🎒 Packing List
🍳 Section A: The Kitchen Survival Kit
Buying these in Canada/UK is 5x more expensive or hard to find. This is your priority.
Pressure Cooker (2L or 3L)
- ⚠️ CRITICAL: Must be Induction Base (Flat bottom). Traditional round-bottom aluminum cookers will NOT work on electric stoves abroad.
- Spare Parts: Buy 1 spare Gasket (Rubber Ring) and 1 spare Safety Valve. If these break abroad, your cooker is useless.
The "Roti" Kit
- Belan (Rolling Pin): Wooden ones are rare there. Bring a good one.
- Chakla (Board): Wooden is lighter; Marble is heavy. Pack wisely.
- Chimta (Tongs): Essential for roasting rotis on electric coils.
- Tawa: Non-stick, Induction compatible.
Spices (The "Taste of Home")
- ⚠️ CUSTOMS RULE: Do NOT bring loose spices or seeds from the open market. They will be thrown away.
- Action: Bring only branded, commercially sealed packets (e.g., Ramdev, Everest, MDH).
Turmeric (Haldi)
Red Chilli Powder
Garam Masala / Kitchen King
Mustard Seeds (Rai) & Cumin (Jeera) - Must be sealed!
Tea Masala (Chai is life!)
Utensils (Minimalist Set)
1 Tea Strainer (Charni) - Crucial (Western strainers have big holes).
1 Ginger Grater (Adrak Kisni).
2 Steel Plates (Thali), 2 Bowls (Wati), 2 Spoons.
1 Good Sharp Knife (Pack in Checked Luggage ONLY).
🍛 Section B: Food Items (The First Week)
You need food for the first 3-4 days until you figure out the local grocery store/Walmart.
Ready-to-Eat Packets: 5-10 packs (Thepla, Instant Upma, Pav Bhaji, Dal Makhani).
Dry Snacks: Khakhra, Chivda, Chakri, Biscuits. (Must be dry; no oils/liquids).
Instant Noodles: 5-6 packs of Maggi/Ramen.
Tea/Coffee: Small pouch of your favorite brand + Sugar sachets.
Mukhwas: Sealed packet.
🚫 STRICTLY PROHIBITED (Do Not Pack):
- Ghee: It leaks and is restricted. Buy it at Walmart/Indian stores there.
- Pickles (Achar): High risk of oil leakage ruining your clothes. Buy there.
- Fresh Items: No Fruits, Vegetables, Plants, or Seeds.
🚿 Section C: Toiletries & Hygiene (The "Culture Shock" Kit)
Western toilets do not have jet sprays. This is the #1 struggle for Indian students.
Portable Bidet / Travel Lota
- What is it? A squeeze bottle with a nozzle.
- Action: Buy 2 from Amazon India (~₹300). This is a lifesaver.
Toothbrush/Paste: Carry a 1-month supply.
Sanitary Pads: Carry a 2-3 month supply (Brands differ abroad, takes time to adjust).
Comb & Hair Oil: Coconut/Amla oil is expensive there.
Tongue Cleaner: Hard to find abroad.
🧥 Section D: Clothing (Layering > Bulky)
Don't fill your bag with giant jackets. Fill it with layers.
Winter Jacket (The Parka)
- ⚠️ DO NOT BUY IN INDIA: Indian jackets are rated for +5°C. Canada goes to -30°C.
- Strategy: Wear a light jacket for the flight. Buy a proper "Winter Parka" (rated -30°C) after you land in Canada.
Innerwear (The Most Important)
Undergarments: 15-20 pairs (Laundry is expensive and done weekly).
Socks: 10-15 pairs.
Thermal Inners: 2-3 sets (Top & Bottom). Buy brands like Uniqlo or Jockey.
Daily Wear
3-4 Jeans (Wear one on the flight).
7-8 T-shirts / Tops.
2 Hoodies / Sweatshirts.
2 sets of Nightwear / Pyjamas.
Occasion Wear
1 Formal Suit / Blazer (For presentations & interviews).
1 Traditional Outfit (Kurta/Saree for Diwali & Garba nights).
Footwear
1 Sturdy Sneakers (Wear on flight).
1 Formal Shoes.
1 Bathroom Slippers (Hawai chappal).
💊 Section E: The Medicine Box
Always carry a Doctor's Prescription for these. Keep them in original packaging.
Quantity Limit: Maximum 90-day supply.
General: Paracetamol (Fever), Cetirizine (Allergy), Domstal (Vomiting).
Stomach: Pudin Hara, Eno, ORS Sachets.
Pain: Volini Spray, Moov, Band-Aids.
Antibiotics: Azithromycin (Carry a 3-day course). Strictly with prescription.
Personal Meds: If you have asthma, diabetes, etc., bring your specific stock.
🔌 Section F: Electronics
Universal Travel Adapter: (Type B for Canada / Type G for UK).
Indian Power Strip (Spike Guard):
- 💡 The Hack: Buy one from India. Plug the strip into your Travel Adapter. Now you can charge your Phone, Laptop, and Trimmer using your Indian plugs!
Power Bank: MUST be in your Carry-On Handbag. (Prohibited in check-in).
Spare Cables: 2 extra charging cables (they are expensive abroad).
Sim Ejector Tool: Keep one in your wallet.
🛠️ Section G: The "Repair & Misc" Kit
Labour is expensive ($50/hour). Be ready to fix small things yourself.
Small Sewing Kit: Needle, Thread (Black/White), Buttons, Safety Pins.
Super Glue (Fevikwik): 2 small tubes.
Scissors/Tape: Pack in Checked Bag.
Luggage Locks: TSA-approved locks for your bags.
🚫 What NOT to Pack (Save Space!)
Blankets/Pillows: They take up 50% of your bag. Buy cheap ones at Walmart/IKEA ($20).
Note Books / Stationery: Heavy. Buy there.
Hair Dryer / Straightener:
- Voltage Issue: Indian voltage is 220V, Canada is 110V. Your Indian dryer will not work (or might spark/explode). Buy a new one there ($15).
🚀 Ready to Pack?
- Step 1: Gather all items on a bed.
- Step 2: Weigh them using a handheld luggage scale.
- Step 3: Use vacuum seal bags for clothes to save space.
Safe travels from The Visa Tales Team!