Start Your New Life with Confidence
Arriving in China is an exciting milestone, but your first few days can also feel overwhelming. Completing a few essential administrative tasks early will help you settle in faster, avoid unnecessary complications, and start enjoying your new life with confidence.
Whether you’re relocating alone or with your family, this guide walks you through the most important steps after arrival, from registering your address and getting a Chinese SIM card to opening a bank account, setting up mobile payments, and navigating everyday life in China.
Register Your Temporary Residence
One of the first legal requirements after arriving in China is registering your place of residence with the local authorities. If you stay in a hotel, this is usually done automatically. If you move into an apartment or serviced residence, you will normally need to complete the registration yourself with the local Public Security Bureau (PSB).
To complete your registration smoothly, make sure you have the following information and documents ready:
- Register your address within the required legal timeframe after arrival
- Hotels usually complete the registration automatically
- Register yourself if staying in a private apartment or house
- Bring your passport and accommodation documents
- Keep a copy of your Temporary Residence Registration Form
- Update your registration whenever you move to a new address
Get a Chinese Mobile Number
A Chinese mobile number is essential for everyday life in China. It is required for many services, including banking, mobile payments, online shopping, deliveries, and account verification. We recommend obtaining your local SIM card as soon as possible after your arrival.
When choosing and activating your SIM card, keep the following recommendations in mind:
- Visit an official China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom store
- Bring your passport for registration
- Choose a mobile number that has never been linked to WeChat or Alipay, if possible
- Select a mobile plan that matches your data and calling needs
- Test your mobile data before leaving the store
- Save your new number and update your important accounts
Open a Chinese Bank Account
Opening a Chinese bank account is one of the most important steps after arriving. While international bank cards can be used in some situations, a local account makes everyday life much easier, allowing you to receive your salary, pay bills, use mobile payment apps and access many local services.
Before visiting a bank branch, make sure you are prepared with the following:
- Bring your passport and Chinese mobile number
- Have your Tax Identification Number (TIN) available if requested
- Consider opening your account with ICBC or China Merchants Bank, which are often more flexible for foreign residents
- Allow one to three hours for the account opening process
- Activate online and mobile banking before leaving the branch
- Keep your bank documents and account information in a safe place
Set Up Mobile Payments
China is one of the world’s most advanced cashless societies. From supermarkets and restaurants to taxis and convenience stores, most daily transactions are completed using mobile payment apps. Setting up WeChat Pay and Alipay early will make your everyday life significantly easier.
To start making mobile payments with confidence, we recommend the following:
- Link your Chinese bank account to WeChat Pay
- Set up Alipay and complete identity verification if requested
- Test both apps with a small purchase
- Learn how to scan and display QR codes for payments
- Keep an international bank card as a backup payment method
- Update your payment apps whenever new features become available
Stay Connected
Staying connected is essential during your first days in China. Once your mobile number is active, take a few minutes to configure your devices and make sure you can access the services you rely on for work, communication and everyday life.
Before considering your digital setup complete, check the following:
- Verify that your VPN is working correctly
- Connect your email accounts on all your devices
- Install offline language packs for your translation app
- Download offline maps for your city
- Enable cloud backup for your important documents and photos
- Test your most important communication apps before you need them
Get Around Your New City
China’s major cities offer modern, reliable and affordable transportation options. During your first week, you’ll quickly discover that Alipay is much more than a payment app. It also gives you access to many everyday transport services, including DiDi for ride-hailing, metro and bus services in many cities, and HelloRide for shared bicycles. Becoming familiar with these integrated services will make getting around much easier from day one.
Here are a few practical steps to help you get around with confidence:
- Set up the transportation services available in Alipay
- Use DiDi directly through Alipay to book taxis and private rides
- Activate metro and bus services in Alipay where available
- Try HelloRide for convenient short-distance trips
- Install Amap (Gaode Maps) for accurate navigation and real-time traffic information
- Save your home and workplace addresses in both English and Chinese
Buy Your First Everyday Essentials
Once you’ve settled into your new home, it’s time to purchase the everyday items you’ll need for comfortable living. China offers an excellent shopping experience, with everything from supermarkets and convenience stores to online platforms that can deliver products within hours.
During your first few days, we recommend focusing on the following essentials:
- Buy groceries and bottled drinking water if needed
- Purchase basic household items such as cleaning products and toiletries
- Visit nearby supermarkets to familiarise yourself with local products
- Explore shopping malls for home essentials and electronics
- Use Meituan for food delivery and local services
- Start using Taobao or JD.com for convenient online shopping
Your First Week Checklist
Your first week in China can be busy, but completing these essential tasks early will help you settle in smoothly and avoid unnecessary stress later.
Before the end of your first week, make sure you have completed the following essential steps:
- Registered your temporary residence
- Obtained a Chinese mobile number
- Opened a Chinese bank account
- Activated WeChat Pay and Alipay
- Verified your VPN and internet access
- Set up your transportation services
- Purchased your first everyday essentials
- Saved important addresses and emergency contacts
Explore More Relocation Guides
Every successful relocation happens step by step. Explore our practical guides to help you prepare, settle in and make the most of your new life in China.
Preparing Your Move → Your First Days in China → Housing & Schools → Daily Life & Essential Apps
Need Help Settling In?
Settling into a new country involves many practical steps, and local procedures can sometimes be confusing. Most administrative procedures and everyday services are designed for Chinese speakers, making them challenging for newcomers. However, completing these essential tasks during your first few days is key to settling in smoothly and becoming independent as quickly as possible.
Whether you need assistance with administrative procedures, housing, school search or everyday life, Scout Relocation is always by your side.