Guides / Living in China
Shenzhen Arrival Guide

Banking in China

How to open a bank account and manage finances in China

Living in China 1 min read Updated 2026-03-14

Shenzhen rewards people who get a few basics right early. This guide focuses on the first practical moves that make the city easier to navigate, pay for, and enjoy from day one.

Why Open a Bank Account

Opening a bank account in China can make daily life easier, especially for receiving payments and connecting mobile payment services.

Requirements

Foreigners usually need their passport and a Chinese phone number to open a bank account.

Foreigner-Friendly Banks

Some banks are known for being more foreigner-friendly, including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). Bank branches may have English-speaking staff in major cities like Shenzhen.

Digital Banking

Once your account is opened, you can link it to mobile payment apps and manage many transactions digitally.