Getting Set Up
The unglamorous admin that's actually the easy part.
Banking, a local SIM, utilities, registering your address — none of this is hard once your visa or Temporary Residence Card is in place. It's mostly a sequencing problem: do it in the right order, with the right documents in hand, and it's a few afternoons, not a saga.
Bank account
You'll generally need your passport, a valid visa or work permit, and proof of address (sometimes your lease, sometimes a utility bill — it varies by bank and branch). Some banks are noticeably more used to foreign customers than others, particularly in the bigger cities; asking other expats which branch they used saves time over picking one at random.
SIM card and internet
A local SIM is straightforward — passport required, available from carrier stores or even some convenience stores in the bigger cities. Home internet installation for an apartment is usually arranged through your landlord or building management, and is rarely a bottleneck.
Utilities and address registration
Electricity and water are typically already connected when you move into an existing apartment, billed either directly or through your landlord depending on the building. Address registration with local police is a legal requirement after signing a lease — your landlord is supposed to handle this, but it's worth confirming it actually happened rather than assuming.
Indicative pricing
Price guides are coming soon.
Related guides
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Relevant updates
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Common questions
- Can I open a bank account before I have a long-term visa?
- It depends on the bank — some accept a valid short-term visa, others want a work permit or Temporary Residence Card. Worth checking with a specific branch before counting on it.
- Do I need my own name on the utility bills?
- Not necessarily — in a lot of rental buildings, utilities stay in the landlord's name and get billed to you indirectly. Confirm which arrangement applies before you move in.