If you live, work, or study in China, opening a local bank account is almost essential. A Chinese debit card unlocks fuller WeChat Pay and Alipay features, lowers some cross-border friction, and makes salary deposits and daily spending easier. This guide covers 2026 policies, documents, steps, bank choice, and common pitfalls for foreigners.

Policy check: Requirements vary by bank and branch, and they change. Prefer in-branch guidance plus official sites/hotlines. Last verified: September 2026.

If you live in China, online shopping is almost a survival skill. From daily essentials and electronics to groceries and furniture, most things can be ordered online and delivered quickly. This guide covers 2026 platform choices, payment setup, address formatting, courier tracking, returns, and options for shipping abroad.

Policy check: Platform rules, fees, and courier prices change often. Prefer in-app help pages and official hotlines. Last verified: September 2026.