China is one of the world's easiest places to open a bank account as an individual. Understandably it is a bit more difficult of a process if you need an investment or business account. Bear in mind that accounts opened for foreigners will have special rates and operational restrictions albeit not much.

Here are the documents you need:

• Passport
• Proof of residence (only for correspondence, a bank may accept an email address or a temporary address)
• Initial deposit

Exact documentation will vary from bank to bank and there is a range of additional requirements and checks a bank staffer may request of you depending on the case. Be aware that this is possible. Credit cards are difficult to obtain as a foreigner but debit cards are easy to get.

You will notice that you can approach a help desk and get an application in English and staff will speak some English especially if you are at a region with a large number of expats. It means that banking relationship managers are likely to have experience working with foreigners and have special protocols to handle requests like yours.

With over a billion people, it is no surprise that has an enormous number of banks operating within its borders, from small to large, from national to international, from retail to specialist. We recommend you get a bank that is convenient for you since as you know, it could be difficult to get around and convenience is of utmost importance.

• ICBC: This is one of the largest banks in the country - with award winning products and services - ICBC also has extensive presence abroad. It has a large network of ATMs and branches and a nice website in English. Accounts can include international debit cards free of charge.
• Bank Of China: in most of the world's main cities, there will be a branch of BOC which means you can open an account even before you land in the country. Their product and service offers are extensive, customer service in English is exceptional and their network is extensive.
• HSBC: this is China's most widely known bank with presence all over the globe. You can expect to be well served, in English, and get the full HSBC line of products including modern perks such as online banking, credit and debit cahttps://www.hsbc.com.cn/en-cn/rds and plenty of ATMs across china.
• CCB: China Construction Bank is one of the world's largest banks by market cap. With over 13 thousand branches in China alone and an ATM network that beggars belief, you won't be short on convenience with CCB. Website is in English and online banking is easy to use.

Remember that when you visit a branch to open an account, you do not go straight to the normal counter, but instead you go to the service desk. It is likely that you will be able to schedule a special appointment with an English speaking team member if you do so require. Always double that that the information is available in English.

It will be possible to open a bank account in the documentation is not in English, but in that case it is best to let the staff member help you fill out the forms.

Charges: when it comes to fees, these will vary but they tend not to be expensive. It is always good advice to read the fine print so you aren't surprised when you see charges in your bank statement. Fees are likely to be found on the website, but if they are not ask your relationship manager or bank staffer. Check fees like early termination fees, monthly fees, special fees for specific countries, high currency conversion fees and moving money between currencies.