Disclaimer: This article is originally written for readers in Japan and may not align with the circumstances of other countries. While we believe it can be helpful no matter where you are, please note that this article cannot be held responsible for any damage arising from differences in circumstances across various countries.
I frequently travel abroad for business, mainly to Asian countries such as China. Additionally, I have experience working in Singapore, where I often traveled to other Southeast Asian countries.
Every time I pack, I use a checklist to ensure I don’t forget anything. Having traveled abroad over 200 times, I’ve refined my packing list and would like to share it with you.
In my case, most of my business trips last 2 to 7 days within Asia. The list below is designed for such durations.
This article is quite detailed and frequently updated, so I recommend bookmarking it or saving it to Pocket for a thorough read at your convenience.
The article is structured according to the type of “container” used during international travel (e.g., suitcase, carry-on bag, pockets), as outlined in the Table of Contents below.
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Contents
Concept for Packing for Business Trips Abroad
Concept Overview
When it comes to packing, I focus on the following three key principles.
Prioritize Comfort Above All Else
Rather than adhering to the motto “pack as lightly as possible,” I prioritize comfort at my destination. I aim to minimize luggage, but I bring items that are hard or impossible to find locally, even if it adds to the load. This is particularly true for regional cities in countries like China or Southeast Asia, where securing Japanese-quality items can be challenging and time-consuming. For instance, I always pack Japanese-made medicines, handy gadgets, and my favorite shampoo.
Digitize Wherever Possible
E-tickets, hotel booking confirmations, and work-related documents are scanned and stored on my iPhone or iPad. Entertainment books are either scanned, purchased as Kindle editions. This significantly reduces paper materials, lightens my luggage, and allows for systematic organization of documents in digital format.
Use Small Pouches to Keep Packing Neat
I organize all belongings into small pouches for better compartmentalization. When everything is neatly divided, the suitcase looks much more organized, and there’s no embarrassment when opening it in public places like airports. The key is to ensure that nothing inside the suitcase is loose or scattered. Even the smallest items should be stored in pouches or bags. The greatest advantage of using pouches is that organized packing makes it easy to know where everything is, speeding up packing for the return trip and reducing forgotten items.
How to Choose Suitcases and Bags
First, let me introduce the suitcases and carry bags I use, along with the key points for selecting them.
First, let me introduce the suitcases and carry bags I use, along with the key points for selecting them. The suitcase is checked in at the counter, while the business bag is carried on board.
Suitcase: RIMOWA Medium Size (Approx. 60L)
The suitcase is used throughout the business trip and is often seen by clients and colleagues at places like airports. I always feel a sense of pride when my favorite suitcase appears on the baggage claim belt at the airport.
A suitcase is a lifelong investment, so I recommend choosing one you truly love, even if it’s a bit pricey!
If you choose one you like, you can keep using it for years by repairing issues like broken handles or wheels. Once, the handle of my RIMOWA suitcase broke, but since RIMOWA is widely used, I had it replaced with a genuine new handle at an airport repair shop immediately.
Purchasing a well-known brand like RIMOWA ensures easy access to parts worldwide, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
I prioritize lightweight options, so I use the polycarbonate “ESSENTIAL” (formerly known as the Salsa series).
My colleague uses RIMOWA’s silver “TOPAS” series, as shown in the link below. The silver duralumin material gives it an extremely luxurious feel. Even when scratched, the marks add character, enhancing its appeal.
Choosing the Right Suitcase Size
Selecting the right size of suitcase for a business trip abroad can be challenging. In my opinion, the size below is ideal.
A 60L suitcase may look large at home, but when compared to other travelers’ luggage at the airport, it feels relatively compact. This compactness is crucial for business trips abroad.
Unlike leisurely travel, business trips often involve frequent and rapid transitions.
Traveling from country to country or city to city often requires connecting flights and frequent use of airport buses or taxis. A large suitcase can cause issues, such as not fitting in the trunk or luggage compartments. It’s hard to address such issues once you’re abroad, so it’s best to prepare for potential scenarios in advance.
Of course, a larger suitcase offers greater storage capacity, which can be convenient.
However, based on my experience, a 60L suitcase strikes the best balance between mobility and capacity.
I’ve never had an issue fitting everything I needed into a 60L suitcase. Even for a month-long overseas business trip, it worked perfectly.
Carry Bag: A PORTER 3-Way Business Bag for Laptop
It’s essential to have a “3-way bag” as your carry bag!
It’s essential to have a “3-way bag” as your carry bag! A 3-way bag can be used in three styles: handheld, shoulder bag, or backpack. For local travel, inspections, and sightseeing, I can’t imagine managing without the backpack functionality of this 3-way bag.
I am a fan of “PORTER” products, so I use a “PORTER” 3-way bag. Detailed explanations can be found in “2. Contents of My Carry-On Bag.”
While I personally prefer the “PORTER” 3-way bag, many of my colleagues use “TUMI” 3-way bags. Most seasoned travelers opt for 3-way bags.
All small items are sorted and stored in organizing cases.
The contents of my suitcase and bag are meticulously organized using travel items like those from MUJI. I used to use organizing items from 100-yen shops, but their zippers broke easily. When a zipper breaks during a business trip, it often pops open again even after being forced shut, causing stress.
Now, let’s dive into the main topic.
Each chapter will be organized based on the “container” (items for the suitcase, bag, and pockets).
Let’s start with what’s inside my suitcase!
Items to Pack in the Suitcase
I’ve tried various suitcases, but I’ve settled on RIMOWA. It’s true that RIMOWA is quite common in Japanese airports (on the same flight, I often spot at least five people with RIMOWA suitcases), and it’s not as popular among non-Japanese travelers. However, the design and durability are unmatched. Recently, RIMOWA has become more visible in Asia as well.
In Western countries, soft-shell suitcases seem to be more common. Personally, I prefer hard-shell suitcases over soft-shell ones. Hard-shell suitcases offer superior strength, giving me peace of mind when packing. I’ve been using my RIMOWA suitcase (ESSENTIAL series, formerly the Salsa series) for over 10 years, and it’s still in excellent condition.
Adding custom stickers or using a “suitcase belt” on a simple RIMOWA suitcase adds a touch of originality and makes it easier to spot at the airport.
I use the slightly flashy suitcase belt linked below. It features a TSA lock and excels in both design and security.
My suitcase is a simple black, paired with a vivid blue belt, which looks incredibly stylish. It’s one of the rare suitcase belts that combines practicality and aesthetic appeal.
Recently, I happened to watch the YouTube channel “Bilingirl English” by Chika. To my surprise, the suitcase belt Chika uses is exactly the same as mine! (It seems she also uses a hard-type suitcase.)
Clothing
Stored in MUJI Packing Cases
I use four of the following MUJI packing cases.
(Image above: Courtesy of Amazon)
One of these is carried folded and used to store worn underwear during the trip. The ability to fold compactly when not in use is a key feature of MUJI’s packing cases.
Amazon’s private brand, “Amazon Basics,” also offers similar packing cases at a more affordable price.
MUJI Travel Accessories
I rely heavily on MUJI products for my packing list for overseas business trips. MUJI’s travel accessories are user-friendly, durable, stylishly designed, and affordably priced, making them a highly recommended choice. [/aside]
MUJI also has an official account on Amazon, where you can browse their travel accessories. It’s a fun and convenient way to find items suited to your needs for overseas business trips.
Underwear, Socks, and T-Shirts (for the number of days)
When it comes to socks, there’s a highly practical “life hack” that I use not just for business trips but also in everyday life.
The trick is to purchase about 10 pairs of identical plain black socks and use them exclusively.
This eliminates the need to match pairs or worry about left or right socks. When doing laundry, you don’t have to pair them; just store them as single pieces without giving it a second thought. The concept of a “pair” disappears, and you treat each sock as an individual item.
This “life hack” also simplifies packing for trips. You can grab the required number of socks for your trip without worrying about pairing them and place them directly into your packing cubes. The task of pairing socks becomes completely unnecessary.
Black socks work well for both formal and casual occasions, making them the best choice over white or gray. It’s also essential to wear black socks with dress shoes as a matter of etiquette.
It takes some courage initially to purchase 10 pairs and stop using your current socks, but once you adapt, it significantly reduces wasted time. This “life hack” is an excellent way to save time in the long run and can be a lifelong efficiency booster. It will also make hectic mornings just a bit easier.
Casual Clothes (Minimal and Versatile)
I bring a minimal amount of casual clothing that can be easily mixed and matched, typically just one set. Repeating outfits during a business trip is not an issue at all.
Suits and Dress Shirts
Business trips often require bringing suits or jackets.
When I need to bring suits or jackets, I pack them in a dedicated garment bag before placing them in the suitcase.
This helps to transport suits and jackets without wrinkles.
Most garment bags are too large to fit in a suitcase. However, the garment bag I use, the “SU-PACK 1/6” can fold a suit into six parts, making it incredibly compact.
Not only does it fit into a suitcase, but it can also be stored in an A3-sized business bag.
The “SU-PACK 1/6” is incredibly useful not only for international business trips and travels but also for domestic trips. While standard garment bags are often too large to handle conveniently on trains or buses, this compact size fits most suitcases and is easy to carry by hand.
When traveling for business, pack your suit in the “SU-PACK 1/6” and hang it up immediately upon arriving at your hotel. This ensures your suit remains in pristine condition.
Wrinkled and creased suits can undermine your credibility with international clients, so take proper precautions.
Detailed explanations from the manufacturer are available at the Amazon link below, so check it out if you’re interested.
I’ve written a detailed and easy-to-understand review article about the SU-PACK below, so feel free to check it out.
Multifunctional Jacket
There are jackets specifically designed for international business trips.
There are jackets specifically designed for international business trips. While these jackets look stylish, they feature inner pockets designed to hold passports, wallets, tickets, glasses, and more.
With stretchability and quick-dry functionality, these jackets are perfect for international business trips.
(Image above: Courtesy of TRANS CONTINENTS Official Website)
Ziploc bags
Ziploc bags are incredibly versatile, so be sure to bring them along.
During overseas business trips or travel, Ziploc bags can be used for a variety of purposes: storing used clothes, keeping half-eaten food, organizing small items like cotton swabs, clips, or rubber bands, or even as a waterproof case for your phone in the bath.
Since Ziploc bags take up virtually no space, simply pack a few in your suitcase for convenience.
Formal leather shoes
Formal leather shoes are necessary when formal attire is required at the business destination.
Bringing an additional pair of leather shoes, apart from the ones you wear when departing, can take up a lot of space and become cumbersome. However, relying solely on leather shoes for the entire trip can be taxing on your feet and leave you feeling quite fatigued.
Recommended Leather-Style Sneakers: “Texcy Luxe”
I too struggled with managing leather shoes during business trips, but one day I discovered a truly groundbreaking product. It’s the “Texcy Luxe leather-style sneakers.” Amazingly, these shoes look like formal leather shoes but feel entirely like sneakers!
The leather-style sneakers “Texcy Luxe” feature the most formal design in dress shoes, the “straight-tip” (characterized by a horizontal line across the toe), and also include the “closed-lacing” style (where the eyelets are not exposed). This makes them suitable for any occasion. To put it simply, they are formal enough to be worn even at weddings and funerals.
The Design of “Texcy Luxe”
Notably, products of this type often evoke an image of being worn by “fashion-unconscious middle-aged men” and are generally considered unattractive. However, the “Texcy Luxe leather-style sneakers” are incredibly stylish!
Why are they “stylish”? Taking a closer look at the shoe’s design, its silhouette is beautifully crafted, with a moderately tapered toe. This gives it a smart and formal appearance, making it undeniably “stylish.”
I’m very particular about what I wear. I would never wear unattractive clothes or shoes, no matter how comfortable they might be. However, these shoes perfectly combine comfort and style, making them ideal for international business trips. There’s simply no reason not to wear them.
Even my fashion-conscious colleagues didn’t realize these were sneakers and said, “Those shoes look great! Where did you get them?” When I replied, “Actually, I bought them on Amazon, and they’re sneakers,” they were very surprised. The rumor spread within my department, and now, almost everyone—regardless of age—wears these shoes on business trips. As the one who introduced them, I feel a little proud.
On international business trips, you might wear formal attire like suits and jackets, but on weekends or during downtime, you could switch to casual clothes like jeans or chinos. I pair these “Texcy Luxe leather sneaker-style shoes” with casual outfits like jeans, and they look completely natural—if not outright stylish.
Try searching Google with the keywords “jeans + straight-tip shoes,” and you’ll see how stylishly they can be paired together.
“Texcy Luxe” is a product of ASICS Trading Co., Ltd.
“Texcy Luxe” is a product of ASICS Trading Co., Ltd., a Japanese sportswear manufacturer, making it both durable and reliable.
Wearing formal leather shoes during overseas business trips can be quite challenging. Such trips often involve long walking distances and poorly paved or rough roads. Additionally, there are frequent occasions where you need to take your shoes on and off. With “Texcy Luxe sneaker-style leather shoes,” which feel completely like sneakers, they are incredibly useful for overseas business trips, which often involve harsher conditions compared to Japan.
The “Texcy Luxe sneaker-style leather shoes” are so comfortable that you could even go running in them. Additionally, the sides of the laces are elastic, meaning you don’t need to loosen them, and you can easily slip them on without a shoehorn. This feature enhances mobility, which is essential during time-sensitive overseas business trips.
While I own formal leather shoes, after wearing these, I find it hard to go back to regular leather shoes. Whenever I need formal footwear in Japan, I always choose these shoes.
However, no one has ever pointed out that these shoes are actually sneakers.
Which model of “Texcy Luxe” is recommended?
“Texcy Luxe sneaker-style leather shoes” come in a variety of designs (models). With so many options available, you might find it difficult to choose.
I recommend the “[Texcy Luxe] sneaker-style lightweight genuine leather business shoes, model TU-7758,” available through the Amazon link below.
The reason is that the style of the “TU-7758” is the most formal design for leather shoes, featuring a “straight tip” (a single line across the toe) and a “closed lacing system” (where the lacing section is not exposed). If you are purchasing “Texcy Luxe” for the first time, you can’t go wrong with this design.
You can view enlarged photos via the Amazon link. The textured (or grooved?) sole might seem visually concerning in terms of design. However, once you wear the shoes, that part is completely invisible and didn’t bother me at all.
Finally, these “Texcy Luxe sneaker-style leather shoes” are surprisingly affordable compared to traditional leather shoes. Since sneakers are consumables, wearing the affordable, durable, stylish, and most importantly comfortable “Texcy Luxe sneaker-style leather shoes” on overseas business trips offers far better cost performance than bringing expensive leather shoes.
This has been a detailed explanation of the leather shoes I personally prioritize. They are affordable, so even trying them just once will help you understand their exceptional quality.
I have written a more detailed review about “Texcy Luxe” below, which covers what couldn’t be included here. Feel free to check it out if you’re interested. The review also includes photos of the “Texcy Luxe” shoes I purchased and have been using for five years.
Sneakers for the Gym (Fitness)
Previously, I only wore the aforementioned “Texcy Luxe” sneakers, but after starting strength training and running, I began bringing gym (fitness) sneakers as well. Since fitness centers can only be used when I have spare time, there’s even a possibility I might not use them after bringing them along.
However, as some hotels won’t allow gym access without proper shoes, I purchased what I believe to be the most compact sneakers available on Amazon, placed them in a shoe bag, and tucked them into the gaps in my luggage. They are incredibly lightweight and compact, so much so that I even pack them in my 3-way bag, which doubles as a backpack, during domestic business trips.
Travel Shoe Bag
I primarily use it only when bringing gym shoes. I use the same shoe bags for business trips that I typically use when going to the gym. I use two types of shoe bags for the gym: one from Nike and the other from Adidas. The Adidas shoe bag is very compact and doesn’t take up much space. The Nike shoe bag looks very stylish, making it great for everyday use.
Pajamas (Sweatshirt and Sweatpants)
To relieve the fatigue of business trips, I use “recovery wear.”
Recovery wear is a product designed to improve sleep quality and enhance recovery simply by wearing it during sleep. It was ranked as the best recommendation in the “Best Wear for Hotel Stays” feature in the May 2018 issue of GoodPress.
(Image above: Quoted from GoodPress May 2018 issue)
On international business trips, finding ways to relieve fatigue is essential, so relaxing in the hotel room is very important.
For red-eye flights or long-haul journeys, wearing this recovery wear allows for a very comfortable experience.
Toiletries
Stored in MUJI’s “Hanging Travel Case”
This MUJI “Hanging Travel Case” is revolutionary. You can hang it on a bathroom hook and use your toiletries directly from the case—a very convenient storage solution for toiletries.
