Fun anecdote: Born in China, given a Chinese name, then naturalized in Canada. My name was spelled out phonetically on Canadian documents, unsurprisingly. When I return to China now, the name shown on all documents is LASTNAMEFIRSTNAME, not a single Chinese character in sight.
Re:It’s hard to have an unusual name in China
by iforgotpassword on Friday July 27, 2018 @04:08AM
(#17624325)
My friend has a Chinese driver's license since he lived there for 4 years, and he had to use his Chinese name for it. I don't know why (inability to enter Latin into their system?) But they insisted he give them a Chinese name.
Re:It’s hard to have an unusual name in China
by robjan on Friday July 27, 2018 @05:36AM
(#17624699)
I am surprised at this. Even in Hong Kong, if you choose to take a Chinese name, at the time that you apply for your HKID, that becomes your legal name.
Re:It’s hard to have an unusual name in China
by rahimnathwani on Friday July 27, 2018 @11:50AM
(#17626845)
There are very few foreigners in mainland China who are eligible for and have received a Chinese ID card. I've never met one in person, so don't know what name is shown on there. But that card is especially for foreigners so I'd expect it to use the regular name.
No. You can choose a Chinese name (or have one chosen for you) to make life easier for your Chinese friends and colleagues, but your bank account etc. will use your real name.
The name on your bank account is likely to be on of the below, depending on which bank you use, and what type of day the teller is having:
SURNAMEFORENAME
FORENAMESURNAME
FORENAMEMIDDLESURNAME
And you need to know what it is, because without the correct name it's impossible to receive inbound bank transfers, or to link your bank card with WeChat/AliPay. Your name is not usually printed on your bank card, which you are given as soon as you open the account.