Apps, payments, transport and campus culture tips from current students.
Life in China is vibrant, convenient and surprisingly easy to navigate once you set up the basics. The most important thing to understand is that China runs on mobile payments. Cash is rarely used, and foreign credit cards work only at major hotels and large stores. Before you arrive, download WeChat and Alipay. Once in China, link a Chinese bank account or use the international card binding feature. Within a week you will be paying for noodles, taxis and online shopping with your phone, just like a local.
Transport is efficient and cheap. Most cities have a metro, and rides cost about fifty cents. Shared bikes from Meituan and Hello are everywhere and cost pennies per ride. Didi is the Chinese equivalent of Uber and is cheaper than Western ride-hailing. Long-distance travel is best by high-speed rail, which is fast, punctual and comfortable. Download a VPN before arrival because many Western apps and websites are blocked in China, including Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube.
Campus cafeterias offer meals for one to two dollars, and the food is generally good and varied. If you have dietary restrictions, learn a few Mandarin phrases to explain them. Halal food is widely available, and vegetarian options exist, especially at Buddhist restaurants. A local SIM card from China Mobile or China Unicom costs about ten to fifteen dollars per month and includes plenty of data. Open a bank account at the Bank of China or ICBC with your passport and a campus letter.
Healthcare is affordable for minor issues. Universities have on-campus clinics, and international hospitals in big cities speak English. Always carry your passport and insurance details. The international student office at your university is your first point of contact for registration, visa issues and academic problems; they are usually very helpful.
Socially, Chinese students are friendly and curious about foreigners. A few words of Mandarin go a long way. Download Pleco, a great offline Chinese dictionary. Join student clubs, try hotpot with classmates, and explore your city on weekends. Be aware of cultural norms: respect for elders, the concept of saving face, and modest gift-giving. This survival guide covers SIM cards, banking, healthcare, payments, transport and social etiquette so you arrive prepared and thrive from day one.