Practical guidance
Guides for your life in China
Step-by-step answers for the decisions that matter before and after your move.
Your First Week in China: A Practical Arrival Checklist
The first essential tasks to handle after landing, from accommodation registration to mobile payments.
Getting a SIM Card in China: A Guide for Foreign Residents and Visitors
How to get a Chinese mobile number, choose a telecom provider, register with your passport, top up your account, and protect your phone.
How to Open a Bank Account in China as a Foreigner
A practical English guide to opening a Chinese bank account, preparing documents, choosing a branch, and linking the account to daily payments.
Renting an Apartment in Shanghai: A Practical Guide for Foreign Residents
How to search, inspect, sign, pay, and complete accommodation registration when renting a home in Shanghai.
Seeing a Doctor in China: Hospitals, Appointments, Emergency 120, and Payment Basics
A practical English guide for foreigners on how to get medical care in China, from outpatient registration to emergency ambulance calls and insurance reimbursement.
China Work Permits: What International Professionals Should Understand
A plain-English overview of the work permit process and the questions to ask before accepting a role.
Mobile Payments in China for Foreigners: Alipay, Weixin Pay, Cards, and Cash
A practical English guide to using Alipay, Weixin Pay, UnionPay, bank cards, and cash as an international visitor or new resident in China.