Considering the convenience and ease of organization it offers on-site, this product is the best choice for storing toiletries.
(Image above: Courtesy of Amazon)
Amazon’s private label, “Amazon Basics,” also offers similar products at affordable prices.
I have reviewed several “Amazon Basics” products, so feel free to check them out.
Shampoo and Conditioner
I use Collage Furfur, which I transfer into MUJI bottles. Collage Furfur is a shampoo that effectively prevents dandruff, particularly in cases of seborrheic dermatitis. I rely on it during overseas business trips, where stress levels tend to be high, to prevent dandruff.
Hotel shampoos in foreign countries, especially in Southeast Asia and rural China, can often be of very low quality. Bringing a high-quality product from home provides peace of mind.
(By the way, the Collage Furfur listed below is also something I use in Japan. It contains medicinal ingredients and completely prevents dandruff, making it highly recommended.)
For more details on “dandruff prevention” and “Collage Furfur,” please refer to the article linked below.
NIVEA Cream (using MUJI refillable bottles)
NIVEA Cream is incredibly versatile. It can be used on your face, body, hands, and even hair. It’s especially helpful during winter or in dry regions where your skin can quickly become dry and uncomfortable.
For reference, all liquids and gels are stored in refillable MUJI bottles like the ones below.
Taking full-size shampoo pump bottles on overseas business trips is impractical, so refillable bottles are a must. They provide a sleek appearance and help reduce weight.
Glasses, contact lens solution, spare contact lenses
Contact lens solution is a liquid, which increases weight and affects mobility.
Initially, I used to carry a small bottle of solution and a contact lens case, but recently, I’ve started using single-use travel-sized solutions like the one in the image below, which are sold at convenience stores for about 150 yen.
Although labeled as single-use, these bottles actually contain enough solution for about three days. Carrying two to three bottles for your trip is affordable and significantly reduces weight.
Buying them in bulk on Amazon prepares you for sudden business trips and is more cost-effective than purchasing them at convenience stores.
Electric shaver
I used to use a compact travel-sized electric shaver. While it was very small and reduced luggage weight, its poor cutting performance left patches unshaved and increased shaving time, which was frustrating.
Now, I carry this professional-grade shaver, which I also use daily at home. Although it slightly increases the luggage weight, it significantly enhances comfort and saves time during shaving, making it highly useful.
Moreover, the battery lasts for over 14 days, so there’s no need to carry a charger!
Additionally, this shaver is waterproof, allowing you to relax and shave while soaking in the bath.
Before purchasing it, I consulted a Yodobashi Camera staff member, who mentioned that Panasonic is now more popular than Braun. They recommended the LAMDASH series below, assuring me it’s a safe choice. (Although there’s a five-blade option, the three-blade version is sufficient for most users unless you have particularly thick facial hair.)
The Panasonic LAMDASH shaver is extremely battery-efficient and delivers excellent cutting performance, making it invaluable not only for business trips but also for daily use.
I currently use the LAMDASH mentioned above, but if I were to buy now, I would definitely choose the latest model. (It’s almost unfortunate that the LAMDASH is so durable and reliable that there’s no need to replace it.)
By eliminating the traditional handle found on standard shavers, this new model maintains its shaving power while becoming significantly more compact.
Moreover, it can be charged via USB, making it incredibly convenient to bring along on business trips or travels. This innovative shaver doubles as a daily-use device and a travel companion, seamlessly fitting into both roles.
Toothbrushes
In many Asian countries, including China, most hotels provide toothbrushes. Even in budget accommodations, they are usually available, so you don’t need to bring one unless you have specific preferences.
However, in Western countries, particularly in Europe, even luxury hotels do not provide toothbrushes. From my experience, not even five-star hotels are an exception, so it is essential to bring your own.
I use Panasonic’s Doltz electric toothbrush and always bring it on business trips. It comes with a case, making it perfect for travel. Once you try the Doltz, you’ll never go back to a regular toothbrush. While it’s a bit pricey, it’s worth it when you consider the lifetime savings on dental bills.
When I have extra space in my luggage or know I’ll be on a long business trip, I bring the Panasonic Jet Washer Doltz oral irrigator. I use this daily, and I’ve become so accustomed to it that I feel uncomfortable if I don’t use it during trips. I’m completely addicted to Doltz, so I bring it depending on the trip’s duration and my luggage capacity.
By the way, the Panasonic Jet Washer Doltz uses high-pressure water jets to remove debris from the mouth. When I first used it, I was shocked at how much debris it could clean. My gums also bled quite a bit initially. Over time, my gums became stronger, and now I use it daily to the point where I feel uncomfortable without it.
Continued use undoubtedly improves oral health and reduces bad breath. I believe it’s a highly effective tool for maintaining business etiquette. There are portable and full-size models available, but I recommend the portable one for trips and travel. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a shot.
By the way, for those interested, the detailed review article below provides comprehensive insights into the Panasonic Jet Washer Doltz. It’s worth checking out!
Compact Scissors and Nail Clippers
Nail clippers are surprisingly frequently used. Since I have ingrown nails, I carry nipper-style clippers. These are difficult to find locally, so I’ve started carrying them. (The nipper-style clippers are advantageous because they can cut through wire-like or hard materials that regular scissors cannot.)
Cotton Swabs and Band-Aids
These are separated into smaller quantities and stored in the mesh section of MUJI’s “Hanging Travel Case.” They may seem small, but having a few on hand proves useful for various purposes.
Portable Bidet
A portable bidet is an essential item for international business trips and travel!
Living in Japan, I became accustomed to using bidets daily, so traveling abroad without them left me feeling “incomplete” or “unclean” after using the toilet. Bidets are almost nonexistent abroad, and toilet paper is often rough, making conditions challenging for sensitive skin.
I thought my skin could handle it, but during 1-2 week business trips, I often experienced discomfort. While this never happens in Japan, prolonged trips left my skin feeling “raw.”
A portable bidet is a must to avoid such discomfort.
My top recommendation is Panasonic’s Portable Bidet, Handy Toilette DL-P300. This ultra-compact device can use a standard PET bottle as its water tank, a brilliant feature for travelers.
The following link provides a detailed review of the portable bidet I purchased. If you’re interested, please take a look.
Additionally, Nepia’s Oshiri Celeb is an excellent portable toilet paper with a very soft texture, making it a great item to tuck into the corner of your suitcase.
Work-Related Tools
Store in a paper bag and place it in your suitcase
Bulky work-related items are placed in the suitcase but separately stored in a sturdy, plain paper bag. This allows you to simply take out the paper bag and head directly to the meeting room upon arrival. During your stay, you can keep work-related tools in the paper bag and carry them as needed. (The paper bag should be plain and sturdy.)
Work-Related Documents
In my case, work-related documents make up a significant portion of my luggage.
I often carry around 200 A3-sized documents to hand out to clients. To prevent creases, I store these documents in an A3 file case before placing them in a paper bag.
Pen Case
I use a large Staedtler leather pen case that can hold a variety of items.
Portable SSD
SSDs are more compact and offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard drives.
I use the ultra-compact, shock-resistant, and water-resistant “SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB.” It features an excellent design, is incredibly compact and lightweight, and comes highly recommended.
My SSD contains not only work-related data (approved for security purposes), but also movie files and scanned book data, which I always carry with me.
For more details about the highly recommended “SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB,” please refer to the detailed review in the link below if you’re interested.
Mouse
I use the ultra-compact wireless mouse “Sanwa Supply MA-BTBL27.” Despite its small size, it fits well in the hand and is easy to use.
I have been using the older model for over five years.
I have written a review of my experience using this ultra-compact mouse not only during overseas business trips but also in everyday settings like cafes. If you’re interested, please check it out.
USB flash drives
USB flash drives are incredibly convenient for transferring data when working in a team, so I always bring one with me.
Transcend USB flash drives are highly reliable and come highly recommended.
Power Extension Cord
Overseas, offices are often not well-equipped, so I frequently work nomadically in various locations.
When working in hotels or cafes, power outlets are often limited or far from your seat, making an extension cord incredibly useful. Since I often work in teams, sharing the additional outlets with others is always appreciated.
For extension cords, it’s best to choose products labeled as “internationally compatible” for peace of mind. Using a reliable product is crucial to avoid accidents like overheating or fire hazards.
Wired LAN Adapter and Cable
Most modern hotels are equipped with WiFi, but the speed varies depending on the hotel. From my experience, many hotels have slow WiFi that isn’t reliable enough for online meetings, causing frequent issues during important calls.
