The first steps after arriving in China are crucial for a smooth start. Register your residence with the police within 24 hours, get a local SIM card for easy communication, and open a Chinese bank account to manage daily finances. Following these steps ensures you stay compliant, connected, and ready to settle in.

Arriving in a new country can feel overwhelming, especially when there are important rules to follow right away. Acting on these key steps early will help you avoid common issues and make life in China much more convenient.

From residence registration to setting up your phone and opening a bank account, this guide will walk you through the essential first steps after arriving in China, making your transition smoother and hassle-free.

Key Takeaways 💡

• ✅ Complete police registration within 24 hours of arrival
• ✅ Get a Chinese SIM card (passport required) for mobile payments
• ✅ Open a local bank account (needed for WeChat Pay/Alipay)
• 📌 Keep passport + visa copies for all registrations
• ⏳ Most tasks can be done in 3-5 business days

First Steps After Arriving in China: Legal Requirements

When you arrive in China, there are strict legal steps you need to follow. Registering with the police and, for long-term stays, applying for a residence permit are both required by law.

Police Registration (Mandatory Within 24 Hours)

You must register your address with the local police within 24 hours of arriving at your new place. 

This rule applies to all foreigners living in private homes, such as apartments or houses. Hotels usually handle registration for you, but if you’re staying with a friend or renting, you must do it yourself.

What you need:

• Passport and visa
• Proof of where you’re staying (rental contract or landlord’s property certificate)
• Your entry stamp from the airport

Where to go:

• Local police station near your accommodation
• If you are in a hotel, hotel staff will manage this process for you

You may have to pay a fine if you do not register in time. Registration is free, but you should keep the registration slip they give you.

Residence Permit Application (For Long-Term Stays)

If you plan to stay in China longer than your visa allows, you must apply for a residence permit. This must be done within 30 days of your arrival.

The permit allows you to live, work, or study in China for an extended period.

Required documents:

• Valid passport with visa
• Temporary residence registration slip (from police registration)
• Health check report from an approved clinic
• Your work or study permit (if applicable)
• Rental contract for your housing

Processing time: Usually takes 7 to 15 working days.

Go to the local Exit-Entry Administration office to submit your documents. Bring both originals and copies. Not having a residence permit on time can cause problems, so don’t delay this step.

📌 Also Read: Permanent Residence in China Application: Requirements & Process

First Steps After Arriving in China: Getting a SIM Card

When you land in China, you need a local SIM card to access the internet and use important apps. Getting a SIM card is one of the fastest ways to stay connected and safely use your phone for travel, booking rides, and calling for help.

Why a Chinese SIM Card Is Important

A Chinese SIM card gives you access to local networks, which helps you use maps, translation apps, and social media. Many services like bank apps and taxis require a local phone number.

A Chinese number is required for verification if you need to use WeChat, Alipay, or other payment apps. Having a local SIM card also makes it easier to receive travel alerts and emergency information. International numbers often do not work for these services.

Family or friends can also reach you easily. You will not have to pay international roaming or risk losing signal.

How to Buy and Register a SIM Card

You can buy a SIM card at major airports like Beijing Capital or Shanghai Pudong. Look for kiosks or service desks inside the arrival hall or baggage claim area. If you miss these, big phone stores in city centers also sell SIM cards.

Bring your passport since China’s law requires registration with photo ID. The staff copies your passport and may ask for a selfie for ID purposes. 

Choose a provider such as:

• China Mobile - Good coverage, common choice
• China Unicom - Popular, solid urban service
• China Telecom - Reliable, best for some regions

Plans include both calls and data. You can sometimes order a SIM online and pick it up at your hotel.

Tips for Using Your SIM Card in China

• Buy enough data for maps, translation, and social media. Plans range from a few gigabytes to unlimited.
• Top up at convenience stores, online, or using payment apps. Staff can show you how.
• Activate WeChat or Alipay right away. Payment apps need SMS verification, which works only with a local number.
• Save the SIM card packaging with your number and instructions for topping up.
• Set your phone to prefer 4G or 5G networks for better speeds. Some older phones may need a quick restart or settings update.
• If you do not know Chinese, ask staff for English setup help. In Chinese, write down basic phrases like “I need a SIM card” in advance.

Banking Essentials for New Arrivals

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Setting up your banking in China is important for daily life, like paying rent and shopping. Plan to open a local account and move money when needed.

Opening a Chinese Bank Account

Most new arrivals choose banks like ICBC, Bank of China, or HSBC China because staff often speak some English and services are foreigner-friendly. For the smoothest experience, try to visit a branch in a big city.

