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Showing posts from October, 2025

A Guide for Expats to Open a Bank Account in Mainland China

Nowadays, China introduced a visa-waiver scheme for citizens of several nations, including many major Western countries. Visitors can now enter China visa-free for short stays - typically up to 30 days - for holidays, business, family visits, or cultural exchanges. It is a brilliant opportunity to explore this fascinating country and experience an entirely different culture and culinary scene. While foreign passport holders can easily set up an Alipay or WeChat Pay account and link an international Visa or Mastercard for daily spending, relying solely on foreign cards has its drawbacks. Some local merchants and online shopping platforms simply do not accept international bank cards. Furthermore, if you use an international Visa or Mastercard via Alipay or WeChat Pay, you will be charged with a 3% transaction fee on any payment exceeding 200 Chinese Yuan. If you are planning a longer stay, getting a local Chinese bank account sorted is highly recommended to avoid these inconveniences. I...