Guide for Working or Living in China: Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to the ultimate guide for those who plan to study, work, or live in China’s vibrant and dynamic world! Navigating the intricacies of daily life can be daunting, but fear not! We’ve compiled a comprehensive handbook to guide you through seamlessly integrating into Chinese society.

SIM card

1. Foreigners can bring their passports or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards to the service offices of telecom operators such as China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Broadnet, to apply for a SIM card and activate mobile communication services in China.
2. The mobile communication service plans usually include call time and data. Operators will provide different service plans according to customers’ needs, and users can choose the appropriate one.
3. Note: The plans often offer a limited amount of data. You can disable internet access when not using internet services if the data offered is little. Or, you are suggested to consult the telecom operator for an appropriate data plan if you need to use a large amount of data.

Read more about SIM Card in China

Bank card

1. Foreigners can bring their passports or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards, and mobile phone numbers in China to the business offices of commercial banks to apply for a bank card （please consult the customer manager of the business office for specific requirements）.
2. Foreigners shall fill in the account opening application form before applying for a bank card. After receiving the bank card, foreigners shall verify or modify the password on the ATM in time. It is recommended to download the mobile banking APP of the corresponding bank when applying for a bank card.
3. Foreigners shall keep their bank cards secure, to avoid loss or unauthorized use by others or criminals. In case of card loss, please report it to the corresponding bank in time.

Mobile payment

1. Foreigners can download and install WeChat or Alipay APPs and follow the instructions to input foreign or Chinese mobile phone numbers for account registration.
2. Foreigners can bind the APP with international bank cards with the Mastercard, Visa, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover logos or Chinese bank cards with the logo of UnionPay.
3. Foreigners can scan the collection QR code or show the payment QR code when making payments.Notes for binding international bank cards: #1: When binding an international bank card to Alipay or WeChat, it is necessary to obtain authorization from the foreign issuing bank. However, some issuing banks may reject the binding request due to their system’s inability to recognize the connection information.
4. In such cases, it is advisable to contact the issuing bank’s customer service center or consider using a Chinese bank card instead. #2: When using Alipay or WeChat for QR code payments through the bound international bank card, users are not required to pay an additional service fee if the transaction amount does not exceed RMB200; or, users need to pay a service fee at 3% of the transaction amount if the amount exceeds RMB200. #3: Alipay and WeChat have set transaction limits for bound international bank cards, with an annual limit of 50,000 and a single transaction limit of USD5,000.
   It is recommended that users who have bound international bank cards to the APPs consider your specific use cases before using mobile payment. #4: Users of AlipayHK, Wechatpay HK（HKSAR）, mPay（Macao SAR）, Kakao Pay（Republic of Korea）, Touch’n Go eWallet（Malaysia）, HiPay（Mongolia）, Changi Pay（Singapore）, OCB（Singapore）, Naver Pay（Republic of Korea）, Toss Pay（Republic of Korea）, and TrueMone（Thailand） can make QR code payments through these e-wallets in the Chinese mainland.

Read more about China’s digital payments revolution

Exchange of foreign currencies

1. Overseas visitors to China can exchange foreign currencies for RMB cash in advance in relevant countries or regions before bringing it into China（each visitor is allowed to take up to RMB20,000 in cash in or out of the country）.
2. Overseas visitors to China can exchange foreign currencies for RMB cash at commercial bank branches, money changers, and self-service currency exchange machines at international airports, land ports, ports, and other entry ports, or withdraw RMB cash using international bank cards at ATMs.

Transportation

Train

Using identification documents:
Foreign travelers can use the following valid identification documents when purchasing tickets or paying for the extended trip at the railway station’s ticket office and ticket agents, or on trains:
（1） Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card;
（2） Passport;
（3） Foreigner’s exit-entry permit;
（4） Seafarer’s Certificate;
（5） Receipt of acceptance of a visa application issued by the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organs of China;
（6） Passport loss report certificate;
（7） Temporary international travel document issued by embassies and consulates in China（with valid visas or stay certificates issued by the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organs of China attached）. Foreign travelers can use their Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards and passports to purchase tickets through the 12306 website, 12306 APP, or booking hotline. Foreign travelers can also use their Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards to purchase tickets at the self-service machines.
Ticket change
Foreign travelers can change their tickets at the 12306 website and APP, or the ticket office at the railway station. Foreign travelers can cancel their tickets at the 12306 website and APP, or the ticket office at the railway station. Service fees may be incurred depending on the time of cancellation. Railway station entry/exit and train boardingForeign travelers can enter and exit the railway station through automatic or manual ticket check gates with the original valid identification documents used when buying tickets, and cooperate to complete ticket verification on the way. For details of relevant rules, please visit the 12306 website or APP, or call China Railway customer service hotline （12306） for consultation.

