International students are suggested to open a Chinese bank account when they arrive the university. In China, some universities will help international students open bank accounts so that students don’t worry about this; while in most cases, universities require students to open Chinese bank account themselves and hence it’s necessary for you to get the knowledge of how to open bank account in China. Here are some tips for your reference.
1. Where to open the Chinese bank account?
Generally foreigners can easily open a bank account in a Chinese bank. There are many Chinese banks in China, such as Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, China Development Bank and so on. You can open a Chinese bank account in any of these Chinese banks. The largest four banks in China are Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and China Construction Bank, which have many branch banks spread in different cities of China, so we strongly recommend students to open the bank account in one of these four banks. The relevant websites are listed in the end of this article.
Bank of China is the most internationalized and diversified bank in China and it provides full range of financial services in China's mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and other 31 countries, therefore, this bank that helps you wire money overseas might be your preferred bank. Its ways to contact overseas branches are also listed in the end.
2. How to open a bank account?
The procedure of opening a bank account is stated below
Step 1
Before you enter into the bank, you should prepare some materials. One necessary document you need to bring with is your valid passport, but in some cases, a residence permit is also needed.
Step 2
After you enter into the bank, you can ask the bank receptionist for help and they will guide you with the procedure of opening the bank account. They will ask you for the documents that are needed and help you print these materials. In most banks, the print is free of charge but in some banks, you will be charged five Jiao or one Yuan.
Step 3
After that, you will be given a form to fill in. Usually, there is a reference form presented on the clerk desk. You can take this form for reference and if you have any questions, you can ask the bank receptionist for help.
Step 4
With the printed materials and filled form, you should then get a queue number from the Automatic Number Machine and wait on the waiting desk (Sometimes if there are too many people are waiting in the bank, you can also get this number when you enter the bank and then do other things that mentioned in the above to save time). Please pay attention to the broadcast and electronic screen while waiting there.
Step 5
It’s your turn to deal with your business when your number is called. You should only give your printed materials and filled form to the banker who will help you open the bank account. To open a Chinese RMB account, you have to pay a deposit of 10-15 Yuan in most banks but the charge may be different in different banks.
After you have gone through all these steps, you will be given a debit card or a bank book. With this card or book, you can deposit or withdraw money, exchange currencies and wire money overseas.
The Largest banks In china
Bank of China
Website: http://www.boc.cn/en/index.html
Agricultural Bank of China
Website: http://www.abchina.com/en/default.htm
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
Website: http://www.icbc.com.cn/icbc/sy/default.htm
China Construction Bank
Website: http://www.ccb.com/en/home/index.html
Overseas branches of Bank of China
In the Asia-Pacific Region
In the European Region
Website: http://www.boc.cn/aboutboc/ab6/200812/t20081211_143776.html
In the Region of the Americas
Website: http://www.boc.cn/aboutboc/ab6/200812/t20081211_143777.html
In the African Region