By Craig Curtis

A cut-out-and-keep guide for the China uninitiated

If you think your run through the red tape gauntlet ends with getting hold of your visa and work permit, think again. Under Chinese law, foreigners need to register their place of accommodation with the Public Security Bureau (PSB). Hotels, hostels and serviced apartments are likely to complete registration on your behalf, but if you're renting your own property, buying a place or even just staying the night with a friend, you need to take care of it yourself. And within 24 hours of arriving at your new abode.

Sure, it's a hassle, but the police do perform checks of apartment blocks as well as hotels, and you face a fine of up to 500 yuan ($73.64) if caught out. 

If going it alone, your first task is to find out where the PSB responsible for foreign registration in the part of the city you're staying in is. Best bet is to ask the guards at the reception of your building: "wo ying gai qu na ge pai chu suo deng ji." The registration departments usually close by 5 pm, and are often closed at weekends.

You will need to take your passport with a valid visa or residence permit. Any extras depend on your accommodation type.

Hotels should take care of registration for you - that's one of the reasons they ask for your passport at check-in. However, if they don't, you can request that they give you a slip confirming your duration of stay, which you then need to take with you when registering.

If you are renting an apartment, the building's management company is supposed to inform you of how to register. You will need to take a copy of your signed lease as well as your landlord's ID number.

Foreigners who have purchased property must register within 24 hours of moving in. They will need to provide property ownership certificates when they register.

If you're staying at a friend's place, you will need to take along their ID details.

Your prize at the end of all this will be a "Foreigner Accommodation Registration Form" (waiguoren zhusu dengji biao). Keep it safe, as you'll need it for visa renewals or changes in your visa status.