Daily Life
Your First Week in China: A Practical Arrival Checklist
The first essential tasks to handle after landing, from accommodation registration to mobile payments.
Rules and procedures can change. Check the linked official sources before acting on time-sensitive information.
Quick answer
What you need to know
During your first week in China, prioritize accommodation registration, a local mobile number, your employer's permit timeline, backup payment methods, and essential contacts. Complete accommodation registration promptly after arrival at a non-hotel address.
- Register your accommodation promptly after moving into a non-hotel address.
- Get a Chinese mobile number because many daily services use SMS verification.
- Ask your employer for a written work and residence permit timeline.
- Keep a physical card and some cash while setting up mobile payments.
The first week after an international move can feel busy. A short, ordered checklist makes it much easier to separate urgent tasks from jobs that can wait.
1. Confirm your accommodation registration
Foreign nationals generally need to register their accommodation after arrival. Hotels usually handle registration for guests. If you stay in a rented apartment or private home, ask your landlord and the local public security bureau how to complete the process for your address.
Keep a copy of your registration document. You may need it for later administrative steps.
2. Set up a local mobile number
A Chinese mobile number is useful for delivery services, transport apps, banking, and account verification. Visit an official store for one of the major carriers and bring your passport.
Before leaving the store, test mobile data and confirm that you can receive text messages.
3. Ask your employer for the permit timeline
If you are arriving for work, ask your employer or relocation provider for a written timeline covering your work permit, residence permit, medical examination if required, and any documents you need to provide.
4. Prepare a payment backup
Mobile payments are widely used, but setup can take time. Keep a physical bank card and some cash available while you configure your preferred payment method.
5. Save important contacts
Add your employer contact, landlord, hotel, embassy or consulate, and local emergency numbers to your phone. Share your temporary address with someone you trust.
What can wait?
You do not need to complete every part of your new life in a few days. Long-term banking arrangements, subscriptions, and neighborhood exploration can follow after the urgent administrative steps are in progress.
Official source
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Do foreigners need to register their accommodation in China?
Yes. Hotels normally register guests. If you stay elsewhere, complete the accommodation registration formalities with the local public security authority within the required timeframe.
Should I get a Chinese mobile number after arriving?
Yes. A local number is useful for SMS verification, payments, transport, delivery, banking, and communication with your landlord or employer.
Do I need mobile payments immediately?
Mobile payments are useful, but keep a physical bank card and some cash as backups while your accounts are being configured.
