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.

If you work, study, or travel to China regularly, this guide explains how to legally get a Chinese mobile number with your passport, where to go, how to choose a plan, and how to keep the number at low cost after you leave (so you can still receive verification codes or reuse it later).

Policy check: SIM and number-retention rules vary by city and carrier, and they change. Prefer in-store advice plus official hotlines 10086 / 10010 / 10000. Last verified: September 2026.

Renting is one of the first major tasks after arriving in China. Finding the right place, signing a solid lease, and completing temporary accommodation registration affect daily life—and also bank accounts, SIM real-name status, work permits, and residence permits. This guide covers the 2026 rental process, cost structure, contract clauses, police registration, and common pitfalls for foreigners.

Policy check: Local rules, agency practices, and registration channels vary by city and change over time. Prefer local police station / housing authority guidance. Last verified: February 2026.