Hey,
I have to say that my life in china became much easier since i started using online banking (even though my chinese reading is almost non existent). Yesterday i even used mobile banking (with alipay) for the first time. Just so you will understand why it is helpful - can order train tickets without queuing, buy electronics for cheaper and they delivered to your home within 24hr without haggling with sellers in ZGC, get 20kuai cinema tickets, buy groupbuy on the go (say lunch/dinner nearby you) for 50% discounts, or charge your phone without looking for a kiosk when it is -10 outside, etc...
If someone wants me to explain how to start with online banking i'm willing to give you a tutorial. I'm using Bank Of China (they also have english site) so can help with this one (but maybe China Construction bank is even easier). Anyway, the first step is to go to the bank and ask to open 网上银行 (Wǎngshàng yínháng), don't forget to bring your passport with you. I also i find it quite useful that they send me sms every time i use my card so i can know exactly what is my balance (so aslk them to open this option as well).
I have to say that my life in china became much easier since i started using online banking (even though my chinese reading is almost non existent). Yesterday i even used mobile banking (with alipay) for the first time. Just so you will understand why it is helpful - can order train tickets without queuing, buy electronics for cheaper and they delivered to your home within 24hr without haggling with sellers in ZGC, get 20kuai cinema tickets, buy groupbuy on the go (say lunch/dinner nearby you) for 50% discounts, or charge your phone without looking for a kiosk when it is -10 outside, etc...
If someone wants me to explain how to start with online banking i'm willing to give you a tutorial. I'm using Bank Of China (they also have english site) so can help with this one (but maybe China Construction bank is even easier). Anyway, the first step is to go to the bank and ask to open 网上银行 (Wǎngshàng yínháng), don't forget to bring your passport with you. I also i find it quite useful that they send me sms every time i use my card so i can know exactly what is my balance (so aslk them to open this option as well).