Contents
- 1. Pre-Departure Checklist
- 1.1 Essential Documents
- 1.2 Financial Preparations
- 1.3 Technology Preparations
- 2. Arrival and Landing
- 2.1 Arrival Card
- 2.2 Airport Pickup & SIM card set up
- 2.3 Police Registration for Foreigners 入境后24小时境外人员住宿登记
- Beijing 北京
- Shanghai 上海
- Guangzhou 广州
- Xi’an 西安
- Other Cities 其他城市
- 3. Settling In (First Week)
- 3.1 Adjusting to the Time Zone (First 3 Days)
- 3.2 Establishing a Daily Routine
- 3.3 Cultural Adaptation Tips
- 4. Essential Apps in China
- 4.1 Communication Apps & Payment Methods
- 4.2 Navigation Apps
- 4.3 Transportation Apps
- 4.4 Food Delivery & Online Shopping
- 5. Emergency Contacts
- 6. Useful Phrases in Chinese
1. Pre-Departure Checklist
1.1 Essential Documents
- Passport (Keep it safe; losing it can be very troublesome to replace)
- Employment contract and invitation letter
- Travel insurance documents
1.2 Financial Preparations
- Download and set up Alipay before arrival and link your international credit card (Visa/Mastercard) to Alipay
- Carry a small amount of Chinese RMB (¥500) in cash for immediate expenses
- As of @August 25, 2025 , the Chinese currency exchange rates are approximately 1 EUR = 8.4 CNY and 1 USD = 7.2 CNY.
1.3 Technology Preparations
Download essential Chinese apps before arrival (listed later in this file).
Consider purchasing a VPN service (to access blocked international sites). We recommend you to download an affordable one here on the left ⬅️ (costing only $1/month)
2. Arrival and Landing
2.1 Arrival Card
On the airplane before landing in China, you will receive an Arrival Card to complete. This card collects your basic personal information, travel details, and residence in China. If you want to review the form in advance, you can check it here:
Fill in the form truthfully, and you will submit it to border control officers upon arrival.
2.2 Airport Pickup & SIM card set up
Normally, the host family will come to the airport to pick you up. Please closely follow up on WeChat one or two days before landing for updated information and messages.
After you land, connect to the airport WiFi so you can immediately send a short message to your coordinator and the family - just to let us know you have arrived safely, as we will also be waiting and concerned at that time.
At the exit of the international arrivals area, you will usually find counters selling SIM cards. With your passport and around 200 RMB (either cash or Alipay), you can easily set up a local SIM card. The staff there speak fluent English and will recommend the most suitable plan for your needs. Some of them may also help you download a VPN so that you can quickly have internet access in China.
2.3 Police Registration for Foreigners 入境后24小时境外人员住宿登记
According to Chinese law, all foreigners must register their accommodation with the local police station within 24 hoursof arrival. 根据中国法律，所有境外人员在抵达后的 24小时内 必须到所在地派出所完成住宿登记。
Required documents: passport, and usually the housing ownership certificate (or rental contract) of the accommodation. 所需材料：护照，以及通常需要提供的房产证明或租赁合同。
Beijing 北京
Search the WeChat mini-program “北京公安出入境”, then go to 资讯指南 → 网上住宿登记办理 to complete the registration online.
微信小程序搜索 “北京公安出入境”，进入「资讯指南」-「网上住宿登记办理」即可线上办理。
Shanghai 上海
Via the Suishenban App / Mini Program: Homepage → 出入境 → 网上住宿登记办理. Or directly via the website on the right ➡️
通过 随申办App：首页点击「出入境」-「网上住宿登记办」即可申报.
或直接通过右侧的网站链接办理 ➡️
Guangzhou 广州
Through this website: 
广州市公安局境外人员网上服务系统
or look up “广州微警务“ and find 出入境 session.
Xi’an 西安
Copy and search the mini-program “西安出入境”, scroll down to select Accommodation registration for overseas personnel.
微信小程序搜索 “西安出入境”，下滑选择「境外人员住宿登记」。
Other Cities 其他城市
For other locations, search on WeChat using “city name + police” to find the relevant registration channel. 其他城市可在微信搜索 “城市名 + 公安/出入境” 进行检索，进入相应的线上登记渠道。
3. Settling In (First Week)
3.1 Adjusting to the Time Zone (First 3 Days)
- Avoid sleeping too much during the daytime and adjust to China's time zone as soon as possible. Engage in light outdoor activities to help your body adapt
3.2 Establishing a Daily Routine
- Adapt to a regular schedule within a week and clarify your work responsibilities
- Communicate with the host family or coordinator if you have any uncertainties
3.3 Cultural Adaptation Tips
- Observe family customs and routines before making suggestions
- Learn basic household vocabulary relevant to childcare
- Ask about dietary preferences and restrictions for the children
- Understand local parenting styles and expectations
4. Essential Apps in China
Smartphone apps are essential for daily life in China. Below are the must-have apps and their main functions:
4.1 Communication Apps & Payment Methods
🔹WeChat (微信)
The main social app in China, similar to WhatsApp. Used for messaging, voice/video calls, and social networking.
This app does almost everything, it is the Chinese WhatsApp, Facebook, can send your exact location or activate the GPS to appears in someone else device in real time (very useful when you are meeting someone because here it is very crowded and huge)
You can also connect your bank account and make any payment in almost every place, even sometimes for some street food (but take your wallet with you anyways) and much more
🔹 Alipay (支付宝)
For cashless payments, transfers, bills, shopping.
Register with your phone, link an international card (Visa/Mastercard) or later a local debit card. Pocket money can also be received via Alipay.
🔹 Local Debit Card
Having a local debit card offers extra convenience for financial transactions during your stay.
It is an optional step and entirely your responsibility to obtain local debit card. For a comprehensive guide on how to acquire a local debit card, please refer to our detailed resource here:
Please consult with your coordinator before visiting a bank.
4.2 Navigation Apps
🔹Amap (高德地图) Most detailed map app for driving, public transport, walking.
🔹 Apple Maps (For iPhone users) Provides basic navigation in China, though less detailed than Amap
4.3 Transportation Apps
🔹 DiDi (滴滴出行): China's version of Uber, used for taxis, carpooling, private cars, and shared bikes.
🔹 Hello Bike (哈啰单车): A bike-sharing service for short-distance travel. Scan the QR code on the bike to unlock it. You can have access to this APP via Alipay.
4.4 Food Delivery & Online Shopping
🔹 Meituan Waimai (美团外卖) & Ele.me (饿了么) Popular food delivery platforms in China for ordering meals and groceries. Usually arrive within 1 hour.
🔹 淘宝 (Taobao) The largest online shopping platform in China, similar to Amazon
🔹 Jingdong (Jd.com)
Jingdong, AKA jd.com, is similar to Taobao, but with faster logistics. Ideal for electronics, home appliances, and groceries. The APP has English version. The brand has recently launched its food delivery service as well.
🔹 Other useful apps
- For restaurant reviews: Dianping and Bon App
- Xiaohongshu/RedNote (小红书): A female-friendly community, similar to Instagram
- 抖音 (Douyin): TikTok's Chinese division
5. Emergency Contacts
Police: 110
Fire: 119
Ambulance: 120
Your country's embassy or consulate in China
6. Useful Phrases in Chinese
中文 | 拼音 | English |
你好 | Nǐ hǎo | Hello |
谢谢 | Xièxiè | Thank you |
再见 | Zàijiàn | Goodbye |
多少钱？ | Duōshao qián? | How much? |
我可以用支付宝吗？ | Wǒ kěyǐ yòng Zhīfùbǎo ma? | Can I use Alipay? |
我可以叫滴滴吗？ | Wǒ kěyǐ jiào Dīdī ma? | Can I call a DiDi? |
这个可以外卖吗？ | Zhège kěyǐ wàimài ma? | Can this be taken out? |
这个有没有别的颜色？ | Zhège yǒu méiyǒu bié de yánsè? | Does this come in another color? |
我是孩子的保姆 | Wǒ shì háizi de bǎomǔ | I am the child's nanny/au pair |
我不会说中文 | Wǒ bù huì shuō Zhōngwén | I don't speak Chinese |
Bella Vista is a boutique au pair agency that helps Chinese families connect with warm, open-minded au pairs from around the world. We focus on long-term emotional support, mutual cultural respect, and a placement experience that feels more like a relationship than a transaction.
Contact Us
微信 WeChat: +86 152 9119 7590
Email: info@bellavistaga.com
网站 Website: bellavistaga.com
地址 Address: No. 2168 Jinmao 1st Road, Chanba Ecological District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China