The Complete Guide to Daily Life in China for Foreigners
Living in China? Our 2025 guide covers SIM cards, mobile payments, transportation, and banking for foreigners. Learn how to get connected, pay digitally, and navigate China with ease!
Getting Connected – SIM Cards & Mobile Services
How to Get a Chinese SIM Card
- Required documents: Passport or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
- Where to buy: Official stores of:
- China Mobile (中国移动)
- China Unicom (中国联通)
- China Telecom (中国电信)
Choosing a Mobile Plan
| Plan Type | Data Allowance | Price Range | Best For |
| Basic | 5-10GB | ¥50-100/month | Short-term visitors |
| Standard | 20-40GB | ¥100-200/month | Regular users |
| Unlimited | 100GB+ | ¥200-300/month | Heavy users |
Banking & Payments in China
Opening a Bank Account
- Required documents: Passport + valid visa/residence permit
- Recommended banks: ICBC, Bank of China, China Construction Bank
- Processing time: 30-60 minutes
Mobile Payment Options
- Alipay (Most widely accepted)
- WeChat Pay (Popular for social payments)
- UnionPay (Best for international cards)
How to Set Up:
- Download app → Register with passport → Link international card (Visa/Mastercard)
⚠️ Important: Some small vendors only accept Chinese bank accounts – always carry some cash!
Transportation Guide for Foreigners
Public Transport Payment Methods
| Method | How It Works | Where Accepted |
| Alipay Metro QR | Scan at gates | 55+ Chinese cities |
| Foreign Card Tap | Contactless payment | Beijing metro only |
| Physical Transit Card | Purchase at stations | All cities |
Ride-Hailing Apps Comparison
| App | International Cards? | English Support |
| Didi (滴滴) | Yes | Full |
| Meituan (美团) | No | Limited |
| Caocao (曹操) | No | Limited |
Pro Tip: Book Didi through Alipay mini-program for English interface!
Money Exchange & Cash Tips
Where to Exchange Currency
- Airports (24/7 but worse rates)
- Bank branches (Best rates, need passport)
- Authorized exchange counters (Look for official signage)
Exchange Limits:
- Max ¥20,000 per transaction
- Must show passport for all exchanges
Cash vs Digital Payments
- Cash needed for: Street markets, taxis, small shops
- Digital preferred for: Malls, restaurants, transport
Safety Tip: Carry small bills (¥10/20 notes) – many places won’t accept ¥100 bills!
Accommodation & Hotel Tips
Booking Platforms
- Foreign-friendly: Trip.com, Airbnb
- Local deals: Meituan, Ctrip (Chinese apps)
Hotel Check-In Requirements
- Passport registration mandatory
- International cards accepted at 4-5 star hotels
- Budget hotels may require cash deposit
Alternative: Consider serviced apartments for long stays (better visa registration support)
Essential Apps for Daily Life
- Alipay – Payments, metro, utilities
- WeChat – Messaging + WeChat Pay
- Didi – Ride-hailing
- Amap – Google Maps alternative
- Pleco – Chinese dictionary
Download Tip: Get these before arrival – some app stores restrict downloads in China!
FAQ Section
Q: Can I use my foreign SIM card in China?
A: Yes, but roaming charges are expensive. Local SIM recommended for stays >1 week.
Q: What if my mobile payment fails?
A: Try linking a different card or use the “Tour Pass” function in Alipay (pre-load RMB).
Q: How do I take the metro without Chinese?
A: Use Alipay’s “Transport” feature – it automatically calculates fares in English!
Final Tips for Newcomers
- Set up Alipay/WeChat Pay immediately
- Get a local SIM at the airport
- Always carry your passport
- Download VPN before arrival
- Save emergency numbers (110 police, 120 ambulance)
Need help settling in? Contact ApplyforChina for personalized assistance!