
💡 Photo tip
Take a clear photo of your bag before checking it — makes it easier to search if lost.
Power bank: CCC certification mandatory
WITH CCC certification
Allowed in carry-on ✓
WITHOUT CCC certification
Retained at airport security ✗
In cargo (any)
Prohibited by aviation rules ✗
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Packing priority at a glance
Critical — carry-on
- Passport + visa
- Cards (Nomad/Wise)
- Phone + charger
- Medications (continuous)
Important — carry-on
- Power bank (CCC cert)
- Hotel address in Chinese
- Return ticket offline
- One change of clothes
Standard — checked bag
- Clothes + toiletries
- Extra cables / adapters
- Gifts and souvenirs
- Bag ID tag (name + phone)
Low priority — checked bag
- Entertainment
- Non-essential electronics
- Things you can replace
- Extras and nice-to-haves
Power banks go in carry-on only (with CCC certification). They are prohibited in the cargo hold by aviation safety rules regardless of certification.
Carry-on: what can never be missing
Your carry-on is your safety net. If your checked bag is delayed, lost, or damaged — which can take 24 to 48 hours — you need everything vital with you during the flight and in the immigration queue.
This is not an exaggeration: passport, medications, and critical documents never go in checked baggage. Anyone with these items in hand gets through any emergency.
- Original passport + visa (if applicable).
- Primary international card + backup card in separate pocket.
- Phone + charger + Chinese outlet adapter (type A/I).
- Power bank WITH CCC certification (prohibited in cargo).
- Continuous medications + medical prescription translated.
- Hotel address in Chinese characters printed + on phone.
- Booking proof, return ticket, and insurance.
- Change of clothes for baggage emergency.
Power bank: the rule many people do not know
The power bank must have CCC (China Compulsory Certification). Without it, it is held by authorities at Chinese airport X-ray. Additionally, power banks are prohibited in checked baggage by international aviation regulations.
Check if your power bank has the CCC symbol printed on the packaging or device before boarding.
- Power bank WITH CCC certification: allowed in carry-on.
- Power bank WITHOUT CCC certification: held at Chinese airport X-ray.
- Power bank in checked baggage: prohibited by international aviation rules.
- Unsure about certification: buy a new one with guaranteed CCC.
Checked baggage and family travel
Checked baggage carries the rest. Place an ID tag with your name in English, phone number, and email, and take a photo of your bag before checking — makes it easier to find if lost.
On family trips, distribute essential items across different family members' carry-ons. If one bag is lost, no one is left without resources.
- ID tag with name in English + phone number.
- Photo of bag exterior saved on phone.
- Medications distributed across at least 2 people's carry-ons.
- Clothing for each person distributed across different bags.
✓Action checklist
Frequently asked questions
1How do I check if my power bank has CCC certification?
Look for the CCC symbol printed on the packaging or device — it is a circular mark with the letter C twice. Without the visible symbol, do not risk it: the device will be held at X-ray.
2Can I put my passport in checked baggage?
Never. Your passport and critical documents always stay in carry-on. Checked bags can be lost or delayed 24 to 48 hours.
3What outlet adapter do I need for China?
The most common standards in China are type A (two flat pins) and type I (three pins in V). Bring a universal adapter or one specific to these standards.
Official sources
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