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ARRIVAL CHECKLIST

Your first 72 hours in China.

Handle the tasks with deadlines or knock-on effects before delivery apps and convenience. This checklist saves progress only on this device.

Start the four tasks →Still planning the move?
DEADLINES BEFORE CONVENIENCE

Complete these four checks.

Local implementation and personal requirements vary. Keep evidence and confirm anything affecting your lawful stay with the responsible official office.

Hotels generally register guests. For a dormitory, rented home, or private address, confirm who is responsible, whether it was completed, and what proof you should keep. The national baseline is generally within 24 hours for non-hotel accommodation, while the channel varies locally.

Next stepAsk the hotel, university, landlord, host, or local public-security channel for confirmation.
Common failureAssuming someone submitted it without checking the result or saving proof.
BackupKeep the exact Chinese address and contact the responsible local office if the route is unclear.

Tell your university, employer, host, or sponsor that you arrived. Ask for the current first-week list and put a name beside every formal task.

Next stepRequest deadlines, appointment owners, required originals, and a contact for exceptions.
Common failureReceiving a general PDF but not knowing which steps apply to you.
BackupAsk one written question at a time and keep the reply with your documents.

Use an official carrier channel and bring your passport. Confirm your phone accepts the SIM format you need, then test calls, messages, mobile data, and account recovery.

Next stepCompare price, data, contract length, and cancellation rules before signing.
Common failureDiscovering an eSIM-only or locked phone cannot use the expected local setup.
BackupKeep roaming or another temporary connection until the local number is fully working.

Try Alipay or WeChat Pay with a supported international card, but do not treat setup as complete until a real merchant payment works. Foreign cards may not support personal transfers or every mini-program.

Next stepTest a small merchant payment and check the in-app fee and verification messages.
Common failureRelying on one card, one wallet, or a personal transfer QR code.
BackupKeep another working card or a small amount of cash until your main route is reliable.
Read the payment guide →
AFTER THE FIRST 72 HOURS

Move into your first-month setup.

Choose the route that matches why you are here, then continue with housing, transport, healthcare, work or school systems, and the records you need to keep.

Work route →Student route →Family, research, or visitor route →
STUCK ON ONE OF THE FOUR?

Get a next step that fits the actual situation.

Describe what happened, what you already tried, your city, and what the app or provider said. Martin will confirm whether the task fits before you pay.

See local help →