Packing for USA from India

Many Desies travel every year for jobs, studies and other reasons to the land of opportunity. USA is developed country where you can get whatever you want under the sun. You just have to spend some extra bucks. Which off course we multiply with 60 for first few months. Limited luggage, sweets made by mommy, gifts by friends, favorite dresses, so many documents agghhh!! Its hard to leave something special or important behind.
Do not go for every other favorite items, pack smart, keep in mind what essential you would need in everyday life, which you might not get there easily, what you gonna need and may last through out your trip!! Think... Think.... Another funda is, that you should pack small and inexpensive stuff that you need to buy just once.
I hope this article helps you in your packing and stay.


Must Pack:

Documents: 

1. Passport
2. Visa
3. Confirmed tickets.
4. Original birth certificate.
5. Marriage certificates and photo showing religious wedding ceremony.
6. Senior citizen certificate to get discounts.
7. Driving license ( in some states you can drive motor vehicle for first 60 days if you have valid driving license from your country).

8. Medical certificates, test reports, prescriptions.
9. Degrees and mark sheets.
10. Money: Indian currency just to use on air port. US currency.
11. Passport size photos.
12. First aid kit.

Good to Pack:

For Everyone:

1. Some instant ready to eat dry and packed snacks or meals because you would be tired after 20+ hours of long flights e.g; Oats umpa, noodles, soups.

2. Pressure cooker, so that you don't miss those whistles, kidding, If you like Indian food, you need it.
  bring extra gascet.
3. Microwave safe idly maker.
4. Basic kitchen utensils, pinwheel, nonstick flat saucepans and tava.
Extra Tip: Utensils should be flat bottom since in USA burners are flat. Fill those utensils with packed food or clothes to save space.
5. Kitchen towels.
6. Nail clippers
7. General medicines, please bring doctor's prescription.
8. Religious books.
9. Phone covers.
10. Cotton towels, gamusa or gamchha.
11. Reading glasses, its very expensive here, so you better pack one extra.
12. Fine cotton bed sheet and top sheet. Check standard measurement for beds on internet.
13. Green tea.
14. toothbrushes.
15. Tongue cleaner
16. Extra shoe laces (thank me later ;)




For Her:

1. Mehendi cones.
2. Indian ethnic dresses and footwear.
3. Hair accessories, hair pin, rubber bands, hair bands etc.
4. Bangles.
5. Scarfs, shawls.
6. Bindi

For Him:

1. Belts.
2. Wallets.
3. Handkerchiefs.
4. Mufflers
5. Leather shoes.

There are few things you may wish you had pack once you reach here:

1. Essential oils.
2. Family  photos.
3. Woolens knitted by loved one to get special warmth.
4. Indian mouth freshener, dry paan, supari etc.
5. If you are a fan of Ayurveda get those jadi booti, with a prescription off course.
6. Get some made in India handicraft items for new friend you will make here, key chain, show pieces.

What NOT to Pack:

1. There is no point of packing spices, lentils, and other food if you are going to stay for long. You will find everything here, fresh and not that expensive.
2. Do not buy heavy jackets and coats in India, you will need heavy winter wears to beat winters in colder region, so better shop from here.
3. Ladies please don't shop and pack western dresses from India. You will get better quality for less money in here.
4. Crockery, knives, hangers, kitchen utensils, glassware.

* If you gonna stay for longer time, do check with your banker or CA regarding your bank accounts, property and taxes.
** Discontinue your mobile, dish, internet, gas and electricity connection.
*** You can convert your mobile connection to pre paid, to get free incoming sms.