To solve this, I carry a “TP-Link wired LAN adapter” and an “Amazon Basics LAN cable (0.3m),” which ensures a stable network connection even in hotels with slow WiFi.
While it might feel like a step backward from wireless WiFi to a wired LAN cable, I believe stability is far more important than convenience.
This is a very compact solution, so it’s worth having as a backup for emergencies.
I have written a review about my experience using the “TP-Link wired LAN adapter” and the “Amazon Basics LAN cable (0.3m)” after purchasing and testing them. If you’re interested, please check it out.
Food Items
Stored in MUJI Packing Cases
Food items are also placed in packing cases. Since most of them are relatively small, this prevents them from scattering inside the suitcase.
(Image above: Courtesy of Amazon)
Similar cases are also available at a great price under Amazon’s private brand, “Amazon Basics.”
We have reviewed several products from “Amazon Basics,” so please take a look.
非常食
During business trips, irregular working hours often make it difficult to have meals at regular times while working or traveling. Skipping meals can lower performance and harm your health, so I stock up on emergency food and bring plenty with me. I also share them with my team members. After arrival, I transfer these food items to my carry-on bag so they are always accessible.
Emergency food is surprisingly important. There have been several times in remote areas with no shops where having emergency food saved me.
Decaffeinated coffee
Most hotels provide instant coffee, but very few offer decaffeinated coffee.
I have a habit of drinking decaffeinated coffee before bed to relax, so I always bring stick-type decaffeinated coffee with me. Drinking caffeinated coffee at night makes it hard for me to sleep, but decaffeinated coffee has over 90% of its caffeine removed, so it’s safe. You might find it in large supermarkets overseas, but I rarely have time to search, so I prepare it in advance.
Others
I carry medications sorted into the case below. From my experience, medicine is likely the hardest thing to obtain locally. While major cities might have Japanese hospitals, smaller cities often lack even international hospitals. Local hospitals often require interpreters as they won’t treat you without understanding your language. They don’t try to understand your symptoms and may outright refuse to help (I’ve experienced this).
If you need to visit a local hospital, you often have to hire a medical interpreter through your credit card company, which involves a very cumbersome process. When you’re unwell enough to need a hospital, handling such a tedious process abroad is extremely tough. (I’ve had to arrange a medical interpreter and negotiate with my credit card insurance company while battling a fever…).
Even if I don’t go to the hospital, buying medicine locally feels worrisome and confusing.
For peace of mind and to “cure yourself before it worsens,” it’s reassuring to carry a few doses of common over-the-counter medications.
I use the pill cases below to organize a variety of medications, as I’ll explain later, carrying two cases as my personal portable medicine kit.
Prescription medications
Prescription medications for chronic conditions are essential. I suffer from chronic migraines, so I can’t do without my prescribed triptans. Be sure to consult your primary care physician.
※Inform your doctor about your upcoming business trip and request an extra prescription. It’s also wise to confirm any health concerns or precautions beforehand. Your health is more important than the business trip itself.
Over-the-counter medications
Over-the-counter medications vary by country, so prepare according to your country’s situation. This article is based on the situation in Japan.
Loxonin (pain reliever), Harry Ace (cold medicine), Gaster 10 (stomach medicine), Saclon (stomach medicine), Buscopan (for abdominal pain), Travelmin (motion sickness medicine), Biofermin (probiotic), Stoppa (anti-diarrheal), Muhi Alpha (anti-itch cream), throat spray, various vitamins, etc.
※It is generally advised not to take anti-diarrheal medicine and to let the body flush out toxins. However, in situations like boarding a return flight, having anti-diarrheal medicine can be a lifesaver (since toilets are inaccessible during takeoff and landing).
I’ve personally been saved by anti-diarrheal medicine twice right before boarding a return flight when diarrhea struck.
During overseas business trips, there are often long car rides. Unlike in Japan, service areas and convenience stores with accessible restrooms are not readily available.
For this reason, having “Stoppa” as an anti-diarrheal is an essential item for peace of mind!
Travelmin is effective even after motion sickness has already started. During overseas business trips, there are times when you must travel by car or plane despite feeling unwell.
In my experience, even if you don’t usually get motion sickness, traveling on unpaved roads for a long time when feeling unwell can easily make you nauseous. During business trips, it’s hard to ask to stop the car just because you’re feeling nauseous, as it might inconvenience your companions.
Like Stoppa, it’s a good idea to bring Travelmin for peace of mind. Travelmin is highly effective, and just having it with you provides reassurance.
I also bring enough Bifesta digestive medicine for the trip duration.
You never know if the local cuisine will agree with you or not. No matter how careful you are, you can’t avoid the water used in cooking, for example. It might just be a placebo effect, but ever since I started taking this during trips, I’ve had fewer instances of stomach discomfort.
Sakuron, a stomach medicine, is also essential. It’s common to experience stomach discomfort, but if you don’t bring it, it’s not easy to purchase it locally.
Buscopan is a medication for sharp abdominal pain, and I bring a few tablets for peace of mind.
It is the sleep aid “Driel.” I bring it for “jet lag relief” and in case I can’t fall asleep in the hotel. There may be mixed opinions on sleep aids, but I am in favor of them. To recover from jet lag, it’s necessary to have a sleep plan for when to sleep during the flight. However, it’s not always possible to sleep according to the plan. From my experience, if I take Driel, I’ll start feeling sleepy about an hour later and can fall asleep quickly. After arriving at the destination, if I work while sleep-deprived or after being awake all night, my performance suffers, so I use sleep aids effectively. Also, in unfamiliar environments, my mind can be too active, and I sometimes find it hard to fall asleep. In the worst cases, I couldn’t sleep until the morning. Using sleep aids effectively to avoid sleep deprivation works very well.
It is also a good idea to bring vitamins. From my personal experience, especially on business trips to Asia, the nutritional balance tends to be very unbalanced. “Salads” and other “Western-style fancy dishes” are often not available. In many regions, there is no culture of eating raw vegetables because raw water is not clean.
I bring the following DHC multivitamins, which are very affordable, provide reliable nutrition, and seem to be safe. I put enough for the duration of my trip into a pill case.
As mentioned above, it’s like carrying a mini version of a home medicine cabinet in its entirety.
Listing the medications above may seem like a lot, but in reality, I only carry a few pills of each, so it doesn’t become a significant amount of luggage. After over 200 business trips abroad, there have been a few instances where I really needed medication, and I’ve had to go to the hospital a few times as well. If it’s a mild symptom, I prefer to address it myself early on, so having a medicine kit is essential.
I’m not someone who is particularly weak or always sick, but even so, I tend to unconsciously feel more stress when abroad, making me more susceptible to illness compared to when I’m in Japan. As you can tell from the long explanation above, based on my experience, medications are truly hard to obtain locally, so “carrying my own medications is a top priority for me.”
As explained in detail above, based on my experience, medications are really hard to obtain locally, so carrying my own medication is a high priority for me.
Insect (Mosquito) Protection
A must-have “mosquito repellent spray” for those traveling to tropical and subtropical regions, such as Southeast Asia.
“Osumake Vape” is an excellent product that, with just one spray in the hotel room, keeps pests (mosquitoes and flies) away for 24 hours.
While it’s not something we often think about living in Japan, there are many deadly diseases transmitted by mosquitoes (such as dengue fever, Zika virus, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever, malaria, etc.), and research has shown that mosquitoes are the deadliest animals to humans (with 720,000 deaths annually caused by mosquitoes).
Such convenient products are unlikely to be sold locally, so it’s recommended to prepare them before departure for peace of mind.
*The package mentions effectiveness against “midges and drain flies,” but it seems to also be effective against regular “blood-sucking mosquitoes” as well. (This information was found in reviews on Amazon from customers who contacted the manufacturer.)
Bedbugs Protection
Recently, bedbugs have become a hot topic in Japan. I had a terrible experience during a domestic trip when I was bitten all over my body by a bug I couldn’t tell whether it was a tick or a bedbug.
Without exaggeration, I ended up with more than 50 insect bites all over my body, and I couldn’t do anything but endure the itching. Since then, I’ve made sure to take extra precautions against ticks and bedbugs whenever I stay at hotels.
Specifically, I decided to spray the bed with a tick spray upon checking in.
Additionally, I started spraying insect repellent on my body (especially on my legs, stomach, and arms, which seem to be more prone to bites) before going to sleep.
