Business Travel to China: Essential Tips for International Clients

Planning a business trip to China is easier—and far more productive—when you lock down the fundamentals. Use this streamlined guide as your pre-departure and on-the-ground companion.

1) Visa: know your entry rules before you book

Choose the right category: Most business travelers use the M visa (commercial trade). Conferences may accept F visas (non-commercial exchanges).
Invitation letter: Ask your host company to issue an official invitation (on letterhead, stamped).
Lead time: Start at least 4–6 weeks ahead. Some jurisdictions require in-person biometrics.
Multi-entry? If you’ll shuttle in/out over months, request a multiple-entry visa.
Keep copies: Print and save PDFs of your application, approval, and invitation on your phone.

Pro tip: Confirm any transit rules for layovers and ensure your passport validity meets the consulate’s minimum.

2) Passport: validity and backups

Validity: At least 6 months beyond your final exit date; 2–3 blank visa pages recommended.
Backups: Photocopy the ID page and visa page; store a set in your bag and cloud drive.
Loss plan: Note your embassy/consulate address; keep a passport-sized photo handy for emergency replacement.

3) Currency & payments: how people actually pay

Cash & cards: Carry some RMB for taxis and small vendors. Int’l credit cards work at major hotels and chains.
Mobile pay: WeChat Pay and Alipay are ubiquitous. Set them up before you go if possible (or upon arrival with a local SIM and a supported card).

Alipay

WeChat Pay

WeChat Pay

ATMs: Use bank-branded machines inside hotels or branches for better uptime and security.
Receipts: Ask for fāpiào (official receipt) if you need company reimbursement.

Pro tip: Keep a small stash of low-denomination bills for tolls, tips for luggage handling, and market purchases.

4) Accommodation: book for location, not just stars

Choose by commute: Stay within 15–25 minutes of your key meetings to dodge traffic.
Business amenities: Reliable Wi-Fi, workspace desk, late check-out, and multilingual front desk.
Registration: Hotels handle police registration; if using serviced apartments, confirm the host will register you.
Booking strategy: Hold a refundable rate for flexibility; confirm a Chinese-language address card at check-in.

5) Transport: map routes before wheels touch down

Airport to city: Pre-book a car service or use official taxi queues. Screenshot your destination in Chinese characters.
In-city travel: Subways are efficient; Didi (ride-hailing) is the Uber-equivalent.

Didi

Intercity: China’s high-speed rail is fast, punctual, and business-friendly.
Peak hours: 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00—pad your schedule.

Pro tip: Hand drivers a printed hotel card (front desk will give you one) with address and phone.

6) Itinerary design: sequence for success

Anchor meetings first: Schedule your priority meeting on Day 2, after a night’s rest.
Factory tours: Cluster by geography to cut transit time; build 30–45 minutes buffer between visits.
Decision rhythms: Senior approvals can take time—book a follow-up slot before you fly home.
Plan B: Keep one flex hour/day for overrun, traffic, or extra stakeholder intros.

7) Translation & communication: eliminate avoidable friction

Human help: For technical negotiations, hire a pro interpreter (industry vocabulary matters).
Apps: Load WeChat (for messaging, file share, voice notes) and an offline CN–EN translator pack.
Printed aids: Bilingual agendas, name lists, product specs; business cards double-sided (EN/CN).
Tone: Be clear, concise, and confirm in writing—“To recap, we agreed on …”

8) Emergency contacts: put help on speed dial

Local:
- Police: 110
- Ambulance: 120
- Fire: 119
Corporate: Your travel manager, insurer 24/7 line, and security provider (CJ: +86 0571 86719839).
Diplomatic: Embassy/consulate address, phone, and after-hours line.
Medical: Nearest international clinic to hotel/office; save on your map.

Tape a small emergency card inside your notebook and wallet.

9) Time-zone shift: arrive sharp, not shattered

China Standard Time: UTC+8 (single time zone nationwide).
Jet lag plan: Move your sleep 1–2 hours earlier for three nights pre-flight; hydrate; daylight on arrival morning.
Meeting timing: Avoid critical sign-offs the morning after arrival; aim for Day 2 or afternoon Day 1.

10) Climate & packing: dress for the region, not the myth

North vs. South: Winters in the north are dry and cold; south is milder, often humid.
Seasonal kit:
- Winter: coat, layers, lip balm, moisturizer.
- Summer: breathable fabrics, light blazer, electrolyte tabs.
- Monsoon: compact umbrella, quick-dry shoes.
Business dress: Conservative, well-fitted; keep one banquet-appropriate outfit.

11) Mobile network & data: be online, always

SIM/eSIM: Buy a local SIM/eSIM (China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom) for dependable 4G/5G.
Registration: Passport required for SIM purchase.
Roaming: Corporate plans work but can be pricey; confirm data caps.
Hotel Wi-Fi: Stable at major brands; ask for an access code at check-in.

Pro tip: Install a company VPN before departure if you need access to corporate tools.

12) Voltage & plugs: don’t fry your gear

Voltage: 220V / 50Hz
Plug types: Commonly Type A, C, I.
Adapters: Carry a universal adapter + surge protector; verify your laptop/charger says “100–240V.”

13) Food & dining: eat well, stay well

Water: Stick to bottled or boiled water; avoid tap water.
Where to eat: Busy restaurants with high turnover; be cautious with raw salads at small stalls.
Dietary needs: Carry a translation card (e.g., no nuts/shellfish/pork).
Banquets: Try a bit of everything, toast politely; let the host lead the order and pace.

Pro tip: Pack a couple energy bars for long factory days.

14) Travel insurance: the backup you hope you never use

Coverage: Medical, evacuation, trip interruption, lost baggage, and business equipment.
Hotline: Save the 24/7 claims number; know hospital direct-bill partners.
Docs: Keep policies and claim forms in your cloud drive and printed in your folder.

15) Safety & common sense: low drama, high awareness

Street smarts: Keep valuables zipped; use hotel safes; prefer official taxis and well-lit areas at night.
Documents: Carry your passport (or copy + visa page) when required; keep originals secure when not needed.
Professional conduct: Be respectful in public; avoid sensitive political topics in meetings or messages.
Data hygiene: Bring clean devices if your company requires it; encrypt confidential files; use screen locks.

Final word: control the controllables

Business success in China is built on preparation and respect. Handle the basics—visa, payments, connectivity, routes—so you can focus on what matters: listening well, building rapport, and executing clean meetings. Pack with purpose, plan your days with buffers, and keep a tidy paper trail. Do that, and your trip won’t just go smoothly—it will move deals forward.