Student life in China — the complete survival guide
Apps, payments, transport, banking, healthcare, food delivery and accommodation.
Survival in China is made easy through essential apps like WeChat and Alipay, which handle payments, transport, and food delivery. Secure local banking, choose your accommodation wisely, and embrace the high-tech, efficient infrastructure to ensure a comfortable and productive academic experience.
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Essential Apps
WeChat and Alipay run daily life in China. Install before arrival.
- WeChat (everything)
- Alipay (payments)
- Didi (ride-hailing)
- Meituan (food delivery)
- Taobao (shopping)
WeChat Guide
Messaging, payments, mini-programs, official accounts — WeChat is your digital ID in China.
- Setup & verification
- WeChat Pay
- Mini-programs
Alipay Guide
Link your bank card, scan QR codes everywhere, pay bills and top up transport cards.
- Link bank card
- QR payments
- Bill payments
SIM, Bank & Transport
Get a Chinese SIM (China Mobile/Unicom), open a bank account, and use the metro/bus system.
- Chinese SIM card
- Bank account
- Metro & buses
- High-speed rail
Healthcare & Food
International hospitals, campus clinics, and food delivery from local to international cuisine.
- International hospitals
- Campus clinics
- Food delivery apps
People also ask
Quick, clear answers to the questions students search for most.
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The StudyInChina Education Team is a group of admissions advisors, scholarship specialists and former international students who have guided thousands of applicants into Chinese universities. This guide is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly.