What you need to know before you start

Yes, you can open a bank account in China as a foreigner, but the process depends on your visa status and how long you plan to stay. If you have a work visa, student visa, or residence permit, most major Chinese banks will open an account for you. If you are on a tourist visa, you can still open an account at some banks, but the options are more limited and the account may have restrictions on how much money you can move in and out.

The real constraint is not whether banks will let you open an account — they will — but what you can actually do with it once it is open. A tourist account often cannot receive international wire transfers or send money out of China easily. A work or student account can. The bank you choose matters more than your visa type, because the major state banks (Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) have different rules than smaller regional banks.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid passport and a Chinese visa or residence permit; tourist visas work at some banks but come with transfer restrictions.
  • The four largest state banks accept foreigners, but you should call ahead because branch policies vary even within the same bank.
  • You will need a Chinese phone number to complete the account setup, and most banks will not let you open an account online if you are a foreigner.
  • Accounts opened on a tourist visa often cannot send money internationally or receive large foreign transfers, so confirm the account type before you open it.
  • The whole process takes one to three hours in-branch, and you should bring your passport, visa page, and proof of address (a lease, utility bill, or hotel registration).

Which banks accept foreigners and what they require

The four largest state-owned banks — Bank of China (BOC), Agricultural Bank of China (ABC), China Construction Bank (CCB), and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) — all accept foreign account holders. These banks have the most branches and the most consistent policies across locations. Bank of China is often the easiest choice for foreigners because it has dedicated international banking departments in major cities and staff who speak English.

To open an account at any of these banks, you need a valid passport, your visa page (or residence permit), and proof of address in China. Proof of address can be a lease agreement, a utility bill in your name, a hotel registration form, or a letter from your employer or school confirming your address. Some branches accept a photocopy of your lease; others want the original. Call the branch before you go.

You will also need a Chinese mobile phone number. The bank uses this to send you transaction alerts and to set up online banking. If you do not have a Chinese phone number yet, you can buy a prepaid SIM card at any convenience store or phone shop for under 50 yuan; you do not need to be a resident to buy one. The bank will register your number during account opening.

The difference between tourist visa accounts and work or student accounts

If you are on a tourist visa, most banks will open what is called a basic savings account or individual account. This account can receive domestic transfers and hold Chinese currency (RMB), but it often has limits on international transfers. Some banks cap the amount you can send out of China per year, or they require you to show proof of what the money is for (like a plane ticket or tuition invoice). A few banks will not let you send money internationally at all from a tourist account.

If you have a work visa, student visa, or residence permit, you can open a regular individual account with fewer restrictions. You can send and receive international wire transfers, and there are no annual caps on outbound transfers. This is the account type you want if you plan to move money between China and another country regularly.

Before you open an account, ask the bank directly: "What are the limits on international transfers from this account type?" Get the answer in writing if possible, because branch staff sometimes give different answers. If the bank cannot may provide you can send money out, consider opening your account at Bank of China instead, which has clearer policies for foreigners.

Step-by-step: what happens when you go to the bank

Bring your passport, the relevant visa page (or residence permit), proof of address, and your Chinese phone number. Go to the bank during business hours — most branches are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and some open Saturday mornings. Tell the staff you want to open a personal savings account.

The bank will ask you to fill out an account opening form in Chinese. If you cannot read Chinese, ask for an English version or ask a staff member to help you fill it out. The form asks for your name, passport number, visa type, address in China, occupation, and the purpose of the account (usually "personal savings" or "salary deposit"). You will also set a PIN for your account.

The bank will then take a photocopy of your passport and visa page, and they may take a photo of you. They will verify your phone number by sending you a text message with a code, which you will enter into their system. The whole process takes 30 minutes to an hour. At the end, you will receive a debit card and a passbook (a small booklet that records your transactions). Some banks now skip the passbook and give you only the card.

Ask the bank to set up online banking (called e-banking or mobile banking in China) at the same time. This lets you check your balance and make transfers from your phone or computer. The bank will give you a username and temporary password, which you will change the first time you log in.

How long money takes to move in and out

Domestic transfers within China (from one Chinese bank account to another) usually arrive the same day or the next business day. International wire transfers into your account can take three to five business days, depending on the sending bank and whether it is a weekend. Sending money out of China takes longer: international wire transfers from your Chinese account usually take five to seven business days to arrive in another country.

If you are sending money out of China, the bank will ask you to fill out a form declaring the purpose of the transfer (salary payment, tuition, family support, etc.). This is a legal requirement under Chinese foreign exchange rules, not something the bank invented. Keep a copy of this form for your records.

What happens if you leave China or your visa expires

Your account does not close automatically when your visa expires or you leave the country. You can keep the account open indefinitely, even if you are no longer in China. However, if your account has no activity for two years, the bank may freeze it or charge you an inactivity fee (usually 10 yuan per year). If you plan to leave China and not return, you can close the account by going to the bank in person with your passport and debit card, or you can ask a friend in China to help you close it remotely.

If you are leaving soon but want to keep the account open, make a small transaction (like a domestic transfer) at least once every two years to keep it active. Some banks let you set up automatic transfers or standing orders to avoid inactivity fees, though this is not common.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account in China online if I am a foreigner?

No. Chinese banks do not allow foreigners to open accounts through their mobile apps or websites. You must go to a physical branch in person with your passport and visa. Some banks are testing online account opening for foreigners, but it is not yet widely available.

Do I need to speak Chinese to open an account?

No, but it helps. Bank of China has English-speaking staff at branches in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Other banks may not. If you do not speak Chinese, bring a friend who does, or ask the bank ahead of time if they have an English-speaking staff member available.

What is the minimum amount of money I need to open an account?

Most banks do not require a minimum deposit to open a savings account. You can open an account with zero balance. However, some banks charge a small annual account maintenance fee (usually 10 yuan or less) if your balance stays below a certain amount, so ask about this when you open the account.

Can I use my account to receive payments from my employer in China?

Yes. This is one of the most common uses for foreigner accounts. Your employer can deposit your salary directly into your account using your account number and the bank's routing code. Ask your employer for the bank transfer details they need, and give them your account number, the bank name, and your branch location.

What if the bank refuses to open an account for me?

If one bank refuses, try another. Bank of China is usually the most willing to work with foreigners, but policies vary by branch. If you are on a tourist visa and a bank refuses, it may be because they do not open accounts for short-term visitors. In that case, you could ask a Chinese friend to help you open a joint account, though this adds complexity and you should understand the legal implications before doing so.