plastic bags, ballpoint pens, & forms

Its time for a few more handi-hints...
There are so many little things that can ease a lot of stress...Here are some, bigger ones in future posts.

• Always have a finepoint ballpoint or some sort of ballpoint pen to fill in forms. Especially on an airplane [unless the airport security people sieze it]. It is such a minor thing, but I mention this anyway because you are going to need the damn thing. Stick to blue ink. The PRC does not like red ink...go figure!
• When you go through Hong Kong Customs, US Customs, and especially the PRC Customs, always grab a few extra forms if you can. It is so nice to be able to fill out the forms while in your hotel room the day or evening before you go through customs.
• This brings up the next HANDI-HINT for the day. Stick all of those forms into a zip-lock bag. Now about zip-lock bags. Get the really good Heavy duty bags. Get different sizes. Use the large bags for different groups of things. One for underwear. One for T-shirts. One for dirty clothes. Some for 8.5x11 sheets of paper. Small ones for money, biz cards, and other small odds and ends. YOU CAN NOT HAVE TOO MANY PLASTIC BAGS. Some are going to rip out or die from broken zipper disease. Just remember...lotsa high quality HD ziplock bags. Also make sure to press out as much air as you can...poor mans shrink-wrap sorta thing.
• Oh yeah...another little thing. If you are over 65 [65...I think] there is a special line for people leaving Shenzhen. Look for the sign. It really helps. They may have this in other border crossings as well. I just don't really know. I always go in and out at Shenzhen because of my business needs.