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What should I carry to US ? List of things to pack? Costly? USA baggage packing items
by Kumar
I still remember those days when I traveled to US for the first time, where I packed at lot of stuff (three full bags 33 kgs each) that is not necessary to carry. Due to wrong information and wrong guidance I carried way too stuff much than that is not necessary. Typical mentality of most of us is, when we come to US for the first time we try to multiply with our local currency and come up with a number and blindly consider “Oh god everything is expensive in US”. Let’s face it, compare the average salary in US with the average salary in India. The prices are relative. You have to carry only those kind of things that are not available in US or stuff that is very expensive. This article discuses some of the very common things that are advised to be carried to US and what not to carry. I am writing this article on List of things to pack to USA based on my practical experience as Student and working professional.
In reality, as a student you live with anywhere from two to four people or more, unless you are living in student dorms. If you are living in student dorms, you do not need any kitchen related stuff. Personal care items and clothes are key.
Items to carry from Home Country (India)
| Health Care | |
| Items to Carry to US | Reason to buy in India |
| Get the over the counter general cough, fever medication like crocin, Benadryl, meatin, etc that you normally use. Be careful and look for expiration date, buy the recent ones with most expiration date. You may get as much as you want. Recommended 4 strips each | Our physical body is used to generally used to the general medication we have in US. It is a good idea to have our regular medication unitl we adjust to this weather. |
| Eye glasses – at least 2 pairs
Contact lens – based on how often you have to change them. If disposable advised to check online at Wal-Mart vision center http://www.1800contacts.com/. |
Eye glasses are super expensive in USA; average good pair price is around $150 – 200. Similar case with contact lens, but some disposable lens are cheaper in US. |
| Medicines along with prescription for pre existing medical conditions like Asthma, migraine, diabetes, etc. You may be asked for prescription at the immigration check point if it is not over the counter. There is no limit for the amount of medicine you can carry. Check TSA website for medical conditions carry on list. | It is not a good idea to change your existing medication as it is pre existing condition. You may get new prescription after review with doctor. |
| Personal Care and Toiletries | |
| Items to Carry to US | Reason to buy in India |
| If you have any skin condition, then only get any soap. Otherwise NO. | You may not get the medical condition soaps you are prescribed in US |
| May be any Indian specific fairness creams, cologne that you are used to and not available globally. Gillette, Old spice, Axe, Tag are global brands. No need to carry these brands. | You may not get fairness creams in small towns. If in big cities, you may get these items in Indian grocery store. |
| Clothing & other personal usage items | |
| Items to Carry to US | Reason to buy in India |
| Undergarments. Get at least 15 pairs. Both tops and bottoms ! You may buy these in US eventually, but it would be hard for the first time until someone takes you to the store. | You do laundry once 15 days and there is no concept of washing it hanging it every day. You get in shower naked and wash your undergarments with laundry once in 15 days. |
| Wallet, Belts | These are a bit expensive here. But, if you want good brands, just get what you have. |
| Just one pair of Sneakers, slippers and one pair of Formal shoes | You get better models in US and cheaper too. Only for the first few months. |
| Just couple of pairs of Jeans and T-shirts, one formal dress( you won’t even use this, just backup)
Couple of pajamas and shorts |
ONLY couple pairs and these are only for first few weeks. Clothes are cheaper in US if you buy at the right time in SALE. You have to wear the US brands in US to look cool and trendy! |
| Couple towels | Just for first two weeks. You get better ones here! |
| One leather or other good material Jacket, sweater and a Suit (maybe) | This is for first week or day. You should buy snow jackets and other woolen items in US. Indian jackets do not keep you warm for cold weather in US. |
| Kitchen Items | |
| Items to Carry to US | Reason to buy in India |
| Pressure cooker with extra gas cuts and whistle. | You do not get our style pressure cookers here. The ones available in store are not good. |
| ONLY Home made Sambar powder, Rasam powder and Garam masalas. Not too much. Just few packs. | ONLY HOME MADE Please. You get ready made powders by MTR, Badshah, etc brands in US, do not need to carry. You may carry some if you are going to a very remote location in US where there are less Indians. |
That’s all you need to carry. You do not need to bring anything. You can buy rest of the items here for cheaper price and better quality too. I will just put some list that you should not bring with reasons.
