What can you do before your local number works?
Short answer: Prepare a search brief, compare neighborhoods by commute, save candidate listings and ask providers how they arrange viewings. Whether you can message, reserve or pay depends on the platform and the individual listing. Keep a temporary place to stay until you can inspect the home and use a payment method the provider accepts.
1. Build a search brief before opening listings
Start with the address or metro station you need to reach. A cheap apartment far from your destination can cost you hours each week. Set a maximum door-to-door commute, a true monthly rent ceiling and a realistic move-in window. Then write down the conditions that could rule a home out, such as smoke exposure, pets, stairs or a need for a private apartment.
Our free House Planner turns those inputs into a brief you can take to an agent, landlord or local helper. It currently focuses on whole-apartment searches. If you need a room in a shared flat, use the questions below but clarify that requirement with each provider.
2. Compare platforms without assuming they work the same way
Our renting guide compares English-friendly and Chinese-language platforms, including Wellcee, Ziroom and Beike. Availability, English support, account requirements and fees can differ by listing. Save links to several candidates, check whether the location really fits your commute, and ask who posted each home.
Questions to send before you book a viewing
- Is the listed apartment still available on my move-in date?
- What are the monthly rent, deposit, payment schedule and any agent or service fees?
- Can I contact you or arrange a viewing before I have a mainland Chinese number?
- Can the owner or provider support the accommodation registration I will need?
- Which payment methods do you accept, and who is the named recipient?
Do not treat an “English-language platform” as a promise that every landlord or follow-up step will be available in English. Ask for important answers in writing so you can translate and check them.
3. Make the time-sensitive steps possible after arrival
Keep a short-term accommodation plan for your first days. Once in China, check that your phone can use a local SIM, establish a number you can receive calls on and test a payment method before a time-sensitive viewing. Our first 72 hours checklist covers connectivity, payment fallback and other arrival priorities.
You can still ask a trusted bilingual person to help translate calls or clarify a listing. Your identity, contract decision and housing payments should stay under your control. Do not ask someone to advance a deposit on your behalf simply because your wallet is not ready.
A message you can copy
Only include personal details needed for the enquiry. Do not send a passport image to an unverified contact just to start a conversation.
What to do next
Do it yourself: build your search brief with the House Planner above, then use the viewing checklist when you visit shortlisted homes.
Need a person on the ground? See the current House Finding Support scope. Confirm the work and fee before starting; housing deposits and rent are separate payments to the appropriate housing provider.
This is practical orientation from our Shanghai-focused experience. Provider requirements and local procedures can change; check the actual listing, contract and responsible local authority.