ExpressVPN

Google, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook are all blocked in China. A VPN makes them work again. ExpressVPN is what I’ve used for years — fast, reliable, and easy to set up before you land.

🎁 30 free days with my link

Ubigi eSIM

No local phone number needed? An eSIM connects the moment you land. Ubigi has excellent data plans across China and 190+ countries. Much cheaper than roaming.

Trip.com

The only major booking platform that consistently shows hotels that accept foreign passports. Also makes booking high-speed trains easy — and in English.

Klook

Best-priced tickets to attractions across China & Asia — including Disneyland Shanghai & Tokyo, and Universal Studios Beijing & Osaka. Discount via my link.

Wise Debit Card

Banks charge outrageous international fees. Wise doesn’t. I use it across Asia and it links to AliPay for QR code payments inside China. Saves us hundreds per year.

🎁 Free card with my referral link

My China Essentials List

My curated Benable shopping list — every essential item I’d pack for a trip to Beijing. Gear, gadgets, and things you won’t find on generic packing lists.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

The best entry-level vlog camera, full stop. Lightweight gimbal camera that produces professional-quality video straight out of the box. This is what I use for all my YouTube content.

Universal Travel Adapter

One adapter to rule them all. Multiple USB-C ports + interchangeable plug heads means no more hunting for sockets in hotel rooms. Works in 150+ countries.

Portable Power Bank

A high-capacity power bank is non-negotiable when you’re navigating with maps, translating signs, and keeping kids entertained all day. This is the one I carry.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

Non-negotiable for long-haul flights. I’ve only ever used Bose — the noise cancelling is genuinely elite and beats Sony and Apple in real-world use. Airline pilots swear by them too.

Compression Packing Cubes

Traveling with kids is chaos without these. We give each family member their own cube — no more digging through a suitcase in a dark hotel room at midnight.

Complete Family Packing List

My full interactive packing list for families traveling with school-age kids (5–12). Tick items off as you pack, with direct Amazon links for every item.