List of items NOT to carry from India
| Health Care | |
| Items NOT to Carry to US | Reason |
| Any medication that does not have a prescription on your name should not be bought here unless they are sold over the counter. | It is not advisable at port of entry to carry any medication or drugs that do not have your prescription and you may be in trouble. |
| Personal Care and Toiletries | |
| Items NOT to Carry to US | Reason to buy in USA |
| Soaps, Shampoo, Moisturizers, Conditioners, Deodorants, after shave lotion, ear buds, nail cutter, mirrors, comb, perfume or cologne, shaving creams, Razors, etc | All these are very cheap in US and you are better off buying here.
Make sure, you get all your current personal care kit to use for the first week. DO NOT BUY anything new, just get what you have. |
| Clothing & other personal usage items | |
| Items NOT to Carry to US | Reason to buy in USA |
| NO woolen clothing like thermals, winter jackets, fleece, etc | It is good to buy in US, you get good quality. The stuff you buy in India will not stand the cold weather. |
| NOT more than 2 pairs as stated above about jeans, etc | Jeans, corduroy, t-shirts, shorts are very common and regular wear. You will get good deals here in US. Also, I believe you should wear local brand to be trendy ! |
| Kitchen Items | |
| Items NOT to Carry to US | Reason to buy in USA |
| Electric rice cookers or any electric related appliances | Different power specifications. Will not work |
| Non stick pans, spoons, plates, dishes, tava, knives, any kind of kitchen utensils..DO NOT BUY in India | These all are very cheap here and you get good quality. In reality, when three friends of you sign a lease and start to live in apartment, you all will share the expenses. So, it is good deal. |
| Masala powders, rice, oil, or any kind of dals. Unless you are going to a very remote place and there are no Indian or international grocery shops around. | Everything is available in US! Do not buy these items. They might look high price, please do not start multiplying everything with 50 ! |
Overall as someone said, “when in Rome, be a Roman”. Similarly, ‘when in America , be like an American’. Do make sure when you are packing for USA not to bring way too much stuff that is not needed. It is advisable to buy clothes and other stuff here to get along well with the fashion and trend in US.
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{ 75 comments… read them below or add one }
very nice info…you can also check http://packforus.webs.com/ for indians coming to US ….
Hi this article is very good. I am flying Troy Michigan. I am carring first aid medicine like dettol, bandage, hadiplast , along with paracitamol, podinhara and cetrazin without presciption. I want to carry hemeopathy medicine without prescription i regular used to. I want to carry some deo,tootpaste,sampoo for use.
Can you tell me is this ok to carry.
I loved ur article ,really helps.
M going with my hubby to US…wht i must carry there …..utensils if then what should i take plz let me know…and even any other things i should carry m travelling to USA-florida tempa for two years .
From my experience, lot of stuff is available in US these days, but then that also depends a lot on the location. In a place like Bay Area almost all Indian stuff is available, but I am not sure about Tempa.
What you can do is go to Google maps and search for Indian stores in Tampa. If you see good enough number of Indian stores then that should give you confidence that things will be easily available there, and you can use your luggage for other things.
Thanks a lot for the information ,if possible please add baggage information like how much we can carry to USA.
Regards
Chandrashekar
You can get the latest baggage information on airlines’ websites. Last I checked, they allow 23kgs per bag (max 2 bags) when travelling to Americas in Economy class.
m going with my hubby to US…wht i must carry there …..utensils if then what should i take plz let me know…
Where exactly will be going in US? There are certain areas (SF Bay Area, New York/New Jersey) which have enough Indian stores that you don’t need to carry lot of utensils from India.
