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anonymous
Q: What do I need to take to open a bank account?
Keep never getting around to opening a bank account. But I'm feeling it might finally happen this weekend. What do I need to take with me to the bank? I know passport, but anything else?
Also is Bank of China the best option?
Take with you potato chips and some sweets, tablet , and 35 kg of patience. and of course, Passport. no need more.
Your passport. That's it.
Whether or not they speak English is irrelevant. Go to China Construction Bank or Bank of China. Both are very good. Bank of China will probably run you through the whole process without you actually needing to hear/understand them.
Go there and give them this piece of text: 你好！对不起，我不会说普通话。我想一个新的银行帐户，还有网上的银行。谢谢你。
"Hello! Sorry, I can't speak Chinese. I want a new bank account, and online banking. Thanks."
And also, you will have a better chance of finding an English speaking officer at larger branches of whatever bank you choose.
Bring a local friend with you - it helps if you are asked any questions, or you want to ask one. Don't assume you will find someone who will speak english - even in the larer branches.
Passport and you need to know your address in Chinese. You can get a friend to write it for you then the teller SHOULD do the rest.
Don't forget to bring a little cash. I think China Construction Bank requires an initial 10 rmb deposit to open an account.
If you're in a more rural location (2nd, 3rd tier cities/towns) you might also want to bring photocopies of your passport ID and visa pages (although they will want to see the originals, they will want to keep the photocopies).
Passport, Your address and at least 200 RMB (I think). Other than that you should be fine.
Scandinavian:
200RMB is a bit much. As mentioned above there is a minimum deposit for a new account of a few RMB, then there might be extra costs for getting services such as netbanking etc.
I think for my ICBC card + netbank + usb dongle for netbank i paid 56. 1 for the first years fee for the Unionpay card, 5 deposited to the account. 10 for a years worth of netbanking and 40 for the dongle.
