As China continues to expand its high-level opening up to the outside world, an increasing number of international visitors are choosing to travel, work, and even settle down in the country. To ensure your journey in China is as smooth as possible, we have compiled a practical living guide designed to help you adapt more quickly to daily life here.
I. Obtaining a SIM Card
Simply bring your passport or permanent residence permit for foreigners to any China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Broadcasting Network service outlet to obtain a mobile SIM card and activate mobile communication services.
II. Applying for a Bank Card
Before visiting a commercial bank branch to conduct banking transactions, it is recommended that you have your passport (or Permanent Residence ID Card for Foreigners) and a mainland China mobile phone number registered under your real name ready. Please note that specific requirements may vary among different banks; for detailed information, please refer to the instructions provided by the customer service manager at the branch.
III、Enable Mobile Payments
(I) Download and Registration: Download and install the WeChat or Alipay app on your mobile phone. Upon opening the app, follow the on-screen prompts to register; during this process, you will be required to verify your mobile phone number (both domestic and international numbers are accepted).
(II) Linking a Bank Card: After logging into the app, navigate to the "Payment" or "Wallet" section to link a bank card. You may choose to link an international bank card bearing logos such as Mastercard, Visa, or JCB, or a domestic bank card bearing the UnionPay logo.
(III) Completing Payment: When making a purchase, you can complete the payment via QR code scanning using one of the following two methods:
1: Open the app's payment code for the merchant to scan.
2: Use the "Scan" feature within the app to scan the merchant's collection QR code.
Things to Know Before Linking an International Credit Card
1. When linking an overseas bank card to Alipay or WeChat, online authorization from the foreign issuing institution is required. If the card binding process fails due to a verification error within the bank's system, it is recommended that you contact the issuing bank for confirmation or attempt to use a bank card issued within mainland China instead.
2. When using an international card to make payments via QR code on these payment platforms, a threshold of RMB 200 applies regarding service fees. For single transactions of RMB 200 or less, users incur no additional costs; however, for transactions exceeding this limit, a service fee equivalent to 3% of the total transaction amount will be charged by the platform.
3. For international card users, Alipay and WeChat have established specific spending limits: a single-transaction limit of US$ 5,000, and an annual cumulative limit not exceeding US$ 50,000. Users are advised to select and utilize their payment methods prudently, taking into account their specific shopping or business travel requirements.
4. Users of various e-wallets—including AlipayHK, WeChat Pay HK, and mPay (from Hong Kong and Macau); OCBC (from Singapore); Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, and Toss Pay (from South Korea); Touch ’n Go (from Malaysia); TrueMoney (from Thailand); and HiPay (from Mongolia)—can directly make payments via QR code scanning when in mainland China.
IV. Foreign Exchange Conversion
(I) Prior to arriving in China, international visitors may exchange their currency for RMB at local financial institutions, as needed. Please note that, in accordance with customs regulations, each traveler is permitted to carry no more than RMB 20,000 in cash per entry or exit.
(II) Upon arrival in China, you may exchange currency at bank counters, specialized currency exchange outlets, or automated exchange machines located at airports, border crossings, and seaports. Additionally, holders of international bank cards may withdraw RMB cash directly from domestic ATMs.
V. Taking Transportation
(I) Trains
Ticket Purchase
1. Accepted Forms of Identification: When purchasing tickets, paying for upgrades, or handling ticket-related matters at railway station windows, authorized ticket agencies, or on board the train, foreign passengers may present any of the following valid documents: Permanent Residence Permits, passports, entry-exit permits, seafarer's certificates, visa application receipts, certificates of passport loss, or temporary travel documents issued by an embassy or consulate (which must be accompanied by a valid visa).
However, when booking tickets via the official 12306 website, mobile app, or telephone service, only passports or Permanent Residence Permits are accepted. Automated ticket vending machines primarily support transactions using Permanent Residence Permits.
2. Identity Verification Process: In accordance with the railway system's real-name ticketing regulations, passengers must undergo identity verification prior to purchasing tickets. Passengers may log in to the English version of the 12306 platform to enter their nationality, name, and identification document number as required; the system will then automatically cross-reference this information, or passengers may upload a photograph of their passport for manual review.
