Arrival and First Days
Your first days in China will be an intense mixture of excitement and practical chaos. Most universities assign international students to campus dormitories, and your first priority after arrival is registration — both with the university and with the local police (a mandatory requirement for all foreign residents in China within 24 hours of arrival).
Bring printed copies of all your key documents: passport, visa, admission notice, and JW202 form. You will need these multiple times during registration.
SIM Card and Mobile Internet
Getting a Chinese SIM card is your most urgent practical task. Without a local number, you cannot access most Chinese apps or services. China's three main carriers — China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom — all offer student plans.
You will need your passport to register a SIM card. University campuses often have carrier outlets specifically for international students during the enrollment period. Campus Wi-Fi is available but inconsistent outside buildings.
**Important**: Most major international apps and services — including Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube — are blocked in China (the "Great Firewall"). A VPN is widely used by international students and expatriates to access these services, but VPN use is in a legal grey area. Research current regulations before relying on one.
WeChat (微信) is the essential communication app in China. Download it before you arrive. Almost all campus communication, local services, and social interaction happen through WeChat.
Mobile Payments
China is a near-cashless society. Alipay (支付宝) and WeChat Pay are used for virtually everything — meals, transport, shopping, and even market stalls. Setting these up requires a Chinese bank account or a foreign card linkage. Linking a Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay for basic transactions is possible and has improved significantly for international visitors in recent years.
Your university's international student office will advise on the current procedures. Don't skip this step — without mobile payments, daily life is significantly more difficult.
Banking
Opening a Chinese bank account as an international student is straightforward at most campuses. China Construction Bank (CCB) and Bank of China are commonly recommended. You will need your passport, student ID, and dormitory address. Having a local account makes mobile payments easier and allows you to receive money from home.
Transport and Navigation
Baidu Maps (百度地图) is the standard navigation app in China and works far better than Google Maps for local routes, transit, and addresses in Chinese. Download it and familiarize yourself with its interface before you need it urgently.
City metro systems are excellent and inexpensive. Didi (滴滴) is China's dominant ride-hailing app — the equivalent of Uber — and is essential for travel beyond metro lines.
High-speed rail (高铁) connects major Chinese cities at speeds up to 350 km/h. It is affordable, comfortable, and the standard way to travel between cities for distances up to around 1,500 km.
Food
Campus canteens (食堂) provide affordable, nutritious meals — typically 10–25 RMB (approximately 1–2.5 EUR) per meal. Food is excellent across China, and variety is extraordinary. Street food is generally safe at popular stalls.
For grocery shopping, supermarket chains such as Carrefour, RT-Mart, and local equivalents are widely available. Meituan (美团) is the dominant food delivery app.
Chinese Language and Daily Communication
Even basic Mandarin — 50–100 words — dramatically improves your daily experience. Numbers, greetings, food vocabulary, and directions go a very long way. SAJAEX's Chinese for Beginners course provides exactly this foundation.
Translation apps (Baidu Translate, Microsoft Translator) work well for restaurant menus and street signs. The camera translation feature is particularly useful.
Safety and Health
China is a generally safe country for international students, with low rates of violent crime. Campus environments are secure.
Register with your country's embassy after arrival for consular support if needed.
Health insurance is typically included as part of your student visa/residence permit package. Identify your campus health clinic and the nearest hospital with international patient services during your first week — before you need them.
Settling In
The first month is an adjustment. Culture shock is normal and temporary. Connect with other international students, join campus clubs, explore your city's food scene, and use WeChat to stay connected with family and friends from home.
SAJAEX's support does not end when you board your flight. Contact our team if you face challenges during your first months — we are reachable via WhatsApp throughout your time in China.