What You Need to Know Before Arriving in China in 2025: Tips for International Students • China Admissions

We can see the excitement was in the air during our two July Arrival Info Sessions! Seeing your enthusiasm for your upcoming journey to China truly energized us, affirming why we love guiding students like you. We covered a wide range of questions during those online events, focusing on everything from essential arrival procedures and visa application to what to expect during your first days in China. Knowing these are common concerns for new international students, we’ve prepared this article as your guide to ensure a smooth journey and a fantastic start to your new life in China.

For an even deeper dive, don’t forget to check out our video on Top Tips for International Students below:

So here’s what first-time international students should pay close attention to upon their arrival in China:

Visa and Residence Permit

One of the most crucial steps upon entering China as a student is managing your visa status.

X1 Visa Conversion: If you arrive on an X1 student visa, please know it’s typically valid for 30 days from your entry date. You must convert this into a Residence Permit within this 30-day window. This is a mandatory legal requirement, and failing to do so can lead to significant penalties, including fines, detention, or even deportation. Your university will guide you through this process, which will begin only after you complete the official registration on campus.

Accommodation and Local Registration

Where you stay and how you register locally are immediate priorities.

24-Hour Police Registration: This is a mandatory legal requirement for all foreigners. Whether you’re staying in a university dormitory or an off-campus apartment, you must register with the local police station within 24 hours of your arrival in China. If you’re in a university dorm, the reception often handles this for you. If living off-campus, you are personally responsible for completing this step. Failure to register can result in substantial fines.
Arriving on Time for University Registration: Always aim to arrive during your university’s official registration period. Arriving too late without prior notification can lead to your admission being canceled. While arriving a day or two early to settle in is often acceptable, avoid arriving too early (e.g., weeks in advance). This could complicate your initial visa’s duration of stay and might impact your Residence Permit application, as the university can only begin that process after your official registration. Remember that university dorms are usually only available for check-in from the first day of official registration, so plan for temporary accommodation if you arrive earlier.

Travel and Transportation

If your journey involves additional travel within mainland China after your international flight, here’s what to keep in mind.

Domestic Transfers within Mainland China: If you have a connecting domestic flight or high-speed train, ensure you allow sufficient time between your international arrival and your domestic departure. Factor in time for customs, immigration, luggage collection, and transferring between terminals or stations. Always book domestic tickets using the exact name and passport number as they appear on your passport. While major transport hubs generally have English signage, be prepared for potential language barriers in smaller stations. Having translation apps ready can be a lifesaver.

Payments and Finances

China is at the forefront of mobile payment technology, so be prepared for a predominantly cashless society.

Mobile Payments are King: WeChat Pay and Alipay are the dominant forms of payment for almost everything, from street food to shopping malls. Cash is rarely used for daily transactions.
Connecting Foreign Cards: When you first arrive, you can often connect your foreign bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) to Alipay or WeChat Pay. This is a great interim solution until you can open a local Chinese bank account.
Bring Some Cash: It’s still wise to bring a small amount of Chinese Yuan (RMB) in cash for immediate needs upon arrival, such as a taxi from the airport or small purchases before you get your mobile payments fully set up.
ATM Withdrawals: You can withdraw money from Chinese ATMs if your foreign bank card supports international withdrawals (look for Plus, Cirrus, or UnionPay logos). Be mindful of potential transaction fees from both your home bank and the Chinese ATM.
Opening a Chinese Bank Account: For long-term living and seamless integration into the mobile payment system, you will need to open a Chinese bank account relatively soon after arrival. Your university’s international student office can often share some useful information about this process.

Health and Safety

Your well-being is important.

Medical Examination: Be prepared for doing a medical examination in China. Even if you’ve had one in your home country, Chinese health authorities or your university may require a new one as part of the Residence Permit application.
Local Laws and Customs: Take time to familiarize yourself with local laws and cultural norms. China has strict regulations regarding drugs, internet usage, and public behavior. Being respectful of local customs will help you avoid misunderstandings.
Scams and Fraud: Be vigilant about common scams targeting international students, particularly those involving money transfers, individuals posing as officials, or phishing attempts. Always verify requests for personal information or money through official channels.

Communication and Connectivity

Staying connected is essential for daily life and emergencies.

Internet Access: One of your first tasks should be to figure out how you’ll access the internet. Getting a local SIM card is crucial for daily life (mobile payments, maps, communication). Be aware that many international apps and websites are restricted in China, so plan for VPN access if you need to use services that are limited in China.
WeChat: Download WeChat before you arrive. It truly is China’s “app for everything,” combining features like messaging, social media, and mobile payments. It will be highly useful for connecting with people and navigating daily life. To learn about how you can sign up for a Wechat account, please watch our video here: Sign up for Wechat

Welcome to China!

Make sure you’re prepared for your arrival to China by downloading our free guidebook for international students.

We hope this information has been helpful for your arrival preparation in China so your first experience as an international student in China will be much smoother and more positive. If you have any questions or need any assistance with your application, please feel free to contact our team of experienced Student Advisors.

Welcome to China!

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Nadia Wijaya

Student Recruitment Manager at China Admissions. Originally from Indonesia but based in Beijing, China since 2017, and has been loving her life and journey in China ever since. Got a Master's degree from the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing back in 2019.