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ARRIVAL CHECKLIST

Your first 72 hours in China.

Handle deadlines before convenience. Progress is saved only on this device.

Start the four tasks →Still planning?
DEADLINES FIRST

Complete four checks.

Keep proof and confirm status-related steps with the responsible office.

Hotels usually register guests. If you stay somewhere other than a hotel, you or your host generally need to complete accommodation registration within 24 hours. Since 21 September 2026, this can be done online nationwide through the NIA government-service platform, the NIA 12367 app, or the NIA 12367 WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. In-person registration remains available.

Next stepUse an official NIA 12367 channel and save the electronic registration record.
Common failureAssuming a landlord, host, or university submitted it without checking.
BackupIf online registration does not work, use the local public-security office and keep the Chinese address with you.
Official NIA announcement →

Tell your university, employer, host, or sponsor that you arrived. Ask for your first-week tasks.

Next stepRequest deadlines, owners, originals, and an exception contact.
Common failureNot knowing which general instructions apply to you.
BackupAsk one written question at a time and save replies.

Bring your passport to an official carrier. Check SIM compatibility, then test calls, data, and account recovery. If you plan to rent soon, complete this before time-sensitive viewings because housing providers may need a working number to contact you or process a booking.

Next stepCompare price, data, term, and cancellation rules.
Common failureAn eSIM-only or locked phone blocks setup.
BackupKeep roaming until the local number works.
How to start the Shanghai rental search without a local number →

Link a supported international card to Alipay or WeChat Pay, then test a real merchant payment. Foreign cards may not work for transfers or every mini-program. Before house hunting, confirm how you could pay a legitimate reservation, deposit, or rent request yourself. Local-support fees do not include advancing housing payments.

Next stepTest a small payment and read fee or verification messages.
Common failureRelying on one card or wallet.
BackupKeep another card or some cash.
Read the payment guide →
NEXT

Build your first-month setup.

Choose Work, Student, or Other.

Work route →Student route →Other route →
STUCK?

Get a situation-specific next step.

Send your city, what happened, and what you tried. Martin confirms the fit before payment.

See local help →

Sources and related guides

First 72 hours in China

Verify accommodation registration, contact your university, employer or host, establish reliable connectivity, and test a payment fallback. Keep confirmations and check status-sensitive deadlines with the responsible office.

No dated source review is recorded for this guide. The NIA announcement is already linked for the accommodation-registration change effective 21 September 2026; that effective date is not a review date. Sources linked below have not been reverified for this update.

Found a correction? Email Adapt to China with the guide and source.