@minakshi
Now we get almost every Indian Utensils in USA, was surprised to see “puttu maker, paniyaram pan, safety valve, rubber ring in some of the Indian Online Stores. So you may do some research on the web & shall plan it accordingly.
thanks a lot man… your information was really very helpful…
This is such an awesome list. And for a person like me who is travelling for the first time to US this is extremely helpful. Thanks a ton Kumar!!!
Hi,
Tx much for creating such an informative zone. I’ll be travelling to US (MN) somewhere in Sep last week. Pls advise the weather as my 4 months daughter will also come along and what sort of wollens to carry.
Shweta, winters in MN will rip you apart, or may be freeze you out.
I am in MN and have never seen the winters here, but I have been warned ample number of times. All my friends with whom I have discussed about the winter clothing have said Indian woolens are useless in US (especially in MN).
I found a very very nice winter jacket on sale for about 40 bucks the other day but did not buy as I am waiting for the stores to put stuff on display. I think the most amount anyone I know has paid to buy winter clothing is 100$, that too in Chicago. 100 bucks is near about 4500 Rs, for which you get nothing worthwhile in India. Woolens are cheaper and you will find more protection in the clothes brought here. You are coming in the last week, Snow typically starts in 1st week of October so you may want to bring ‘something’ (may be long johns for yourself) but be prepared to buy more. Which part of MN are you up for ? At least Minneapolis has skywalks and if you dont smoke, you pretty much have a lot of mobility in this city.
Cheers,
HB
Hi,
First of all thanks for this informative blog, i want to ask one thing can i carry ghee(clarified butter) and pickles to US and if yes what is the best way to pack them?
Regards
Manu
Why do you want to cary Ghee? when you can make it over here. The butter here is really good. You don’t have to get ghee from India. Also you are taking a risk with clothes in youe baggage. If you still need to get it get the Amul Ghee that is in a tin.
Amul (Cow) ghee tin in Minneapolis cost you 14 bucks. Thats all.
The shit britannia sells is 10 bucks, but please dont buy that. I have wasted money and time eating britannia ghee
Hi saurabh,
I will be travelling with my one year old kid,Can I take emergency medications for him which I use here commonly for cold,fever, loose motion etc…. Will they allow these set medications at the PoE?
PoE is fine. However you should check w/ airlines and transit airports. Lot of airlines do allow emergency medicines, but I don’t know what limitations they have on liquid prescriptions. You can check that on their website.
Hi all,
I found all the information here very helpful. I am leaving for St. Louis, USA this friday and woud like to ask few things,
1. Do I lock my check-in baggage for security?
2. Do I declare food items in customs? (I am bringing spices ,pickles and home made food)
Would be very heloful if someone can their experience
Thanks
1. You may, but they can break the locks if they decide to inspect your luggage. They usually arrange the stuff back in the suitcase, and put in a note stating that your luggage was opened for random inspection.
2. The customs are ok w/ certain food items and have concerns for others. They may inspect if it contains jeera (cumin seeds), non-vegetarian pickle etc. Bringing sweets, home made snacks etc is perfectly fine.
Hi,
Thank u so much for this informative blog!
I am leaving for Canada as a student. can I take my laptop along with? Since the power specifications are different there compared to India, should I buy an adapter here and go or can I buy there?
Usually laptops come w/ an adapter that allows them to work in a voltage range. You can buy that from India or in Canada. However, the socket point may be different in Canada. So it may be better to buy a compatible adapter and power cord from Canada.
Hi Kumar/Saurabh,
First of all, Thank you once again for this awesome blog. I have suggested it to many friends and everyone just loves it. Its a great resource esp for us, who are going to be new to US.
I have this important question regarding medication. I have to take prescribed medication. I will be taking 2 months supply at the max. How do i carry the medication+prescription? In hand luggage or check-in? Also does my doctor need to give a prescription stating the 2 month supply or will an old prescription do? Please help me guys !!
Glad that information on this blog was of help to you and your friends
Here is the official information from TSA: Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
It’s better to carry them in carry-on (along w/ doctor’s prescription) as your check-in baggage may get delayed or lost, and some airlines have no liability on lost prescription. Also, keep them in their original bottles along w/ labels, so that they can easily be identified in case of any inspection.
Your suggestions were helpful for the first timers. My son is going to Delaware for his MS. i am worried about the weather and security. Can u suggest me how to be careful.
Hi people,
So I was able to bring my stuff here. I have opened my good one kg pickle and have enjoyed it till now. Now, I need to move to another state and I dont know how I can move my pickle. Any ideas ? The Vacuum bags are too over priced at 15 bucks, so I am wondering.
How about plastic bottles with alluminum foil in between the lid and jar and a two plastic bags to wrap with a rubber band around it.
Hey thanks Thara,
That is the original plan. Was just wondering on other approaches.
For ex., one of my friends had to carry ghee (clarified butter) and all she did was to put it in the freezer for two nights. Can pickle freeze ?
Im moving to NJ and carrying home made powders – like sambar powder etc. Could you pls tell me the best way to pack these so that it will not create a problem in immigration ?
Make sure you double wrap them with ziplocs or with thick polyethelene bags. Another way to do it is to use three layers of news paper and then wrap them with a thick brown paper and then place the powders in individual plastic shopping bags like, Nalli or Kumaran bags.
Queens Packing opposite MRTS Mylapore station at chennai do the neat vaccum packing ofall types of pickles, powders etc. Phone : 24951622/24617699
I just carried my sambar power. The way I purchased it from swagruha is the way I brought it. No fancy thing. Just the normal plastic they pack it in and heat sealed. I asked them to seal it twice or thrice just to be on the safe side.
Hi
My family is going to America for trip for 20 days. Can I checked in MTR Instant food pkets. ( Which are sealed) San franscisco, LA , LW and San diago can we get indian food? What type of food mostly we get there? Help me
I don’t know about the brand, but I have seen frozen Indian food in Indian grocery stores and also certain American grocery stores (like Trader Joe’s, Costco) at least here in San Francisco Bay Area.
Hi,
I loved ur article. I have a question. I would like to know if I shld buy a laptop from India or US? And if u say US, then can yu please suggest me a few brands that will come in the 600-750$ range? Thanks
Yes, you can get laptops in US in that range. However, configuration of laptops vary w/ price and I don’t know what type of configuration you are looking at.
Check out US retailers like best buy, costco, frys to get information on models, configurations and price. Also, depending upon one’s need netbook may also be a viable option (and it starts at a lower price).
Well, I want a GOOD laptop. I want it to be light weight, long battery life and min 14-15 inchs. So if u know any brands that will include these features within the 600-750 range, I ll be grateful!
Well, you can find Acer, Toshiba, Samsung, possibly HP in that range. Checkout the websites I mentioned above. I haven’t used either of these brands, so I cannot provide any feedback on individual brands.
Hello,
Seems like a decently compiled list. I was of the same opinion when I saw people carrying a kilo of rice a kilo of rajmah a kilo of some lentil.. I mean cmmon, how much are you gonna save on the whole, 10, 20, 50.. 100 dollars ? 4500 bucks and so much of effort ? I could never believe the Indian wool (which is no longer wool anyway) can stand the US colds.
Anyway, I am coming to Boston on a H1b for a 6 month project. My only plans are to get about 7 pairs of inner wear. 6 pairs of formal clothes (pant – shirt) , two jeans, two t shirts and two shorts. 3 cartons of cigarettes, a swimming trunk and some prescription drugs. Anything else you gues think I should add or subtract ?
m going to boston nd albuny for some fifteen days.can u suggest me wat used i look for shopping .i want to know the things which are really cheap in US as compared to india. i hv heard from people that electronics items are cheap there in US but at times they find diffculty in operating them in india …..few says because of lock system,warranty,replacement….etc.can u guide me correctly it would be of great help
If you are planning to buy electronics from US, then look for international warranty. Gadgets are typically cheaper and you can find more models here.
Hellloooooooo!! sir or madam who are in usa i wan to come U.S.A. please make me as a friend and give me guidance how to come plZZZZZZZzzzz….
hi
If you are thinking of travelling west in the near future please take the following items with you.
1. pressure cooker
2. medicines
3. winter clothes
4. adapter
rest of the things are usually not required as when you come to USA you can find on craiglist. Most of the people give away beds sofas chairs mattress for free here so just go to
craiglist.com and enter the city name and find out what you want
also if you rae worried about utensils for cooking dont be coz a trip to the nearest dollar tree can help you stack up all those favourite spoons and knives and cutlery of all kinds
Thanks Kumar for the info, i am coming to Texas by 18 dec, for 2 years with my 2yrs baby girl. i am worried abt my baby, is she adjust with the climate? what should i carry for her?( regarding medicines, vaccination) Pls guide me.
How much luggage n baggage (handbag) in kgs can be carried to US from India?
Smitha, this totally depends on the Airline you are flying with. I would call the airline or check with the travel agent. At least, you should check the airline website for full details…
This is indeed a helpful website for students . I am here since 2 years as student and I find this list to very well compiled . However , please don’t mind if I make a small correction . Some of the things like pots , pans ,clothes and few Indian items from Indian grocery stores seem expensive when we are on student budget . After staying for 7-8 months , you do realize that it is , just like you said , reasonable from dollars point of view . But till then , I have seen many students compromising even on food in the first semester .Not that they starve but they eat only rice -dal non stop for 6 months and avoid buying Indian/American food . Don’t do this .. It will distract you from your studies and add to your homesickness for home food !
Also can I add 2 more things to this ?
If you are not used to eating Maggi (or any instant noodles ) please get used to do so from India itself . It will save you a lot of time in cooking especially in first semester when you might not like cooking everyday . Also, same case with egg omelette for non – vegetarians.
Another thing is after reaching US , do look for yard sale / garage sale near your house (since very few of you will have a car ). Many Universities have yard sales at the beginning of semester . You will get a lot of second hand things pretty cheap there especially for your house . We got an armchair , sofa , dining table , study table , a couple of lamps , mixie , 2-3 chairs from such a sale right in the beginning . Except the sofa everything was for $3-$5 . These things are good enough to be used for a year or two when you are a student .
Rica, Thanks for adding info. Garage Sales are good… Here is an article that I wrote about Garage Sales, What to buy, how to find ?
the information you provide is really invaluable and accurate. it is a gift to people who are planning to usa for studies or job and makes theri life that much easier without asking too many people.
keep up the good work!
srinivas
Welcome Srinivas ! It is not just me, Thanks to others support for replying to questions and writing guest articles !
Hey kumar,
Thanks alot for the stuff you mentioned above.Well,i would like to ask you a favour.I am goin to canada this month for studies so the stuff you mentioned above will be the same to carry there.
I suppose it would be similar because lifestyle is almost same. You may have to be aware it is colder down there.
Thanks.
It’s a very good blog. Thanks for the information that you have provided me.
Thanks a lot, Bhaiya..!!
Chaki, My pleasure !
you are welcome
This site is misleading. For most of the items, you have written that it is cheap in US. If everything is so cheap in US then why the hell any Indian need to go to US?
Clothes are not that cheap in US you crap. One pair of Jeans will cost you Rs. 5,000 approx in US but the same you can get in Rs. 1,500 here. Also Alteration is not free in US unlike India and it costs a hell lot of Money.
