Your First Week in China: The Essential Checklist

Updated Jan 27, 2026

Your First Week in China: The Essential Checklist

Just landed in China? Here’s everything you need to do in your first week, in order of priority.

Day 1: Immediate Priorities

Get a SIM Card

You need mobile data to do almost anything in China.

Options:

  • Airport kiosk (most convenient): China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom booths at arrival
  • Online order before arrival: Get an eSIM delivered to your hotel

What you need:

  • Passport
  • Cash or international card (some accept foreign cards)

Cost: Around 100-200 RMB for a monthly plan with 10-20GB data

Tip: China Unicom is often recommended for expats - better coverage and slightly easier setup process.

Police Registration (The 24-Hour Rule)

This is mandatory and time-sensitive.

If staying at a hotel: They register you automatically. Done.

If staying at an apartment/Airbnb: You must register at the local police station within 24 hours.

What you need:

  • Your passport with valid visa
  • Lease agreement (or host’s property certificate)
  • Your landlord may need to accompany you

What happens if you skip it?

  • Fine up to 2000 RMB
  • Can affect future visa renewals
  • Some cities are stricter than others

Time needed: 15-30 minutes at the station

Day 1-2: Set Up Payments

Alipay Setup

China is 99% cashless. You need Alipay or WeChat Pay.

Steps:

  1. Download Alipay from App Store / Google Play
  2. Register with your foreign phone number
  3. Complete real-name verification (passport photo + selfie)
  4. Link an international Visa/Mastercard

Cards that work well:

  • Wise
  • Revolut
  • HSBC
  • Some Singapore/Malaysia bank cards

Cards that often fail:

  • Some US credit cards
  • Some UK cards

Spending limit without Chinese bank: Up to 2000 RMB via “Tour Pass”

WeChat Pay (Optional but useful)

Similar process to Alipay. Having both gives you backup options.

Tip: WeChat is also the main messaging app in China - everyone uses it.

Day 2-3: Transportation

Get a Metro Card

Available at any subway station:

  • Deposit: Usually 20 RMB (refundable)
  • Top up: Cash or mobile payment at machines

Alternative: Many cities support phone-based metro payment through Alipay/WeChat.

Download DiDi

China’s Uber equivalent.

Setup:

  1. Download DiDi app
  2. Register with phone number
  3. Link Alipay or WeChat Pay

Tip: You can use the English version of DiDi, but drivers only see Chinese. Helpful to have your destination written in Chinese.

Day 3-5: If Staying Long-Term

Open a Chinese Bank Account

Why you need it:

  • Higher payment limits
  • Receive salary (if working)
  • Easier utility payments
  • Some services require it

Requirements vary by bank, but typically:

  • Passport with valid visa
  • Chinese phone number
  • Proof of address (police registration receipt)
  • Work permit (for some banks)

Recommended banks:

  • Bank of China (most expat-friendly)
  • ICBC
  • China Merchants Bank

Tip: Bring a Chinese-speaking friend if your Mandarin is limited.

Get Your Bearings

Download these apps:

  • Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps - Google Maps doesn’t work well in China
  • Meituan (美团) - Food delivery
  • Taobao (淘宝) - Online shopping
  • Dianping (大众点评) - Restaurant reviews (like Yelp)

Week 1 Checklist Summary

Must Do (Within 24-48 hours)

  • Get a SIM card
  • Complete police registration
  • Set up Alipay
  • Download WeChat

Should Do (Within First Week)

  • Get a metro card
  • Download DiDi
  • Download navigation app (Amap/Baidu)
  • Set up VPN (if needed for work)

If Staying Long-Term

  • Open a Chinese bank account
  • Get a local phone number plan
  • Register for utilities (if renting)

Common First-Week Mistakes

Mistake 1: Skipping Police Registration

“I’ll do it later” turns into overstayed deadlines and potential fines.

Mistake 2: No Cash Backup

While China is cashless, some small vendors and emergencies require cash. Keep 200-500 RMB on hand.

Mistake 3: Only Setting Up One Payment App

If Alipay has issues, you need WeChat Pay as backup (or vice versa).

Mistake 4: Not Having Addresses in Chinese

Taxi drivers and delivery people can’t read English addresses. Save important locations in Chinese.

Need More Help?

Last updated: January 2026