The China Helper
Your practical guide to studying, living and learning in China.
Nothing prepares a newcomer for the first Golden Week: the campus empties, train tickets vanish weeks in advance, and half the city closes for eight days while the other half doubles its hours. China’s holiday system is generous, predictable and…
Money is one of those topics nobody explains until it goes wrong. Can you bring cash in? How does your family pay your rent from abroad? What happens when you want to convert your leftover RMB at the end of…
Book high-speed rail with your passport, choose seat classes, navigate huge stations, find cheap flights and survive holiday travel rushes.
How to read a Chinese lease, what your deposit should cost, which clauses are red flags, and how to get your money back when you move out.
Temporary residence registration for foreigners: who must register, the 24-hour deadline, documents, the PSB process, fines, and student-specific notes.
Getting online in China: SIM data plans, campus and home Wi-Fi, what is actually blocked, lawful ways to stay connected, and local app replacements.
Set up WeChat Pay with a passport: real-name verification, adding a Chinese or foreign card, limits, fees, and fixes for common errors.
How to open a Chinese bank account as a foreigner: best banks, documents, the process, UnionPay card, and linking to WeChat Pay/Alipay.
Where and how to buy a Chinese SIM card as a foreigner: major carriers, documents, eSIM, plans, and top-ups.
What to expect in your first 24 hours in China: immigration, baggage, transport into the city, SIM, apps, and your first night.