ICBC or Industrial and Commercial Bank of China can be found in almost every place in Beijing. You can find 2 or more banks in a single location and ATM Machines can be found almost everywhere. Just look for the Union Pay Icon and you can instantly access your account. If you're planning to stay for a long time in Beijing, you can consider opening an RMB bank account in this bank.
For Beijing Language and Culture University students, there are 2 branches within the vicinity that you can choose from. The first one is located inside the school, right behind the East building (the biggest school building). While the second branch is located outside the school, somewhere around the South East Corner. I don't really think the directions I'm giving right now are relevant, but you'll know their locations once you get here.
Advantages of Opening an Account
First and foremost, the greatest advantage of having an account is being able to put your money on a safe place. Rather than keeping all your money in the wallet and taking the risk of losing it throughout the semester, it will be better if you just decide to put it in the bank.
Getting an ATM card is a breeze. As soon as you open an ATM account, the bank immediately provides you an ATM card and you can withdraw from it anytime.
After converting your money, you can just put everything in and be worry free. You can also use the ATM as a debit card so you can use it like it's a credit card (in places that accept card payment of course).
Requirements in Opening an Account
In order to open an account, you'll should just bring with you two things, your Original passport and the money you want to deposit. You'll also be filling up a few forms.
Steps in Opening a Bank Account
Once you enter the bank, you can just get a number from the machine and wait for your number to be called. If they ask you what you want to do, you can just say you want to open a bank account and Exchange your money (if it's still not in RMB). If you can't speak Mandarin, no worries, just speak in English and they'll find a way to understand you.
Before filling up the forms, you will be asked to choose whether you want a checkbook account or an ATM account. It actually depends on your preference. In my case, I chose the ATM account since it's tiring to keep on returning to the bank each time I need money.
If your money is not yet in RMB, and you want to convert it, you must first fill up a Currency Exchange form. On top is an example photo of the Currency Exchange Form I filled up back then.
After filling up the Currency Exchange Form, you can start filling up the form for opening a bank account. I think there are 2 sheets of paper for opening an account. It includes several details about you, including your passport number. Once your done, you just need to wait for a while until your numbers are called. Remember to give the Currency Exchange form first.
Once your account is opened, you'll be asked to enter a 6-digit password for your ATM card. Simply press the numbers on the machine and in a few more minutes, you're done!
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