Bank Cards and Mobile Payments
Daily payments in China are very convenient, with mobile payments widely used in supermarkets, cafeterias, subways, restaurants, and online shopping. After arriving on campus, international students usually need to first obtain a local mobile phone SIM card, and then open a bank account according to the requirements of the school or bank. When opening an account, you generally need your passport, admission or enrollment certificate, a local mobile phone number, and sometimes your accommodation address. Requirements vary slightly between banks, so it is recommended to follow the procedures provided by your school's international student office.
Once your bank card is issued, you can link it to commonly used payment apps to pay or receive money via QR codes. When setting up for the first time, pay attention to account real-name information, payment passwords, and security verification. Do not share verification codes with others, and do not click on unfamiliar links. If the payment app cannot be linked to an overseas bank card, consult your bank or school for solutions suitable for international students.
Although mobile payments are very common, it is still advisable to keep a small amount of cash as a backup, especially when you first arrive, when your phone battery is dead, when the network is unstable, or when some small shops do not accept foreign cards. Also, be aware of ATM withdrawal fees, exchange rates, and methods for family remittances. Once you have established a stable payment method, purchasing daily necessities, using transportation, and paying fees will become much easier. Understanding the relationship between your mobile phone SIM card, bank card, and payment apps is an important step in adapting to life in China.
After setting up your payment methods, you can first conduct small test transactions to confirm that payments, receipts, and refunds work properly. Keep your bank card and phone safe, and enable necessary security verifications. If your phone is lost, contact your telecom operator and bank as soon as possible to freeze the relevant payment functions.
School fee payments, scholarship disbursements, or refunds may also be processed through your bank card, so make sure your account information is accurate. If you have difficulty understanding banking procedures, you can ask a school teacher or classmate to accompany you, but you must keep your password to yourself.