I also purchased a mosquito-repellent sleeping bag called “Cocoon Insect Shield Safari Travel Sheets Cotton” and now I sleep wrapped in it.
I have shared additional measures in the article below, so if you’re interested, please feel free to check it out. I never want to repeat that tragedy, so whenever I have time, I find myself thinking about ways to prevent bedbugs and ticks.
Power adapters
Depending on the country you are traveling to, a power adapter is essential. It’s recommended to buy a “universal” power adapter that works with all types of plugs, so you can use it for future travels as well. Once you buy one, you can use it for all your future trips.
By the way, in China, where I often travel, the same type A plugs as Japan are used, so there is no need to bring one. (However, it’s small, so I always keep one in my bag just in case.)
There are many types of power adapters available, but I personally like the MOCREO universal power adapter listed below. It has a great design, good functionality, and high ratings on Amazon, so I highly recommend it.
High-performance earplugs
Earplugs are useful not only during sleep but also in many other situations. First, hotel rooms. In overseas hotels, even some luxury (or mid-range) hotels have surprisingly poor soundproofing. The sound of people talking or the noise from air conditioner units can become distracting, and once you start noticing it, it becomes hard to sleep. In such situations, earplugs can be a huge help.
Also, while on airplanes, buses, or trains, you may often want silence rather than listening to music with headphones.
The earplugs I use and love, “MOLDEX Meteo,” are extremely inexpensive yet have excellent soundproofing performance, making them very useful. At under 100 yen per pair, they are even cheaper than what you would find at a 100 yen shop.
By the way, high-pitched, loud sounds like the iPhone alarm sound can still be heard clearly, so you don’t have to worry about oversleeping (at least, not likely). Just to be safe, I recommend testing it on a day off at home to make sure you can wake up with the alarm.
By the way, for better sleep, I use these earplugs and an eye mask every night even when I’m in Japan. Eliminating unnecessary noise during sleep definitely improves the quality of my rest. These earphones can double as earplugs, allowing me to reduce my luggage just a bit!
P.S. I later discovered revolutionary earphones that don’t hurt your ears even while sleeping.
Digital Camera
A compact digital camera is one of the essential items for overseas business trips.
Although the image quality of smartphones like the iPhone has improved, it cannot compare to the quality of digital cameras with large aperture lenses and sensors. I recommend bringing a “digital camera” to capture beautiful photos during overseas business trips.
However, even with high image quality, I believe “DSLR cameras” are too heavy and bulky for overseas business trips. A heavy and large DSLR camera can become cumbersome to take out of the bag or use for shooting, and often ends up not being used at all.
No matter how good the photo opportunity is, it takes courage to pull out and set up a large DSLR camera in front of people. I believe that to take great photos, having a camera that is compact enough to be quickly (and naturally) ready is very important. Based on this,
The camera I personally use and highly recommend for overseas business trips is the “SONY RX100 series.”
There are many digital cameras available in the market, but considering the balance of price, performance, and size, the “SONY RX100 series” is a foolproof choice.
The main reasons I recommend the “SONY RX100 series” are as follows.
1. It is ultra-compact!
→ It’s small enough to easily fit in your jeans pocket or the inner pocket of a jacket, significantly reducing your luggage for business trips.
2. It offers ultra-high image quality!
→ The image quality far surpasses that of smartphones like the iPhone, especially excelling in indoor and low-light photography.
3. It can be charged with a USB mobile battery!
→ You can charge it with a mobile battery, allowing you to shoot without worrying about running out of power.
There are many more reasons why the “SONY RX100 series” is ideal for business trips. I have shared a detailed review and reasons for recommending it in the article “【Review】Why I recommend the SONY RX100.” If you’re interested, feel free to take a look.
With the “SONY RX100 series,” you can quickly pull it out of your pocket when an opportunity arises and capture photos naturally and smoothly. Its compact size and high image quality ensure that you can take many great photos as a result.
I use the “SONY RX100 M3.” I have shared my personal review based on my experience, so if you’re unsure about choosing a digital camera, be sure to check it out.
Camera Tripod
When I have enough luggage space during a business trip or if I know in advance that a tripod will be necessary for shooting, I bring along a compact tripod called “Gorillapod.”
This tripod has flexible legs that can bend and twist, allowing it to be fixed in any location, which is a major advantage.
The tips of the legs have strong magnets, which allow the tripod to be fixed even in difficult positions, as shown in the photo below. This feature makes it incredibly useful.
Because it is compact, if you tuck it away in the corner of your suitcase, it will be very useful for photo shoots abroad.
SD Cards
SD cards are easy to forget, so be careful.
It’s recommended to bring several SD cards with large capacities, including spare ones. While non-brand SD cards are cheap, they are useless if the data gets lost, so I recommend branded ones. Specifically, the highly-rated Samsung SD cards on Amazon are affordable and offer great performance, so they are highly recommended.
SD cards can easily get lost if carried loose, so it’s a good idea to store them in a case, even if they are small. The cards themselves can be bought as much as you want by paying, but the data on the cards cannot be recovered no matter how much money you spend if lost, so I take maximum care in managing them.
By the way, Kaz from the popular gadget review YouTube channel “Kaz Channel” also uses a similar SD card case.
Lens Cleaning Tissues
This is also a very useful item. Each piece is very small and folded, and the pack contains 50 individually wrapped wet tissues for cleaning precision equipment, lenses, and more.
It can clean camera, tablet, and PC screens very effectively. Each individually wrapped piece is very small and easy to carry, so I typically bring 5 to 10 of them on each business trip. (They are so small that they don’t add any bulk to my luggage.)
Particularly when carrying a digital camera, they are essential for cleaning the lenses.
As you can see from the reviews on Amazon, this product is highly rated. Anyone who owns precision devices such as cameras, smartphones, or computers will find it useful not only on business trips but also for home use.
Maglite
I always keep a small Maglite in my suitcase.
The reason I need a Maglite is to prepare for power outages in hotels (or for evacuation during fires). I have traveled to developing countries in Asia, and in some regions, even hotels experience frequent power outages. Some hotels do not even have emergency power supplies.
In an unfamiliar place, a power outage can be very unsettling, and it becomes pitch dark, making it impossible to see anything without light. The Mini Maglite is very small and lightweight (16cm, 70g), and it is also very bright, so it’s worth keeping in my suitcase as a precaution.
*Note that the batteries included with the Maglite are highly likely to leak, so I recommend not using them and instead using Japanese-made batteries.
Body bag
To move around freely at the destination, it’s very convenient to bring a highly compact foldable body bag, the “GREGORY Tail Runner LT.”
When folded, it’s palm-sized like the photo below, making it easy to fit into the gaps in your suitcase.
When expanded from its compact state, it becomes a small body bag that can comfortably store items such as a passport, wallet, and smartphone. (The expansion process is very simple and can be done in 10 seconds.)
As you can see, the design is very stylish, making it perfect for everyday use.
This body bag is highly recommended for those who want to move light and free at the destination. Wearing the body bag on the front of your body also helps with theft prevention and security.
A detailed review is shared in the article below, so please feel free to check it out if you’re interested.
Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker
When I have extra space in my luggage or need to use video presentations on-site, I bring a Bluetooth waterproof speaker.
The speaker I personally use and love is the ultra-compact Bluetooth speaker called the “Anker SoundCore Sport.”
It’s waterproof to the point where it can be submerged in water, so I usually use it in the bath, but it’s also perfect for travel and business trips.
It’s great for playing background music in hotel rooms or bathrooms, and it’s also useful for playing music during team work or showing video presentations to clients on business trips.
With dimensions of 8.5 cm (height) x 8.5 cm (width) x 4.5 cm (depth) and a weight of approximately 230 g, it is compact and lightweight, easily fitting into gaps in your suitcase. For more details, please refer to the review article.
Fire TV Stick
It is an essential item for a comfortable stay in hotels.
Simply plug this “Fire TV Stick” into the HDMI port of the TV in the hotel, and you can turn any TV into a smart TV.
You can stream YouTube, Netflix, Ameba, Amazon Prime, etc., on the large TV in your hotel room, which makes it very comfortable. Watching on a large screen is much easier and more comfortable than on a small smartphone or tablet screen, and it helps alleviate stress during your business trip.
It is undoubtedly one of the most recommended gadgets.
Next, I will introduce the items to pack in your carry-on bag!