Alternatively, passengers may proceed directly to a staffed ticket window at a railway station, where staff members will perform the identity verification on-site.
3. urchasing Tickets: Once identity verification has been successfully completed, passengers may place ticket orders online via the English version of the 12306 platform, which supports major payment methods including WeChat Pay, Alipay, and UnionPay cards. Additionally, staffed ticket counters at railway stations accept ticket purchase requests (accepting both cash and electronic payments), and self-service kiosks available at select stations also provide this service.
Ticket Rescheduling
International passengers may reschedule their tickets via the English version of the 12306 website, the 12306 mobile app, or ticket windows at railway stations.
Ticket Refund
International travelers may process ticket refunds via the English version of the 12306 website, the 12306 mobile app, or railway station ticket windows. A handling fee may apply, depending on the time of the refund.
Station Entry, Exit, and Boarding
When entering or exiting stations and while traveling by train, passengers are required to present the original copy of an identification document that matches their ticket purchase details. They must cooperate with automated gate scanners or station staff during the verification process.
For detailed information regarding railway travel, passengers may consult online channels—such as the official 12306 English website or the mobile app—or call the 12306 railway customer service hotline for further inquiries.
(II) Aircraft
For domestic air travel, international travelers may utilize digital platforms—such as airline-developed mobile apps and mini-programs—to conduct online flight inquiries and ticket purchases.
(III) Subway
Currently, 55 cities across China operate subway systems. International visitors can either visit a station to obtain a physical transit card or simply use the Alipay app on their mobile phones to scan a QR code and pass through the turnstiles.
(IV) Public Buses
International passengers may choose their preferred payment method: paying with exact cash, using a transportation IC card, or completing the transaction via the Alipay app.
1. Public buses generally operate on a driver-only system and do not provide change; passengers are therefore advised to prepare small bills or coins of the exact fare amount in advance.
2. Travelers may present their original passport at designated service counters of the local bus company to apply for a transportation card. Card purchases can be paid for using cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay.
(V) Ride-Hailing Services
Foreign passengers wishing to book a ride-hailing service may either directly access the built-in service modules within the Alipay or WeChat apps, or download the official DiDi Chuxing client to request a ride.
(VI) Car Rental
International travelers may visit rental counters located at international airports or within city centers for in-person inquiries; alternatively, they can utilize dedicated car rental apps or search for relevant mini-programs within WeChat or Alipay to make online reservations.
1. To proceed with a rental, foreign nationals must present their passport or permanent residence permit, a valid Chinese driver's license, and a personal credit card.
Note: First-time car rental users are advised to complete the identity verification process at least one business day in advance.
2. If you need to apply for a temporary driving permit, please proceed to the service hall of a Vehicle Management Office, bringing with you your passport, your foreign driver's license (along with a corresponding translation), a one-inch passport-style photo with a white background, and other required documents. Short-term visitors may be issued a permit valid for three months; for stays exceeding three months, the validity period may be extended up to one year and permits allow for multiple entries.
Note: Visitors holding driver's licenses issued by France, Serbia, Belgium, or the United Arab Emirates are permitted to drive directly—or to exchange their licenses without taking a driving test—in accordance with mutual recognition agreements.
VI. Check-in Procedures
International travelers may book guest rooms via the international version of the Ctrip app, or by contacting the hotel's service hotline. If your travel itinerary includes Guangzhou, we highly recommend booking directly through the International Services LIUHUA to enjoy exclusive privileges and our Best Price Guarantee.
(I) Upon check-in, please present a valid form of identification—such as a passport or a Permanent Residence Card for Foreigners—at the hotel front desk to complete the mandatory real-name registration process.
(II) For payment at checkout, we accept RMB cash, major bank cards, as well as digital payment platforms such as WeChat Pay and Alipay.
As payment policies vary across different hotels, we recommend confirming in advance whether foreign-issued cards (e.g., Visa, Mastercard) are accepted, or if specific payment channels—such as Apple Pay or PayPal—are supported.
