Student Corner
What to Pack From India — and What to Buy in America: The 22-Item List
7 min read · Updated July 12, 2026
Every year newcomers pay overweight-baggage fees to carry things that cost less in America, while forgetting the few items that are genuinely hard to replace. Here is the definitive packing split, with the customs rules that govern it.
Bring from India (12 items)
1. Original documents plus two photocopy sets: passport, visa, I-20/offer letter, transcripts, degree certificates, birth certificate.
2. Prescription medicines in original packaging with the prescription and a doctor's letter stating the condition — US equivalents require a US doctor's visit first.
3. Spectacles and a spare pair, plus your prescription — US eye exams and frames cost multiples of Indian prices.
4. Spice box staples and specialty ingredients from your home region; ground spices are generally admissible, but declare all food on the customs form.
5. Pressure-cooker gaskets and small spare parts for appliances you'll buy Indian-style locally.
6. Indian formal and festive wear — kurtas, sarees, sherwanis are expensive and limited in US stores.
7. Passport-size photographs in both Indian and US formats (a strip of each saves multiple errands).
8. A small amount of US currency for day one — and remember the $10,000 family declaration threshold.
9. Chargers and a universal adapter for the devices you carry (US plugs are Type A/B, 120V).
10. Contact-lens supplies and any specialty personal-care products you're loyal to.
11. Gifts that travel well for future hosts and friends — small, packaged, declared.
12. Vaccination records and complete medical history file, translated to English.
Buy in America instead (7 items)
13. Bedding, pillows and towels — bulky to carry, inexpensive at any US big-box store.
14. Kitchen appliances — Indian 230V appliances need converters and fail early; US-voltage rice cookers and mixers are warrantied locally.
15. Winter clothing — real winter gear for northern states is better and often cheaper in the US, and you'll know what you actually need after one cold week.
16. Electronics and laptops — US pricing and warranty service usually win; carry only what you already own.
17. Furniture and home goods — university towns run on move-out sales and community giveaways.
18. Umbrellas, footwear for rain/snow, and gym gear.
19. Stationery and textbooks — check library reserves and used markets before buying new.
The customs rules that decide close calls (3 items)
20. Declare every food item — declared admissible food passes; undeclared food risks penalties even when it would have been allowed.
21. Fresh produce, seeds, meat and most dairy are prohibited or restricted; packaged, shelf-stable, commercially labeled products fare best.
22. Gold jewelry for personal use is admissible into the US but declare high-value items; keep purchase receipts for anything significant, and see our customs guide for India-bound gold rules.