Frequently asked questions
Is Shenzhen a good city for foreigners?
Yes, for the right kind of foreigner. Shenzhen is strong for hardware, manufacturing, technology, sourcing, product development, and China business. It is less plug-and-play than Singapore or Hong Kong, and gets much easier once your local setup works.
What is the easiest area for foreigners?
Shekou is the easiest first landing area for most people: more international restaurants, foreigner-friendly services, and a softer arrival. Nanshan and Futian are also strong depending on work location and budget. Hardware founders should choose on commute patterns, not comfort.
Should I live in Shenzhen or Hong Kong for sourcing?
If most of your meetings are in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Guangzhou, or nearby supplier areas, base yourself in Shenzhen. Hong Kong helps for banking, international flights, and a subset of business meetings, but daily border crossings get expensive in time.
Can foreigners use Alipay and WeChat Pay?
Most overseas visitors can link eligible international cards to Alipay and WeChat Pay. Functionality, limits, fees, verification, and merchant acceptance vary. For a longer stay, expect to want a Chinese phone number and possibly a local bank account.
Can foreigners open a bank account in Shenzhen?
Usually yes, but requirements vary by bank, branch, visa status, documentation, and current compliance practice. Bring passport, local phone number, address information, and supporting documents, and confirm with the branch directly.
Do I need to register with the police?
Foreigners generally need temporary accommodation registration. Hotels handle this through their systems. If you stay in an apartment, serviced apartment, or private residence that does not handle it for you, you complete registration yourself. Confirm the current local procedure.
Can you guarantee an apartment or supplier?
No. We provide support, filtering, coordination, checklists, and introductions. Landlords, agents, vendors, telecom providers, factories, suppliers, and government offices remain independent third parties.
Do you provide visa or legal advice?
No. We help you understand which questions to ask and refer qualified local providers, but we do not provide legal, tax, immigration, or regulated professional advice.