Moving to Hangzhou: your first-week checklist

Moving to a new city is exciting, and a little overwhelming. This moving to Hangzhou checklist puts the essentials in the right order. Rules change, so always check the latest requirements with your employer or the authorities.

Before you fly

• Visa: ordinary passport holders from many countries, including Germany, France and the Netherlands, can currently visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism or visits. The current policy runs until 31 December 2026. Working or living in China needs the right visa, for example a work visa, followed by a residence permit.
• Payments: install Alipay and WeChat and add your foreign Visa or Mastercard before you travel.
• Housing: book somewhere for your first weeks. A short-term rental or serviced apartment is often the easiest start.
• Documents: bring several passport photos, your degree certificates and any documents your employer asked for, plus digital copies.

Day 1: register your address

Hotels register you automatically. Anywhere else, you must register with the police within 24 hours of arrival. In Zhejiang this can also be done online through the NIA 12367 app. Details: police registration in Hangzhou.

Days 1–3: phone, payments, apps

• SIM card: buy one at a China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom store with your passport. A Chinese number makes almost everything else easier.
• Alipay and WeChat Pay: used for almost every payment, from coffee to rent. Small payments with a foreign card are free; larger ones may carry a small fee, and limits apply.
• Useful apps: DiDi for taxis (with English), Amap or Apple Maps for directions, the Hangzhou metro ride-code in Alipay, and a translation app.

Week 1: residence permit and bank account

• Residence permit: if you entered on a visa to work or live here, you generally need to apply at the Exit-Entry Administration within 30 days of entry. Your police registration record is part of the application, and your employer usually helps.
• Bank account: a Chinese bank account makes salary, rent and bills easier. Bring your passport, your residence permit or work documents and your Chinese phone number. Requirements vary by bank and branch.

Weeks 2–4: find your home

Once you know your commute and routine, it is much easier to choose a neighbourhood. Read the best areas to live in Hangzhou, plan with our cost of living guide, and follow the steps in renting an apartment in Hangzhou. Before you pay a deposit, use the lease and deposit checklist.

Getting around

The metro is clean and cheap, with fares from ¥2. Line 19 runs from Xiaoshan International Airport to Hangzhou East and Hangzhou West railway stations. Shared bikes and DiDi fill the gaps.

And then: enjoy Hangzhou

Walk the causeways of West Lake, drink Longjing tea in the hills, take a day trip to a water town. If you would like company, I am happy to introduce you to friends and share my favourite places to eat and drink.