Items to pack in your carry-on bag
For my carry-on bag, I use the “PORTER” 3-way bag.
The essential feature is that it can be used as a backpack with its 3-way design! When traveling for business, there’s a lot of movement, and with a backpack, both hands are free, which significantly improves mobility. Especially in Asia, where the roads can be rough, having both hands free is a big help. Carrying only a handbag can severely limit mobility.
Without a backpack at the airport, subway, or in the city, your mobility efficiency will definitely decrease. The backpack function is essential.
There are many 3-way bags from “PORTER,” so it’s best to choose your favorite one.
By the way, the department I belong to frequently has international business trips, and most of my colleagues use 3-way bags. I may have influenced my colleagues to use them, but I believe the convenience of the 3-way bag makes it indispensable once you’ve tried it.
Passport Case
MUJI Polyester Passport Case
A passport case is essential for international business trips and travel.
The passport case is not only for storing your passport, but also very convenient for holding your airline ticket (boarding pass), writing instruments, cards, and even small coins or bills for emergencies. Most importantly, carrying your passport on its own increases the risk of losing it, so it’s very important to keep it in a case.
I used to use the “MUJI Polyester Passport Case” from MUJI, as shown in the photo below. The MUJI passport case has many pockets that can hold cards, coins, and more. It is designed to fit your passport as well as your airline ticket (boarding pass) perfectly, making it extremely convenient.
(Image above: Courtesy of Amazon)
Passport
The passport is the most important item.
There is a warning on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, so be sure to check the remaining validity period of your passport before traveling. Some countries may not allow entry if your passport does not have at least six months of validity remaining.
Multi-colored Pen
I use the LAMY multi-colored pen, as shown in the link below. I use it quite frequently to fill out immigration forms, take notes on the plane, and even communicate via writing when in China.
Wallet
Bellroy Travel Wallet
I purchased the “Bellroy Travel Wallet.”
Previously, I used an old wallet while overseas, but after finding the highly functional and spacious “Bellroy” wallet, I switched to it immediately.
A wallet specifically designed for business trips and travel abroad is indeed very convenient and practical.
(Above photo: The Bellroy Travel Wallet I am actually using)
Not only is it functional, but the design is also sophisticated, which makes carrying it a real pleasure. It gives me the same sense of ownership joy as owning Apple products like the iPhone.
(Above photo: The Bellroy Travel Wallet I am actually using)
What’s interesting about this wallet is that, as shown in the photo below, it has a space to store SIM cards.
I use an unlocked iPhone and carry local SIM cards with me, but since SIM cards are so small, they are easy to lose, and I was struggling to find a good storage space for them.
This wallet has a dedicated space for SIM cards, which has been incredibly convenient.
When I travel for business overseas, I end up carrying many things that I don’t typically carry in Japan, such as cards for hotels and lounges, a lot of receipts, foreign currencies, and extra credit cards.
Despite its large storage capacity, the “Bellroy Travel Wallet” is very thin and slim, making it perfect for overseas business trips.
I was surprised when I saw the in-flight sales catalog of ANA during my recent flight.
To my surprise, this “Bellroy Travel Wallet” was featured in a full-page spread.
Since ANA’s in-flight sales catalog has limited space, it only showcases carefully selected products. The fact that the “Bellroy Travel Wallet” was featured there shows just how appealing and desirable it is.
(Above image: From the ANA in-flight sales catalog)
There is a YouTube video about the Travel Wallet. This video, like the one for the passport case, is very easy to understand, so if you’re interested, please take a look.
I’ve shared a detailed review of my actual experience with the “Bellroy Travel Wallet,” using many photos. If you’re interested, feel free to check it out.
It’s rare to find products that are both functional and well-designed, but Bellroy’s products are one of the few recommendations that combine both!
Portable Battery
Portable Battery（Important！）
A portable battery is extremely important! It becomes the lifeline of the electronic devices you carry.
Since we rely on various functions in devices like tablets and smartphones, running out of charge can lead to a very troublesome situation. Especially in rural areas abroad, it can be nearly impossible to find charging spots, and there’s often no time to recharge.
I often get asked which portable battery is recommended, and I can confidently say that choosing an “Anker” portable battery is the right choice.
1. Safety & Reliability
Safety and reliability are very important for portable batteries. Using poor-quality batteries can lead to overheating or fire hazards, which is very dangerous. I would never want to carry a subpar portable battery on an airplane or public transport.
Anker places great emphasis on safety, and with its robust warranty system and customer support, it provides absolute peace of mind.
2. High Reputation
Anker’s portable batteries dominate the top 1-3 positions in Amazon’s portable battery category. All their batteries are highly rated, with abundant customer reviews. With so many people choosing and using them, you can be confident in their quality.
3. Wide Variety
Anker offers a wide range of models depending on the capacity of the portable battery. You can choose the one that suits your preferences and needs.
How to Choose Anker Portable Batteries
Anker offers several types of portable batteries. Generally, the larger the capacity, the bigger the size. Choose the one that suits your needs based on your destination and the duration of your trip.
My recommended Anker portable batteries are the “Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000” with a 5,000mAh capacity, the “Anker PowerCore 10000” with a 10,000mAh capacity, and the “Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD” with a 20,000mAh capacity.
I’ve mentioned in another article that I own all three of these portable batteries. To choose the one that best suits you, consider the following options from these three models. (The image shows from left to right: 5,000mAh, 10,000mAh, and 20,000mAh.)
Anker 5,000mAh
- If you prioritize reducing your luggage and enhancing convenience, the “5,000mAh” model is ideal.
The “Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000” has a built-in power plug, so there is no need to carry an additional charger, making it an incredibly convenient product designed for international business trips and travel.
This product was highly praised by YouTuber Hikakin, and as a result, it was sold out on Amazon for a long time and became available at a premium price. After some time, Amazon’s stock finally stabilized, and it became available for purchase at the regular price.
It is an innovative product with a compact size that reduces your luggage, as you no longer need to carry a separate charger. Despite its 5,000mAh capacity and built-in power plug, it is compact enough to be smaller than a credit card.
Among the mobile batteries currently on the market, this is an exceptionally attractive product. If you don’t have a mobile battery, this is a great choice, and even if you already own one, it makes an excellent second option.
↓A new 5,000mAh model has been released!
I’ve shared my review after using the “Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000” for a while.
Anker 10,000mAh
- A well-balanced “10,000mAh” in terms of capacity and convenience
The “Anker PowerCore 10000” is a versatile power bank with a large capacity of 10,000mAh and a compact size almost the same as a credit card.
Due to its high quality, it consistently maintains the #1 bestseller spot on Amazon and is praised by YouTubers and bloggers.
With a capacity of 10,000mAh, you can charge your iPhone or other smartphones up to 4 times. Carrying this around will ensure you don’t have to worry about your phone’s battery for 1–2 days.
With its compact size, about the size of a credit card, and lightweight (about the weight of 3 eggs!), you can easily carry it in your bag without it being a burden. You might even forget it’s there.
The “Anker PowerCore 10000” is a well-balanced mobile battery in terms of capacity, size, and price. If you’re unsure, getting the “Anker PowerCore 10000” will be a safe bet.
↓A new 10,000mAh model has been released!
Anker 20,000mAh
- “20,000mAh” for long flights and business trips to developing countries
Despite its enormous 20,000mAh capacity, it boasts one of the lightest weights in its class, making it the perfect mobile battery for international business trips.
This mobile battery is perfect for long flights, extended business trips, trips to developing countries where power sources are limited, and situations where you can’t find time to charge during frequent travels.
With a massive 20,000mAh capacity, you can do the following:
- Charge an iPhone 8 up to 7 times!
- Charge a MacBook 1.2 times!
- Charge an iPad Pro 10.5 up to 1.7 times!
Running out of power abroad is not only inconvenient, but it can also lead to dangerous situations if you lose your means of communication. The “Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD” is undoubtedly useful for enhancing safety during international business trips.
I have shared my actual experience with the products below, so please check them out.
It’s been a long explanation, but mobile batteries are an essential item for international business trips. I’ve tried various mobile batteries and settled on the three products I’m recommending today. I don’t think you’ll regret using any of these three.
For frequent international travelers, I recommend getting all three types like I did and using them according to the situation. I hope this serves as a helpful reference.
I believe mobile batteries are very important for business trips abroad, and I have provided a detailed review in the article below.
Laptop Charger
I also carry the compact “Anker Nano II 65W” laptop charger.