Airplane

Foreign travelers can book tickets online on the airline’s official APP and WeChat mini program, or other ticketing platforms.
Ticket purchase
（1）You can buy tickets on the airline’s official APP and WeChat mini program and pay with Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay bank cards.
（2）You can also buy tickets at the airport and pay in cash or by WeChat, Alipay, or bank cards following the regulations of the airline.
Ticket change and refund
Foreign travelers can change or refund their tickets through the ticketing platform or at the airport. Fees may be incurred, which are subject to the regulations of the airline.

Metro

A total of 55 cities in China have metro lines. Foreign travelers can apply for metro passes at the metro station or use the Alipay APP to take the metro.
1. Foreign travelers can buy single journey tickets at the ticket office or self-service machines at the metro station. Frequent travelers can apply for metro passes at the ticket office with their passports. You can make payments in cash or by WeChat or Alipay.
2. Foreign travelers can open the Alipay APP on their mobile phones, click on “Transport”, and select “City”. After completing identity verification, you will obtain a QR code for the metro pass. You can enter and exit the metro station by having the QR code scanned.

Bus

Foreign travelers can pay in cash or by bus cards or the Alipay APP to take the bus.
1. Foreign travelers can pay in cash （RMB） to take buses. Buses usually do not provide change, so travelers need to prepare small change in advance.
2. Foreign travelers can take their passports to the service outlets of the bus companies to buy bus cards. Payment for the cards can be made in cash or by WeChat or Alipay.
3. Foreign travelers need to open the Alipay APP, click on “Transport”, and select “City”. After completing identity verification, you will obtain a QR code for public travel. You need to have the QR code scanned when getting on and off the bus.

Online ride-hailing services

Foreign travelers can use Alipay or WeChat to book online ride-hailing services.
1. Foreign travelers can open the Alipay APP, click on “Transport”, select “Taxi”, and enter both the pickup location and the destination to book a ride-hailing service.
2. Foreign travelers can open the WeChat APP, click on “Me”, select “Services”, scroll down and click on “Mobility” or “Ride Hailing”, and enter both the pickup location and the destination to book a ride-hailing service.
3. Download the Didi-Greater China APP, which supports foreigners to use foreign mobile phone numbers and international credit cards to register, and book online ride-hailing services once registered. Open the Didi-Greater China APP, confirm the pickup location and the destination, select the preferred services（Express, Taxi, Premier, Luxe）, and book a ride hailing service.

Car leasing services

Foreign travelers can rent cars at international airports and downtown service outlets. You can also use car leasing APPs or search for “mini-programs for car leasing” on Alipay or WeChat. Once registered, you can make a reservation for car leasing.
1. Foreign travelers who are going to rent cars need to bring their passports or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards, valid Chinese driver’s licenses, and international or domestic credit cards.
Note: Foreign travelers renting a car for the first time need to have their identity document information verified at least one working day in advance.
2. Foreign travelers applying for Chinese driver’s licenses must take their passports, and overseas driver’s licenses with a Chinese translation, recent one-inch half-length, bareheaded, full-faced color photos against a white background, and other necessary documents to public security traffic management service halls to apply for Provisional Driving Permits for compact cars. Foreigners who enter China for a short-term stay can apply for Provisional Driving Permits with a validity period of 3 months. For those who intend to stay longer than 3 months, the validity period can be extended to a maximum of one year. The permits can be used whenever the holders reenter China during the validity period without the need for reapplication.
Note: China has signed agreements for mutual recognition and exchange of driver’s licenses with France, Serbia, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates. This allows individuals holding driver’s licenses from the aforementioned countries to drive in China or obtain Chinese driver’s licenses without taking a test.

Accommodation

Foreign travelers can make hotel reservations online through the Trip.com APP or via telephone or other means.
1. Foreign travelers who are going to stay in hotels are required to present their passports, Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards, and other valid identification documents for registration at the hotel reception.
2. The available payment methods at the hotel include cash （RMB）, bank card, Alipay, and WeChat. If foreign travelers wish to pay with bank cards, you need to inquire in advance if Mastercard, Visa, or other international bank cards are accepted. Some hotels accept such payment methods as Apple Pay and PayPal; foreign travelers need to inquire in advance before making a payment

In conclusion, navigating life in China as an international resident is a rewarding journey filled with unique experiences and cultural immersion. From mastering the language to embracing local customs, this guide has provided valuable insights and practical tips to help you thrive in your new home. Remember to stay open-minded, adaptable, and respectful of the diverse tapestry of Chinese society. By embracing the challenges and opportunities that come your way, you’ll forge meaningful connections, create lasting memories, and truly make the most of your time living in China. So go ahead, embrace the adventure, and savor every moment of this enriching chapter in your life.

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