Did you really read the reason I have put next to everything ? ….Well, I have lived in US for 6 years and have traveled to India quite a bit, I know the price ranges….I always paid only $20- $30 dollars to buy anything. I buy shirts or pants from top of the line brands like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, ANF, Polo…the point is looking for the right deal and buying in outlet mall. Check this article : Why NOT to buy clothes in Fancy Malls? Where can I buy clothes for cheap ? . Also, the brands down here are different, read this : Dress sense in US. Should you buy clothes in US or from India ? Yes, there is no concept of alteration here in US and it is expensive. Honestly, No need to do it…I have never done it in last 6 years.
The reality is, you have not been here buddy and have just heard from someone or looked at list someone gave you… I was mislead exactly like you when I was in India and carried a lot of baggage that was not necessary….My intention of this blog to share correct and proper info and not to mislead anyone my friend, I do not get anything for misleading someone…
If you dont like the website here and/or the posts, you are very welcome to leave or ignore.
Do not spoil the good intent of Kumar/Saurabh to help people who are ambiguous.
I have been living in the US Since 2007 and this is the first time Iam reading these arcticles and found it very usefel even now.
Clothes are DAMN costly in INDIA. You are saying a pair of jeans cost you 1500 Rs in INDIA, which is close to 35 $.
For 35 $ you dont need to even look for sale or outlet Malls.
So far the costly jeans I bought in USA is from Abercrombie and which came down to 24$ during sale period.
If you wish to buy top notch brands in India like GUESS / CK / LACOSTE go to their stores in india, they charge you whopping 2500 rs bare minimum for anything.
Know what you are talking and then comment. Just dont express your one odd experience.
Thanks,
Siva
Thanks Siva for adding your thoughts, it clarifies others.
I am planning to travel to USA in a week and I am very happy to see this page. I went to through some info in different websites, but they were mostly for students. This info is very useful. Thank you.
Welcome Dalia ! I am glad it helps.
thanx a ton kumar . . . .it was really helpfull
Welcome Ansh !
thanks a ton for the info…. Can we carry ipod or other MP3 players or other such stuff..
Welcome. Yes you can carry any personal electronics.
Can I carry my collection of favorite songs and movies in compact discs or DVDs to US. Also, is a laptop really necessary!
I would be little cautious especially if the songs/movies are pirated (US laws are very strict about privacy). Everything is fine until one is randomly picked by the customs for inspection.
I don’t know what the rates are in US for laptops, but if you are traveling during US holiday season, then you can get some exciting deals here.
Thanq Saurabh!! But all by DVDs are not bought but prepared by myself. I download my favorite songs and movies over the internet and write them into DVDs. Then, does the aspect of piracy arise here!!
If you didn’t pay the money to the music company for these songs, then they are pirated songs.
However, I think the chances of US authorities raising question over these DVDs is pretty small. If you want to take that small risk (of being singled out for custom inspection and being questioned about the DVDs), then you can get them to US.
This reminds me…
I have 100s of downloaded movies and US tv show episodes on my laptop. Now, if I carry this laptop to USA, will the officers at emigration/customs at port of entry check it and could this land me in trouble?
Piracy in US a big crime. However, I think the chances of US authorities raising question over these DVDs is pretty small. If you want to take that small risk (of being singled out for custom inspection and being questioned about the DVDs), then you can get them to US.
nice one. although I’m going to US for third time it helped me to keep some of the masala things away.
thanks for the info man..it did expel some of the fads i had about the things i needed to purchase..i will surely refer tyo this page when i go shopping .
keep up the good work.
venkat
Welcome ! I am glad it helps.
Very nice info…I also travelled to US with lot of items unnecessarily…It helps everyone travelling to US…
Im going to carry 3 cameras and have 1 Laptop with me. I’m planning to buy one more laptop. Im travelling thro’ Delhi airport to Chennai. Will it cause any problem in security check?
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