Download a VPN and two important apps
With various restrictions in China, some apps need a VPN to work as they do at home. Before flying, we recommend downloading a VPN, like ExpressVPN, on your phone, laptop and any other devices you’ll be using, so your day-to-day is as kept seamless as possible when you land in China.
Another element to be aware of is that with China’s security policies on communication and finance, two apps must be downloaded so you can get around Guangzhou easily: AliPay and WeChat.
AliPay is one the most used and widely accepted digital wallets in China, allowing you to pay for pretty much anything by linking your credit cards. The app also allows you to order food in restaurants, book taxis and hotels, and even offers a translation service in-app. As cash is rarely accepted, having AliPay is a necessity to enjoy the city like a local.
China’s alternative to WhatsApp is WeChat. It’s used by the majority of the population for both one-to-one communication and to follow official accounts for updates and announcements.
Create a shortlist of exhibitors
The Fair is separated into three phases, each lasting five days and with their own categories of products. Across the three weeks, there will be over 60,000 booths and stands, so creating a game plan for your visit is crucial to avoid getting lost or overwhelmed when you step through the doors.
Ahead of the fair, you’ll be able to see the list of exhibitors, their booth numbers and location. With this information, we advise putting together a shortlist of suppliers you’re wanting to meet during your visit, noting where they are and if possible, grouping together any that are near to each other. This could save you walking from one end of the exhibition to the other multiple times a day.
Know where you’re staying and the route to the Fair
While this may sound like common sense, it’s always a useful reminder to know where you’re staying and the route to get to and from the Fair.
We recommend downloading AMaps and dropping a pin of your hotel or accommodation so you’re always sure of your base. It’s also a good idea to keep a hotel business card on you with the address in Chinese and the hotel front desk phone number in case taxi drivers get lost and need some direction.
Guangzhou city centre has excellent transport links including bus, train, bullet train, metro and taxis, however with around 200,000 visitors descending on the city over the three weeks, moving around can get difficult as transport options get busier.
To make your travel to and from the Fair as easy and quick as possible, have at least two or three routes in mind so you’re not limited or stuck if one gets super busy.
Translating services
Knowing some useful, basic phrases and words in Chinese is highly recommended as a visitor. When it comes to a trade fair and talking business though, more than ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ will be needed to get deals done.
Many of the booths and stands will have translators to help and we highly recommend having a translation app, like Alibaba Translate, downloaded for basic conversations when they’re all busy.
To go a step further, getting your own translator for all or part of your visit can be incredibly helpful for deeper business discussions.
The Canton Fair offers translators to help you around the exhibition but they’re limited and get booked quickly. The alternative is going through an agency, like HRC or China Tour Guide, that specialises in translation services for fair attendees.
Bring business cards
This will seem like another common-sense note, but it’s important to know that while tech is everywhere for communication, in Asia, exchanging business cards is still considered the first step in building a strong relationship.
Giving and accepting business cards with both hands is a customary gesture showing gratitude and respect, so have plenty on hand and keep any you receive in sight throughout your whole meeting and conversation.
WorldFirst and the Canton Fair
For more tips for the Canton Trade Fair, head over to our guide that tells you more about travel tips, essential local knowledge and what to expect.
We’re excited to be exhibiting at the Fair this year and can be found opposite the Conference Centre in the Pearl Promenade. Join us for a chat - we’d love to hear about your visit and what you’re wanting to achieve from it.
We’re also running a sub-forum in the Conference Centre on Tuesday 17 October 2023 between 2pm – 4.30pm local time talking about how payment innovation can help China-made goods sell on the global stage.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time visitor, getting the most from your trip requires some forward planning when visiting the oldest and largest trade fair in China.
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