As an international student studying in China, you can do the following things after coming to China:
1. Exchange money at the bank
You can choose from the following exchange methods:
（1）Foreign currency exchange
Foreign currency carried by international students can be exchanged for Chinese yuan at nearby banks upon arrival, or they can open a Chinese yuan bank account in China. The following currencies can be exchanged for US dollars: British pounds, Hong Kong dollars, US dollars, euros,Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, and Australian dollars.
For more information, please visit the website of Bank of China: http://www.boc.cn/
（2）Traveler’s cheque
Most banks in China can cash traveler’s checks in US dollars, but processing foreign currency checks usually takes about 40 days, so we still recommend that you carry some cash with you.
（3）Line transfer
You can also wire transfer your living and other expenses to your account in China. Please bring enough cash to pay for your short-term accommodation and food upon arrival.
（4）Withdrawal at bank counter
Banks have restrictions on daily withdrawals from credit or debit cards. Please check your credit/debit card daily withdrawal limit within China before departure.
02 Learn Online Payment
Online payment is the most popular payment method for Chinese residents. You can download Alipay, Cloud Flash Payment, WeChat and other applications from your mobile phone,bind your Chinese bank card after real name verification, and you can use online payment. When paying, you only need to provide the merchant with a payment code or scan the merchant’s collection code to complete the payment.
Both Alipay and WeChat payment support connecting Visa, JCB and Discover cards.
03 Travel in China
The available modes of transportation are as follows:
01. If you need to take a bus or subway, you can directly use Alipay to pay for the ride.
02. If you need to take ride hailing services such as ride hailing, taxi, or bus, you can download relevant software to make reservations or book tickets, such as Didi Chuxing, GaodeTaxi, etc.
03. If you need to take a plane, high-speed rail, or train, you can use your passport to register and purchase through relevant software, such as where to travel, 12306.
04. If you need to use shared bicycles, shared car rentals, etc., you can download relevant software for scanning codes, such as Hello, Meituan, Shenzhou Car Rental, etc.
04 Some documents to be processed
01 Physical examination
Students who have not entered China are required to undergo a medical examination and can choose a qualified examination institution on their own. If they have already undergone a medical examination in their home country, they still need to go to a Chinese examination institution to verify its validity.
02 Insurance purchase
During their study abroad in China, international students need to purchase medicalinsurance and personal accident insurance, which can be purchased in their home country or in China. So far, most universities in China have provided guidance on medical insurance purchase,claims and other related services for international students.
03 Apply for a residence permit
Aliens’ residence permit is a kind of residence certificate for long-term residence in China. During its validity period, the holder can stay in China and enter and exit China for many times with the permit, and must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of studying in China. The materials required for applying for a residence permit shall be subject to the regulations of the local Exit Entry Administration Bureau.
*Some affairs in China need to be reserved in advance. You can use WeChat official account to make an appointment, make an appointment by phone, get the number on site and other ways.