Even chargers with over 65W output that can charge a laptop are incredibly compact compared to the original charger. Anker is the most reliable brand for mobile batteries, and I was amazed at how small they’ve made this charger using their unique technology.
It is truly a must-have laptop charger for international business trips.
I have shared a review of my actual experience using it below, so please take a look.
Others
Foldable Umbrella
I always keep a foldable umbrella in my handbag. However, carrying a regular foldable umbrella all the time is heavy and becomes cumbersome. I use the ultra-compact foldable umbrella shown below and always keep it in my handbag.
Not only during overseas business trips, but I always keep one in my bag wherever I go, so I own about three of these umbrellas. It is not only small and light but also very thin. I believe there is probably no smaller foldable umbrella than this one.
It weighs only 165g and is amazingly thin, just 2.5cm!
It seems fragile due to its small size, but after using it for over five years, it is still in perfect working condition.
Business Cards Holder
I carry about 100 business cards in my business card holder.
In addition to business cards, I also carry card-sized notes in my business card holder. I do this even when I’m in Japan, and this size of notebook is extremely useful. For example, in Chinese-speaking regions, I can write what I want or my taxi destination in kanji on this notebook and hand it over.
Also, when writing a memo to give to a customer or someone else, sturdy paper of this size is very helpful.
iPad mini・Kindle Paperwhite
I use it to read scanned books and books purchased on Kindle. I usually read books on my Kindle Paperwhite during flights or before bed.
I have written a review of my experience with the Kindle Paperwhite in the article below, so please refer to it if you’re interested.
Guide Book
In recent years, the guidebook industry has been shaken up.
This is because the famous yellow guidebook, “Chikyu no Arukikata” (The Japan Travel Guide), was released in electronic form (Kindle version).
I always carry guidebooks like “Chikyu no Arukikata” even when going on business trips. This is because there are often unexpected opportunities for sightseeing, and it’s easy to quickly get an overview of the landmarks and historical sites of the area. It also serves as a great conversation starter with clients and colleagues.
However, until now, guidebooks like “Chikyu no Arukikata” were very thick, heavy, and bulky to carry. I used to scan “Chikyu no Arukikata” and convert it into a PDF, but since the Kindle version was released, I no longer need to do that.
There is no book more suited to the e-book format than a guidebook.
For future business trips, it’s very convenient to purchase the Kindle version and load it onto a Kindle Paperwhite or a tablet like an iPad.
By the way, it’s better to purchase the Kindle in Japan. While it may be fine when you have plenty of time at a hotel while traveling, in some overseas hotels, the internet speed may be very slow, and downloading Kindle content could take a lot of time.
Charging Cable
Instead of using the original Apple charging cables, it’s very convenient to use a cable that supports multiple connectors with just one cable.
The product below is the cable I use regularly, and it supports three connectors: “Lightning,” “USB Type-C,” and “MicroUSB,” all in one cable.
It’s such a convenient cable that seems almost made for business trips abroad. With this single cable, you can use it with almost all gadgets, including iPhone, Android, Kindle, mobile batteries, and digital cameras. It’s highly recommended and very efficient. It’s reasonably priced and more durable than the original, making it a great value for money.
For more details, I have written a review based on my personal experience, so please check it out if you’re interested.
Wireless Audio Transmitter
This gadget allows you to use your noise-canceling headphones to listen to audio when watching movies on the in-flight monitor.
I use this “Wireless Audio Transmitter” to pair with my Bluetooth wireless headphones. By plugging this into the headphone jack, you can use Bluetooth-enabled wireless headphones with devices that don’t have Bluetooth functionality.
Specifically, you can turn the in-flight video system, hotel TV or radio, and laptops into Bluetooth devices. Wireless functionality is more convenient than expected. For example, on a plane, you can go to the restroom without removing your headphones, and even if you change position, you won’t get tangled in wires. In a hotel, you can walk around the room while always listening to music or audio through your headphones. With dimensions of 55mm in height, 25mm in width, and 11.5mm in thickness, it is much smaller than an iPhone, so it doesn’t get in the way.
Sanitizing items
These can be used at local restaurants in rural areas.
For example, in some rural restaurants, the cutlery and plates can sometimes be unbelievably dirty. I want to reduce the risk of food poisoning as much as possible. Additionally, when going to dusty places, you can wipe your face and body.
Surprisingly, in many overseas countries (especially in Asia), the culture of using wet wipes is not common, and they can be hard to find, so it’s better to carry a bit more with you.
Additionally, I make sure to use hand sanitizer after washing my hands to prevent colds and stomachaches. Getting influenza or other illnesses while abroad can be very troublesome, so I take extra care to prevent it.
I recommend “Teppika Gel Plus,” which has strong disinfecting power. I transfer it into MUJI’s small containers and bring it with me.
Finally, I will introduce the items to put in your pocket when departing.
Items to put in your pocket
I labeled it as “Items to Put in Your Pockets,” but more accurately, it should be “Items to Wear.”
Wallet for Japanese Currency
Wallet for Local Currency
As mentioned earlier, I transfer the local currency and credit cards from my “wallet for domestic use” to my “wallet for local use” during the flight. My “wallet for domestic use” is my usual wallet, while the “wallet for local use” is the previously mentioned “Bellroy” wallet.
Items that I won’t use overseas, like my driver’s license, stay in the “wallet for domestic use” to prevent loss. The “wallet for domestic use” is kept in the bottom of my carry-on bag while I am overseas.
Gadgets
Smartphone (iPhone)
The well-known iPhone (smartphone). Thanks to this, I can significantly reduce my luggage. It serves as a music player, electronic dictionary, ebook reader, and more.
Noise Cancelling Earphones
It is especially effective on airplanes. Even if you’re not playing music, using the noise cancelling feature of the earphones will significantly reduce the engine noise of the plane. Even when playing music, using the noise cancelling feature allows you to hear the sound clearly at a very low volume, which is easier on the ears. It is also useful when you need to concentrate on tasks, such as during business trips.
I’ve tried various earphones, but AirPods Pro is still the best.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Even though I use noise cancelling earphones, I also use noise cancelling headphones because using them together greatly enhances the noise isolation.
I always wear AirPods Pro, and on top of that, I wear Sony noise cancelling headphones when studying, not only on planes but also in cafes. (It may sound unbelievable, but it’s true.)
At that time, I turn on the noise cancelling feature on the AirPods Pro, and turn off the noise cancelling feature on the Sony headphones. Then, when the battery of the AirPods Pro runs out, I turn on the noise cancelling feature on the Sony headphones.
When both the noise cancelling features of the earphones and headphones are turned on, they don’t work well together, so I only turn on one of them and use the other as earplugs. The noise isolation improves astonishingly, so I highly recommend trying it out!
Selected Over-the-Counter Medications
I carry the following three types of over-the-counter medications in a “Frisk case (an empty Frisk box)” in my pocket. I always carry the selected over-the-counter medications from those mentioned earlier in my suitcase in my pocket.
Loxonin (headache medicine), Stopper (anti-diarrhea), and Travelmin (motion sickness medicine)
After experiencing the fear of being hit by severe diarrhea during takeoff and landing (when I couldn’t use the bathroom) on a plane, I always carry Stopper with me. I also carry Travelmin, which is effective even after motion sickness has started. Both of them are for prevention, as vomiting or accidents can cause significant trouble to those around me.
I also bring prescribed migraine medications and sleep aids for long-haul flights.
Wristwatch
SEIKO ASTRON or Apple Watch
The wristwatch I wear during international business trips and travels is the “SEIKO ASTRON” watch.
It is famous as the watch favored by Prime Ministers Abe and Kishida.
The “SEIKO ASTRON” is a solar-powered GPS satellite radio clock, so even when traveling abroad, it automatically receives signals and adjusts to the local time accurately.
Its prestigious design, used by Japan’s prime ministers, makes it appropriate for any situation, such as important presentations, ensuring you won’t offend anyone. It truly is the “most suitable wristwatch for international business trips.”
Priced at around 200,000 yen, it is a reasonably priced luxury watch. It’s ideal for international use, as it avoids the risk of wearing overly expensive watches.
Wearing expensive watches like Rolex or Omega abroad can make you a target for crime, and in business settings, it can come across as “tacky.” Therefore, I believe SEIKO is the best choice.
However, recently, unless it’s for a very formal business trip, I use an Apple Watch.
Next, I will introduce what to consider when traveling to destinations with special climate conditions!
