Canton Fair FAQ: 50 Essential Questions for First-Time Foreign Visitors

VISA & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1. Do I need a visa to attend the Canton Fair? Yes, most foreign visitors need a Chinese visa. However, citizens from 53+ countries can use the 144-hour visa-free transit policy if staying less than 6 days.

2. What type of visa should I apply for? Business visa (M type) is recommended for Canton Fair attendance. Tourist visas (L type) may work but business visas are more appropriate.

3. How do I get an invitation letter for visa application? Register on the official Canton Fair website (cantonfair.org.cn) to obtain an e-invitation letter required for visa applications.

4. Can I use a tourist visa to attend the fair? While possible, it’s not recommended. Immigration may question your purpose if using a tourist visa for business activities.

5. How long does visa processing take? Standard processing takes 4-7 business days. Express service (3-5 days) costs around $100-150 extra depending on your location.

REGISTRATION & BUYER BADGE

6. Do I need to register in advance? Yes, pre-registration is highly recommended. It’s free online but costs 100 RMB for on-site registration.

7. What documents do I need for registration? Passport copy, business card, company registration certificate, and personal photo are typically required.

8. Is the buyer badge reusable? Yes, overseas buyer badges can be used for multiple sessions and future fairs once obtained.

9. Can I register without a company? It’s challenging. You typically need business credentials. Consider partnering with a trading company for invitation letters.

10. What if I’m just accompanying someone else? Each person needs their own registration and badge, even if not conducting business personally.

TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

11. Which airport should I fly into? Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is closest (1-hour taxi ride). Hong Kong Airport is also an option but requires 2+ hours by train.

12. How do I get from the airport to the fair? Official airport taxis are safest. Always ensure the meter is running. Budget 200-300 RMB from Guangzhou airport.

13. What’s the best way to get around Guangzhou? Subway system is efficient but crowded. Taxis are convenient but drivers rarely speak English. Download translation apps.

14. Should I avoid fake taxis at the airport? Yes! Only use official airport taxi stands. Avoid anyone approaching you inside the terminal offering rides.

15. How long are taxi lines at the fair? Expect 30-60 minute waits, especially on weekends. Consider shuttle buses or arranging pickup in advance.

ACCOMMODATION

16. Where should I stay? The Westin Pazhou is connected to the fair complex. Shangri-La, Langham Place, and Grand Hyatt are popular premium options nearby.

17. What about budget accommodations? Holiday Inn brands are reliable mid-range options in China. Hostels are available for under $15/night but may lack Western amenities.

18. How far should my hotel be from the fair? Within 5-10 km is ideal. Factor in traffic and transportation time when choosing location.

19. Should I book accommodation in advance? Absolutely! Hotels fill up quickly during fair periods and prices increase significantly.

20. What hotel amenities should I prioritize? Western-style bathrooms, English-speaking staff, reliable WiFi, and proximity to metro stations or fair venue.

TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATION

21. Will my phone work in China? Most international phones work, but you’ll need a VPN to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

22. What VPN should I use? ExpressVPN is commonly recommended by visitors. Download and test it before traveling.

23. Should I get a Chinese SIM card? eSIM with data allowance can be easier and may provide automatic VPN access without restrictions.

24. What apps should I download? WeChat (essential for business cards and communication), Alipay/WeChat Pay for payments, Google Translate with offline capability.

25. Can I use my credit cards? International cards work at major hotels and some restaurants, but mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay) are preferred everywhere.

FAIR PREPARATION & STRATEGY

26. How big is the Canton Fair? Massive – you can easily spend a full day walking just 1/30th of the exhibition. It’s impossible to see everything.

27. How should I plan my visit? Research 20-30 target suppliers in advance with booth numbers. Don’t try to visit every booth – focus on your specific needs.

28. Which phase should I attend? Phase 1: Electronics, machinery, industrial products Phase 2: Consumer goods, home décor, gifts
Phase 3: Textiles, clothing, accessories

29. How many days do I need? 2-3 days per phase is usually sufficient. 5+ days can be overwhelming for first-timers.

30. What time should I arrive each day? 8:30 AM is ideal – avoid crowds and have quality time with suppliers before peak hours.

WHAT TO BRING & WEAR

31. What should I wear? Smart casual, comfortable walking shoes (broken in!), breathable clothing. You’ll walk 10+ km daily.

32. What should I pack? Small rolling luggage for samples, notebooks, stapler, business cards, toilet paper, basic medications, power bars.

33. Do I need to bring toilet paper? Yes! Many public restrooms don’t provide it. Carry tissues – even locals do this routinely.

34. Should I bring medications? Bring Pepto-Bismol, allergy medication, and any prescriptions. Air quality can be challenging for sensitive individuals.

35. What about power adapters? China uses Type A, C, and I plugs. Bring a universal adapter with multiple USB ports.

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE & INTERACTIONS

36. Do suppliers speak English? Limited English is common. Use translation apps and be patient. Bring translated business cards.

37. Should I take photos with suppliers? Yes! It helps them remember you later. Many suppliers will request selfies with international visitors.

38. How do I organize business cards and contacts? Staple business cards to notebook pages with notes about each supplier. Take photos of cards with relevant products.

39. What topics should I avoid discussing? Avoid sensitive political topics about China. Focus on business, products, and neutral cultural exchanges.

40. Should I negotiate prices at the fair? The fair is for information gathering and relationship building. Serious negotiations typically happen afterward via email/WeChat.

SAMPLES & LOGISTICS

41. Can I get free samples? Often yes, but may require payment for shipping. Some suppliers charge for samples but refund with orders.

42. When are the best deals on samples? Last day of each phase – suppliers often sell or give away display samples rather than ship them back.

43. How do I ship samples home? Many suppliers can arrange shipping, or use international courier services. Factor in customs regulations.

44. What about intellectual property concerns? Be cautious about sharing proprietary designs. Many attendees report IP concerns, so protect sensitive information.

45. Should I place orders at the fair? Generally no. Use the fair for research and relationship building. Negotiate terms and place orders afterward.

PRACTICAL TIPS & SAFETY

46. Is China safe for foreign visitors? Very safe! Crime rates are low, but be cautious of scams and always use official transportation.

47. What about food safety? Stick to busy, popular restaurants. Many Western chains are available if local food doesn’t agree with you.

48. How do I handle language barriers? Download Google Translate with camera feature for real-time text translation. Learn basic Chinese phrases.

49. What if I need medical assistance? International hotels can help arrange English-speaking medical care. Bring comprehensive travel insurance.

50. Any final advice for first-timers? Be patient, stay hydrated, don’t try to see everything, focus on quality connections over quantity, and enjoy the experience – it’s overwhelming but incredibly educational!