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All foreigners renting an apartment must register at the local police station within 24–48 hours of arrival. Hotels do this automatically. For apartments: bring passport + lease + copy of landlord's ID.

Available at metro stations. Works on buses and metro in most cities. Deposit 20–30 RMB + fare. Reload with cash or WeChat Pay. In major cities it can be added to Apple Pay or WeChat wallet.

Electricity: Pay via WeChat Pay or Alipay (search 国家电网 or scan the QR in your apartment). Water & Gas: Same apps or cash at the local office. Internet: China Telecom, Unicom, or Mobile — monthly plan 50–150 RMB.

Blue — Recyclable (可回收物): Paper, glass, metal, hard plastic. Green — Kitchen waste (厨余垃圾): Food scraps and fruit peels. Red — Hazardous (有害垃圾): Batteries, medicines. Grey — Other (其他垃圾): Everything else.

Same-day delivery for most goods via JD and Meituan. Parcels are left in smart lockers (快递柜) outside the building — you get a code by SMS. Main apps: SF Express (顺丰) for premium delivery, JD Logistics for larger orders.

Pharmacy (药店/药房): Everywhere, open until 22:00 or 24/7. Look for 大参林, 海王星辰, or 益丰大药房 chains. Doctor appointments: Via WeChat (hospital mini-program) or 挂号 (Guahao) app. English-speaking doctors: Ask for 国际门诊 (International Clinic) at large hospitals.

WeChat is more than messaging. Via Mini Programs you can: book medical appointments, pay utility bills, access government services, order food, and track parcels — all without leaving the app. Make sure to link your bank card.

Neighbourhood Committee (居委会 / 社区): Registers residents and handles local issues — important for official registration. Property Management (物业): For plumbing, electricity, or building problems. 12345 Hotline: Government services complaints line — works in most cities.