When you arrive in China, one of your main tasks is to buy a SIM card. There are three major mobile operators in China: China Unicom, China Telecom and China Mobile. You can get a SIM card at the official representative offices of these companies.

Living in or visiting China, you’ll find that Alipay is an essential app, as it is a popular method for paying for things. Here is a guide on how to pay with Alipay and some of its other handy features.

（Alipay Download - Android）

（Alipay Download - IOS）

Everyone living in or traveling in China learns quickly that they need WeChat as it is the easiest way to communicate. WeChat is a super app that offers many functions aside from connecting people.(The first QR code is the QR code for WeChat download, and the second is the WeChat User Guide)

(Wechat download)

(How to use Wechat)

As a newcomer to Shanghai, you may find it challenging to live and travel in the city. But with the right apps on your phone, your trip can go from zero to hero.

Whether you are doing business in China or planning to reside here, opening a bank account offers numerous advantages.

(Bank of Shanghai "ChinaPay")

Shanghai has a very well-developed and varied network of public transportation, including buses, taxis, ferries, metro and shared bikes. On the website below, we can find out how to use these public transportation options as well as the location of the two main airports in Shanghai, which are of interest to expats.

In order to further provide expatriates with convenient public transport services, the English version of Shanghai's "Mobility as a Service" (MaaS) platform, Suishenxing app, has launched the "Real-time Bus" information query service. "real-time bus information enquiry service.

In order to further enhance the experience of foreigners travelling to China in Shanghai, Shanghai Public Transportation Card Company, a subsidiary of Jiushi Group, has constructed a diversified public transportation service system for foreigners travelling to China, covering a variety of travel scenarios such as metro, buses, ferries, etc., and created a convenient and efficient payment service environment, providing a variety of payment methods such as online and offline payment and deduction services, and producing a relevant payment service guideline. It has also produced relevant payment service guides and a number of offline service stations to provide guidance for foreigners coming to China to enjoy payment services.

(DiDi download)

Anyone living in Shanghai other than in a hotel will need to pay utility bills, which include electricity, water and gas. There are currently two ways to pay utility bills. The first option is to pay in person at a post office, convenience store, bank or utility company. The other option is to pay online using an electronic payment platform such as WeChat Pay or Alipay.

As a metropolis, Shanghai boasts a wide variety of shopping centers and supermarkets with a wide range of products. Listed below are some popular supermarkets and internet shopping centers in Shanghai for you to explore.

(Costco APP Download)

(Sam APP Download)

(FRESHIPPO APP Download)

(DingDong Grocery App Download)

（Taobao official website）

（JD APP download）

（JD official website）

（Pinduoduo APP Download）

（Meituan APP Download）

（Eleme APP Download）

（Dazhong Dianping APP Download）

Firstly, we are able to see the contact numbers of various courier companies in China as well as the contact numbers of foreign courier companies. Secondly, we can learn how to receive and send parcels in China. Especially in sending parcels, we also distinguish how to send domestic pieces and foreign pieces.

According to Chinese law, residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and foreigners who stay in China should apply for temporary accommodation registration within 24 hours after checking in.
Channels to handle accommodation registration for overseas personnel
1 Accommodation registration for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents and foreigners living in the hotel should be handled by the hotel front desk staff.
2 Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents and foreigners living in the community can apply for accommodation registration through the following channels:
01. The household registration service window of the police station and the public security service window stationed in the community administrative service center;
02. Overseas personnel service stations, immigrant integration service stations and other social declaration platforms;
03.Self-declaration platform for Internet applications.

In the " Public Service" section of the Wechat public account of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau for Exit and Entry Administration, there is a special "foreigners" column in the "Government affairs openness" option. In this column, we can inquire about foreigners' visas, residence certificates, permanent residence identity card and other foreigners' related business.

Whether you want to come to Shanghai for business, work, or travel, you will likely need a Chinese visa. Here you can find out how to apply for a Chinese visa, visa extension, hotlines, and how to apply for a port visa.

If you intend to settle in Shanghai, you can apply for permanent residence through the local immigration department, provided you meet certain conditions.

For the first documentation procedure for a child of foreign nationality (born in China), his/her parents should apply to the local Public Security Exit and Entry Department within 60 days of the baby's birth. You can learn about the policy requirements at the following website.