Tropical or Cold Climate Locations
Cold Climate Locations
When traveling to a cold climate, your clothing will naturally be winter-specific, but there are other essential items I recommend bringing along.
Foot Warmers
Particularly in regions like Northeast China and Beijing, the cold can be far more intense than in Japan (e.g., Tokyo). Without proper cold-weather precautions, the cold can disrupt your work and even cause health issues.
I have often traveled to cold regions (with temperatures ranging from -10 to -25 degrees Celsius) during the winter, and from experience, one item I absolutely recommend is the “foot warmers.”
Regular hand warmers are available in China, but the “foot warmers” are not as easily accessible.
No matter how cold the body feels or how low the temperature is, if your feet are warm, you strangely don’t feel the cold as much. Once I realized this, I started buying foot warmers for the entire trip whenever I went to cold locations. These foot warmers are adhesive and easy to use, just stick them on the toes over your socks.
UNIQLO Ultra Light Down
UNIQLO’s Ultra Light Down is incredibly useful. It’s very thin yet warm, making it perfect for layering under a coat. Additionally, it can be rolled up and packed into a small bag, making it very compact and easy to fit into gaps in your suitcase.
I bring this Ultra Light Down on all my winter trips, not just to cold regions, in addition to my coat. It’s very convenient because it allows for easy adjustment based on the local temperature.
Although it is not from UNIQLO, similar high-rated products are available on Amazon.
Tropical Regions or Resort Areas
If your business trip is to a tropical or resort area, light clothing is essential, but the following items would also be helpful.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is very important. For those who work in office environments, the sun in areas closer to the equator can be intense. Be sure to bring sunscreen.
Not using sunscreen can lead to more than just a sunburn; it can cause skin damage. Sunburns make you look bad to clients and, more importantly, can be painful, making it difficult to focus on work. When applying sunscreen, pay extra attention to your face (nose) and the back of your neck.
The following sunscreen is highly rated on Amazon and is a gel-type sunscreen similar to lotion. With SPF 50, it provides very high sun protection. It’s compact and easy to carry.
Sunglasses
In areas with strong sunlight, sunglasses are essential. In such areas, for example, during inspections, the strong sunlight might make it hard to see clearly without sunglasses, or it can strain your eyes while traveling by car.
Wearing sunglasses in formal business settings is not considered rude. Even U.S. presidents and former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso wear them during meetings.
I carry the foldable Ray-Ban sunglasses listed below. They fold up into a very compact size, making them easy to store. I also use them for personal trips to resorts, so they’re something I’ll use for a lifetime.
Next, I’ll share some things you should prepare in advance and additional information for your upcoming business trip abroad!
Pre-departure preparations and additional information
SIM Card
It has become easy to purchase a local SIM card in any country. I recommend buying a prepaid SIM card for your destination country on Amazon before your business trip.
If you switch to an international SIM card during your flight, you’ll experience the excitement of being able to access the internet from the moment you land, even while still in the plane.
I recommend choosing a SIM card based on your destination and the required data capacity.
South East Asia SIM
America SIM
Europe SIM
VPN Service (For travel to China)
As you may know, in China, due to government regulations, SNS services such as LINE, Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, and YouTube cannot be used. Being unable to use these services can cause significant inconvenience, even during short-term travels.
By using a VPN service, you can access SNS services like LINE, Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, and YouTube, just like you would in Japan, even while in China. Several companies provide VPN services, and I recommend the “Sekai VPN” service.
How to Book Hotels at a Good Price
Using hotel booking sites (OTAs: Online Travel Agents) is a great way to earn points and get good deals.
I use “Rakuten Travel,” and I earn Rakuten points with every stay, which is very beneficial. Although the official hotel websites may offer the lowest price at times, booking through Rakuten Travel can ultimately be more cost-effective as you accumulate points with each stay. I use “Rakuten Travel” for almost all of my stays to efficiently accumulate Rakuten points.
<Make the Most of Hotel Booking Sites!>
Hotel booking sites like「Rakuten Travel」frequently hold sales, offering prices that are often cheaper than those on the hotel’s official website.
The best part is that you can earn points every time you stay at a hotel.
Since hotel stays can be expensive, you’ll accumulate a significant amount of Rakuten Points as a result.
While there are many international booking sites, issues such as unconfirmed reservations or poor customer support during problems can arise. For safety and reliability, we highly recommend using Japanese hotel booking sites like Rakuten Travel.
Preparation for a Comfortable Flight
Listening to Books: Audible
Amazon’s “Audible” is an innovative service that lets you listen to books instead of reading them.
You can “read” with your eyes closed, making it ideal for flights and other travel without straining your eyes.
Instead of machine-generated voices, professional narrators and voice actors provide an easy-to-listen experience, offering a unique alternative to traditional reading.
With a wide selection of books ranging from business to novels, new releases, and paperbacks, you can keep listening without getting bored even during long trips. Of course, downloaded content can be enjoyed offline.
Once you try it, you’ll see that “Audible” is truly an ideal service for business trips and travel abroad. Above all, it doesn’t strain your eyes, so you can “listen to books” while resting your eyes on the plane!
How to Use Uber with Code “6ag5jg2qw4gn”
Using Uber during overseas business trips or travels makes transportation incredibly convenient. Recently, I used Uber abroad for the first time and was amazed by its affordability and convenience.
If you’ve never used Uber before, enter the promo code “6ag5jg2qw4gn” to receive 1,500 yen worth of rides for free on your first use. It’s a great deal for cashless travel from the airport to your hotel or vice versa.
The amount of free credit may change periodically, but as of this writing, the referral bonus has significantly increased to “2 rides, each up to 2,000 yen free”!
As I mentioned in my Uber review article, “Why You Should Use Uber Abroad,” I used the promo code “6ag5jg2qw4gn” and arrived at the airport at the cost and travel time outlined in the table below.
＜Transportation from Amsterdam City Center to the Airport＞
| Transportation Method | Cost | Travel Time |
| Train | Affordable (2,500 yen for 2 people) | Over 1 hour |
| Airport Bus | Moderate (4,300 yen for 2 people) | Around 40 minutes |
| Taxi | Expensive (6,000 yen for 2 people) | About 30 minutes |
| UBER | Super cheap (550 yen for 2 people!) | 17 minutes! |
Compared to other transportation options, you can clearly see how affordable and superior Uber is. It’s no wonder Uber is making headlines worldwide. (If the first-time promo had been 2,000 yen as it is now, the trip to the airport would have cost just 50 yen!)
1. No conversation needed
You don’t need to know the local language
2. Protection against detours and overcharging
All routes are recorded via GPS
3. Easy to get a ride
Even during taxi shortages, UBER is easy to book
4. Safe and reliable
You can check driver ratings beforehand
The Uber app downloaded in your home country can be used worldwide without any changes.
Therefore, it is recommended to install the app on your smartphone and enter the promo code “6ag5jg2qw4gn” while still in your home country.
This way, you can conveniently call an Uber as soon as you arrive at an overseas airport. (Downloading the app after arriving in the country might be challenging due to potential internet connectivity issues, so it’s better to download it at home where WiFi is reliable.)
The promotion amount and details may vary by country, so please check in advance. The promotion mentioned in this article is specific to Japan.
I have written a detailed review of my experience using Uber in the article below. If you’re interested, please check it out.
Overseas Business Trip Packing List: Summary
Summary
Finally, I’d like to introduce the top 3 most essential and popular items from the overseas business trip packing list featured in this article.
Best 1: Texcy Luxe Leather Shoe-Style Sneakers
These leather shoe-style sneakers enhance mobility during overseas business trips. With excellent design as leather shoes and the comfort of sneakers, they are a highly recommended item. (Size selection available via the link below.)
Best 2: MUJI Travel Goods
MUJI’s travel goods are highly efficient. They feature excellent design, durability, and, above all, are created with travelers’ convenience in mind. Browsing through MUJI’s travel goods to find what you need is also a fun experience.
At MUJI stores, there are special showcases for travel goods. Every item looks so convenient that you might want to buy them all. MUJI also has an official account on Amazon where you can browse all their travel goods, making it feel like visiting a store in person.
Best 3: Portable Bidet
Since bidets are rarely available abroad, a portable and compact bidet is incredibly useful for use in hotels during overseas business trips or while out at restaurants and other venues.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the author’s personal experiences and is for informational purposes only. The blog does not guarantee the accuracy or applicability of the content and assumes no responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from its use. Please verify the information as needed before making decisions.