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 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.