Depending on current COVID-19 restrictions, you’ll need to go to a quarantine hotel on arrival. As of July 2022, the rule remains that, on landing, you’ll be PCR-tested and led onto a bus destined for a government-approved quarantine hotel. The duration has recently been reduced from 14 days to 7. 

But what am I supposed to be doing? Have no fear. Follow these simple steps for a smoother transition into Chinese life.

1: Get a sim card at the airport

Having a Chinese telephone number is your key to many, many things in China, including:

• Acquiring wifi access. SMS verification gets you on most wireless networks
• Setting up a Taobao account, China’s main online shopping site
• Logging into websites using SMS
• Receiving texts to update your health codes on WeChat. No health code, no entry to most public places. More on this next

2: Get WeChat App

It’s not overly dramatic to say that you have to have WeChat (WeiXin) app in China. It’s a huge, feature-rich app that manages and enables a rich array of features including:

• WeChat Pay. You can connect foreign (Non-Chinese) credit cards in Me>Wallet and begin buying things online and in stores using WeChat Pay. Once you have a Chinese bank account, you can link the associated card also.
• Local Health Code. Once you are free from quarantine, most establishments require you to use the city’s health code mini program. cab the nearby bar code and your green QR code will show, granting you access. The mini program will also show your COVID test and vaccination status
• Dining out: Many restaurants have moved from paper menus to WeChat mini-programs. Once at your table, open WeChat, scan the QR code on your table and order away!

3: Register with Local Police

So you’re out of your quarantine hotel. Not as easy as you thought, right? Now, you need to get your temporary housing document, and together with your passport, go and visit your local police station ASAP and ask for a temporary residence permit.

You are required to do this within 48 hr of arrival in China, but this will have to wait until after your quarantine.

4: Get Your Residence Permit

Gather your temporary residence voucher from the police, visa application report form from your employer, passport, and four passport photos. Visit your city’s citizen centre and get your visa, or residence permit added to your passport. 

Enjoy the next year on the right side of Chinese authorities.

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