Bring these documents:

• Passport
• Chinese visa
• Work permit or residence permit

An initial deposit is usually between ¥1,000 and ¥5,000. Some banks may ask for a local phone number and proof of address. Processing your account may take a few hours, so plan for extra time.

Your Chinese bank account lets you use Alipay and WeChat Pay. These apps are used for most day-to-day expenses and bill payments.

📌 Also Read: List of Major Banks in China: A Full Guide

International Money Transfers

Using SWIFT bank transfers or platforms like Wise to send money to or from China. These are the most reliable for foreigners and usually have clear instructions in English.

There are some rules you need to know:

• Annual transfer limit: About $50,000 USD (or the equivalent)
• Documents: Keep records of all your transfers for taxes or future questions
• Processing times: SWIFT transfers might take a few days, while Wise is often faster

Ask your Chinese bank for the full list of requirements. Some banks need forms or detailed reasons for the transfer, especially for large sums.

Additional First Steps After Arriving in China

Once you have cleared customs and reached your accommodation, it is important to handle some basic things to make your daily life in China easier. 

These steps will help you get around, access medical care, and use important digital tools.

Getting a Transportation Card

You should get a transportation card as soon as possible to use public transportation like subways and buses. These cards are usually available at subway stations and convenience stores. They make paying for rides simple and save you time.

In most cities, the card is called a “交通一卡通” (Jiaotong Yi Ka Tong) or “metro card.” Just tap when you enter and exit stations or buses. You can add money to the card at stations or mobile apps.

Mobile payment options, such as WeChat Pay or Alipay, are popular for public transit in bigger cities. Download the city’s local transport app for real-time schedules, route maps, and mobile QR tickets.

Setting Up Health Insurance and Medical Care

Health insurance is important for emergencies and regular care. Many visitors have basic travel insurance, but it might not cover all local hospitals. For wider coverage, you might want to sign up for extra international or expat health insurance.

To see a doctor, you can visit public hospitals, private clinics, or international hospitals, especially in larger cities. International clinics usually offer English-speaking staff, which can be helpful. To register at a clinic, bring your passport and any insurance documents.

If you take prescription medication, find the nearest pharmacy soon after arriving. Keep a list of hospitals or 24-hour clinics close to your location in case of emergencies.

📌 Also Read: How to Ensure Healthcare Regulatory Compliance in China

Downloading Must-Have Apps for Life in China

Many daily services in China work best with a few key apps. Download WeChat, which is needed for messaging, payments, and joining groups or events. Alipay is also used for fees, travel, food delivery, and bills.

Install a translation app like Google Translate or Baidu Translate to help with communication. Use Baidu Maps or Amap for maps and navigation since Google Maps has limited coverage in China.

Here are some apps to install:

• WeChat: Chat, pay, book services, translation tools.
• Alipay: Payments, bills, ride-hailing, shopping.
• Translation App: Helps bridge the language gap.
• Maps (Baidu or Amap): For directions and public transport info.

Set up these apps using your passport and a local SIM card or phone number for better security and access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rules and procedures can be different depending on your city, visa type, and where you stay. It’s important to follow local requirements closely so you avoid fines or misunderstandings with authorities.

Can I register for residence online?

Online residence registration is possible in some larger cities like Beijing and Shanghai. In other places, you may still need to visit the local police station in person. Always check with your local police bureau or landlord for the latest process in your area.

Which SIM provider has the best English support?

China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the leading SIM providers. China Unicom generally offers better English support at major outlets and airports. Staff at international airports often speak some English, while service at smaller locations may be limited.

Can I open a bank account on a tourist visa?

Most Chinese banks will not let you open an account on a tourist visa. You usually need a work, student, or residence permit. Some foreign banks offer special accounts for short stays, but options are very limited.

Is police registration needed for hotel stays?

Hotels in China will register your stay with the local police. If you stay at a hotel, hostel, or official guesthouse, you do not need to visit the police station yourself.

How long does residence permit take?

Processing a residence permit usually takes 7 to 15 working days after you submit your application and documents. Some cities may process permits a bit faster or slower depending on the local office and time of year.

How soon after arrival must I complete residence registration?

You must register your address with the local police within 24 hours of arriving at your new residence in most cities. Registration is required even if you are staying with friends or in a rental apartment. Some areas may allow up to 72 hours, but it is safest to register as soon as possible.

Conclusion

After arriving in China, taking care of these first steps will set you up for legal status and make daily life much easier. Start by registering with the police, then get your SIM card and open a bank account. 

Most tasks are simple if you are prepared. Pro tip: keep color copies of all your documents since many offices will ask for them. If you want extra help, hiring a relocation assistant can make the process smoother.

If you need legal advice or encounter any issues, ☎️ contact Choi & Partners for expert support.