1 Bring a small amount of cash and a supplementary card to your parent’s credit card. Visa? MasterCard? All are fine.
2 If it is a simple UnionPay card, please indicate that you should use the UnionPay channel when using it in the UK. With the visa card, there is no charge for swiping the card, but the final settlement is usually in RMB based on the exchange rate on the day the card is swiped, converting RMB into US dollars (+ handling fee) and then US dollars into pounds sterling (+ handling fee). Therefore, the purpose of this card is for emergencies. No cash withdrawals are required. It is only used to swipe the card.
3 After arriving in the UK, in addition to opening a local bank card in the UK, it is recommended to open a Bank of China or ICBC card. This card is used to send money domestically, because when you transfer money to a British bank account, they will also require additional payment. A handling fee is charged.
4 I don’t know about ICBC. Bank of China has four branches in the UK, namely: London, Birmingham, Manchester City, and Glasgow. I have never been to the one in Glasgow, and the other three are all near Chinatown.
5 British banks can choose Lloyds TSB or Barclays Bank. It will be difficult to apply for check books and premium cards from HSBC.
Extended information:
Expenses mainly include tuition and living expenses, which account for the majority of all expenses. In addition, factors such as the exchange rate between RMB and foreign currencies and inflation must also be considered.
1. Examination fee
Studying abroad requires a good language foundation. Students studying in the UK choose IELTS in China and can be admitted only after meeting the school's requirements. For graduate students, British universities generally do not require GRE or GMAT scores, except for some business courses such as MBA, which may require GMAT.
2. Notary fee
British visa does not require document notarization. You only need to issue the original, copy and translation of the visa document, and ensure the authenticity of the document.
3. Passport fee
The fee for applying for a passport is generally RMB 200.
4. Physical examination fee
Students going to the UK to study for more than six months will be required to issue a tuberculosis test report when entering the country. Students can issue an international tuberculosis test report at a domestic institution with international travel health testing. Travel health certificate.
5. Visa fees
The fees for applying for a visa vary according to the visa category. For details, please visit the British Visa Application Center website.
6. School application fee
Generally, you do not need to pay an application fee to apply to a British school. British universities do not charge application fees. British high schools and preparatory courses may charge a small amount. The application fee ranges from approximately ￡50 to ￡200.
7. School registration fee
British universities do not charge registration fees, and the tuition deposit is subject to the admission notice.
8. Tuition fees and living expenses
The specific fees vary from university to university and are related to the chosen subjects. Details can be obtained when requesting information from the university to which you are applying.
9. Medical insurance premiums
International students who come to the UK to study for more than six months will be covered by the British national medical insurance system. There is no need to pay for medical treatment. Medicine fees are based on Fixed amount payment.
Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia-Studying in the UK