Since China central government launched visa-free policies to welcome more foreign visitors, the whole society has also taken actions to better host customers from all over the world. To make your trip in China a smooth and pleasant one, here are some tips for you to work and live in China, which includes transportation, accommodation, telecommunication, banking, mobile payment, and exchange of foreign currencies.
Telecommunication
Foreigners can bring their passports or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards to the service offices of telecom operators such as China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Broadnet, to apply for a SIM card and activate mobile communication services in China.
Bank Account
Foreigners can bring their passports or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards, and mobile phone numbers in China to the business offices of commercial banks to apply for a bank card (please consult the customer manager of the business office for specific requirements).
Mobile Payment
(I) Foreigners can download and install WeChat or Alipay apps and follow the instructions to input foreign or Chinese mobile phone numbers for account registration.
(Il) Foreigners can bind the app to international bank cards such as MasterCard, Visa, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover, or Chinese bank cards with the UnionPay logo.
(III) Foreigners can scan the QR code or use the payment QR code when making payments.
Notes for binding international bank cards:
(I) When binding an international bank card to Alipay or WeChat, it is necessary to obtain authorization from the foreign issuing bank. However, some issuing banks may reject the binding request due to their system’s inability to recognize the connection. In such cases, it is advisable to contact the issuing bank’s customer service center or consider using a Chinese bank card instead.
(Il) When using Alipay or WeChat for QR code payments bound to an international bank card, users are not required to pay an additional service fee if the transaction amount does not exceed RMB200; users may need to pay a service fee of 3% of the transaction amount if the amount exceeds RMB200.
(IIl) Alipay and WeChat have set transaction limits for international bank cards, with an annual limit of $50,000 and a single transaction limit of $5,000. It is recommended that users who have bound international bank cards to the apps consider their specific needs before using mobile payment.
Users of AlipayHKļ¼WeChat pay HK, (HKSAR), mPay (Macao SAR), Kakao Pay (Republic of Korea), Touch’n Go eWallet (Malaysia), HiPay (Mongolia), Changi Pay (Singapore), OCBC (Singapore), Naver Pay (Republic of Korea), Toss Pay (Republic of Korea, and TrueMoney (Thailand) can make QR code payments through these e-wallets in the Chinese mainland.
Exchange of foreign currencies
Overseas visitors to China can exchange foreign currencies for RMB cash in advance before coming to China (each visitor is allowed to take up to RMB20,000 in cash in or out of the country).
Overseas visitors to China can exchange foreign currencies for RMB cash at commercial bank branches, money changers, and self-service currency exchange machines at international airports, land ports, ports, and other entry ports, or withdraw RMB cash using international bank cards at ATMs.
Transportation
Train
Ticket purchase Step #1: Using identification documents
Foreign travelers can use the following valid identification documents when purchasing tickets or paying for the extended trip at the railway station’s ticket office and ticket agents, or on trains:
- Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card;
- Passport;
- Foreigner’s exit-entry permit;
- Seafarer’s Certificate;
- Receipt of acceptance of a visa application issued by the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organs of China;
- Passport loss report certificate;
- Temporary international travel document issued by embassies and consulates in China (with valid visas or stay certificates issued by the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organs of China attached).
Foreign travelers can use their Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards and passports to purchase tickets through the 12306 website, 12306 app, or booking hotline.
Foreign travelers can also use their Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards to purchase tickets at the self-service machines.
Ticket purchase Step #2: Identity verification
To ensure safe and orderly passenger transport, China’s railway operator implements real-name ticketing according to relevant regulations.
Foreign travelers must complete identity verification before purchasing tickets.
(1) You can log in to the 12306 website or app to fill in your name, nationality, ID number, and other information following the instructions. The system will automatically complete identity verification. Or, you can upload a photo of the passport information page for manual verification.
(2) You can also take valid passports to the ticket office at the railway station for identity verification.
Ticket purchase Step #3: Purchase
After the identity verification, foreign travelers can purchase tickets.
(1) You can purchase tickets online through the 12306 website or app and pay with Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay bank cards.
(2) You can also purchase tickets at the ticket office at the railway station and pay in cash or by Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay bank cards. Some railway stations also have self-service machines for ticket purchase.
Ticket change/Ticket refund
Foreign travelers can change or cancel their tickets using the 12306 website or app, or the ticket office at the railway station. Service fees may be incurred depending on the time of cancellation.
Railway station entry/exit and train boarding
Foreign travelers can enter and exit the railway station through automatic or manual ticket check gates with the original valid identification documents used when buying tickets, and cooperate to complete ticket verification on the way.
For details of relevant rules, please visit the 12306 website or app, or call China Railway customer service hotline (12306) for consultation.
12306 website address: https:// www.12306.cn/en/index.html
Air
Foreign travelers can book tickets online on the airline’s official app and WeChat mini program, or other ticketing platforms.
Metro
A total of 55 cities in China have metro lines. Foreign travelers can apply for metro passes at the metro station or use the Alipay app to take the metro.
Bus
Foreign travelers can pay in cash or by bus cards or the Alipay app to take the bus.
(1)Buses usually do not provide change, so travelers need to prepare small change in advance.
(2)Foreign travelers can take their passports to the service outlets of the bus companies to buy bus cards. Payment for the cards can be made in cash or by WeChat or Alipay.
Online ride-hailing services
Foreign travelers can use Alipay, WeChat or Didi-Greater China APP to book online ride-hailing services.
Car Leasing Services
Foreign travelers can rent cars at international airports and downtown service outlets. You can also use car leasing apps or search for “mini programs for car leasing” on Alipay or WeChat. Once registered, you can make a reservation.
Foreign travelers who are going to rent cars need to bring their passports or Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards, valid Chinese driver’s licenses, and international or domestic credit cards.
Note: Foreign travelers renting a car for the first time need to have their identity document information verified at least one working day in advance.
Foreign travelers applying for Chinese driver’s licenses must take their passports, overseas driver’s licenses with a Chinese translation, a recent color ID photograph of one-inch, bareheaded, against a white background, and other necessary documents to public security traffic management service halls to apply for Provisional Driving Permits for compact cars.
Foreigners who enter China for a short-term stay can apply for Provisional Driving Permits with a validity period of 3 months. For those who intend to stay longer than 3 months, the validity period can be extended to a maximum of one year. The permits can be used whenever the holders re-enter China during the validity period.
Note: China has signed agreements for mutual recognition and exchange of driver’s licenses with France, Serbia, Belgium, and United Arab Emirates. This allows individuals holding driver’s licenses from these countries to drive in China or obtain Chinese driver’s licenses without taking a test.
Accommodation
Foreign travelers can make hotel reservations online through the Trip.com app or via telephone or other means.
- Foreign travelers who are going to stay in hotels are required to present their passports, Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards, and other valid identification documents for registration at the hotel reception.
- The available payment methods at the hotel include cash (RMB), bank card, Alipay, and WeChat. If foreign travelers wish to pay with bank cards, they need to inquire in advance if MasterCard, Visa, or other international bank cards are accepted. Some hotels accept such payment methods as Apple Pay and PayPal; foreign travelers need to inquire in advance.
