Is it really possible to open bank account in China without a permanent address - does it mean the card is provided on the spot?

Question

Asking because my WeChat account got blocked: How to unlock WeChat money as a foreigner in China?

Doing research on how to open a bank account.

1. https://www.saporedicina.com/english/open-bank-account-china/
2. https://transferwise.com/gb/blog/opening-a-bank-account-in-china
3. https://www.travelchinacheaper.com/open-china-bank-account

None of these three articles mention an address.

Does it mean that the AliPay card is provided right there on the spot?

Answer 1

Yes, you can open a Chinese bank account and get the card as a foreign traveler. The detailed steps are described in this answer but to summarize (and add a little bit more detail):

• You need the passport and a valid Chinese phone number.
• Depending on banks, you need initial deposit. Usually 5 or 10 CHY cash is fine.
• You need an address to fill in, but the hotel or Airbnb is fine.
• The whole process takes 30 to 60 minutes.

The bank card is provided on the spot, which you can register to your WeChat account.

I recommend opening a bank account at one of four big banks. However, the Bank of China does not allow non-residents to open a bank account.

Also, if you don't speak Chinese, go to a branch at city center in 1st-tier cities.