First Arrival in China — Must-Have Apps, SIM Card & Bank Guide

Arriving in China for the first time as an international student is an exciting, life-changing experience, but it can also feel overwhelming with all the new logistics to navigate. This ultimate survival guide covers everything you need to know to settle in smoothly, from getting a SIM card and bank account to downloading essential apps that will make your daily life in China easy and convenient.

Step 1: Get a Local SIM Card

The first thing you need to do after landing in China is get a local Chinese SIM card, which is essential for communication, mobile payment, and accessing campus services.

• Where to Buy: You can buy a SIM card at the airport (most major airports have China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom counters), at a local phone store, or at your university’s international student office.

• Required Documents: Your valid passport, student admission letter, and temporary residence permit (or X1 visa).

• Top Providers:

  • China Mobile: Best coverage nationwide, especially in rural areas.

  • China Unicom: Best for international roaming and 5G in major cities.

  • China Telecom: Good value for data plans, popular for international students.

• Recommended Plan: A 4G/5G plan with 20-50GB of data per month, costing ¥50 – ¥100 RMB (~$7 – $14 USD) per month, including unlimited domestic calls.

• Key Tip: Register your SIM card with your passport immediately, as unregistered SIM cards will be blocked.

Step 2: Open a Chinese Bank Account

A local Chinese bank account is essential for paying tuition, receiving your scholarship stipend, and making daily payments in China.

• Top Banks for International Students: Bank of China, ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China), China Construction Bank, and Agricultural Bank of China.

• Required Documents: Valid passport, student admission letter, temporary residence permit, and campus address proof.

• Services You’ll Get: A Chinese debit card, online banking, and mobile banking app.

• Key Tips:

  • Open your account at a branch near your campus, as they are familiar with international student requirements.

  • Link your bank card to mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay for cashless payments.

  • Notify your home bank of your travel to China to avoid your card being blocked.

Step 3: Download Essential Apps for Daily Life

China is a cashless, digital-first society, and these apps are essential for your daily life as a student:

Communication & Translation

• WeChat (微信): The #1 app in China, used for messaging, calling, mobile payment, social media, and campus services. You’ll use WeChat to communicate with classmates, teachers, and friends, and pay for almost everything.

• QQ: Another popular messaging app, especially among Chinese students, used for group chats and file sharing.

• DeepL Translator / Google Translate: Essential for language translation, with offline translation support for Chinese.

• Pleco: The best Chinese dictionary app for learning Chinese, with OCR, flashcards, and pronunciation.

Navigation & Transportation

• Amap (高德地图) / Baidu Maps (百度地图): The best navigation apps in China, with public transit, ride-hailing, and walking directions.

• DiDi (滴滴): China’s version of Uber, for booking taxis and ride-hailing services.

• 12306: The official app for booking train tickets in China, essential for traveling around the country.

Food & Shopping

• Meituan (美团) / Ele.me (饿了么): Food delivery apps, with thousands of restaurants and grocery delivery options.

• Taobao (淘宝) / JD.com (京东): China’s largest online shopping platforms, for buying everything from clothes to electronics.

• Dianping (大众点评): Yelp for China, for finding restaurants, cafes, and attractions with reviews and discounts.

Payment & Utilities

• Alipay (支付宝): The most popular mobile payment app in China, used for cashless payments, utility bills, and mobile top-up.

• WeChat Pay (微信支付): Integrated with WeChat, for all your payment needs.

• China Mobile / China Unicom App: For managing your mobile plan, topping up data, and paying bills.

Step 4: Settle Into Campus Life

After getting your SIM card, bank account, and apps set up, it’s time to settle into your new campus life:

• Complete University Registration: Visit the international student office to complete your registration, confirm your student status, and get your student ID card.

• Check Into Accommodation: Move into your on-campus dorm or off-campus apartment, and complete the accommodation registration with the local police station (required within 24 hours of arrival).

• Attend Orientation: Join the international student orientation program to learn about campus rules, visa requirements, and student support services.

• Meet Your Classmates & Roommates: Connect with other international and Chinese students to build your new community in China.

• Explore Your City: Take time to explore your new city, try local food, and experience Chinese culture.

Step 5: Essential Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Learn Basic Chinese: Learn simple daily phrases like greetings, ordering food, and asking for directions to make your life easier.

• Keep Digital Copies of Documents: Save copies of your passport, visa, admission letter, and other important documents in the cloud.

• Get Comprehensive Insurance: Ensure you have valid medical insurance for your entire stay in China, as required by Chinese law.

• Reach Out for Support: Your university’s international student office is there to help with any questions or issues you may have.

• Stay Connected with Home: Use WeChat, WhatsApp, or Zoom to stay in touch with your family and friends back home.

Get a Personalized Arrival Guide from CN_Uni_Offer

Every student’s arrival experience is unique, and our team at CN_Uni_Offer can create a customized arrival guide for you, tailored to your university, city, and individual needs. We offer end-to-end arrival support, including:

• Airport pick-up and transfer to your campus

• SIM card and bank account assistance

• App setup and daily life guidance

• Campus orientation and city tour

• Ongoing support during your first month in China

If you’re preparing for your first arrival in China, contact our team today for a free consultation and let us make your transition smooth and stress-free.