First business trip to China. You have meetings in Shanghai or Guangzhou. Someone told you that Google does not work there. You are not sure what that means practically or what you need to prepare. Here is the honest first-timer guide.
What Stops Working When You Land in China
The moment your phone connects to a Chinese network — airport WiFi, hotel WiFi, or a local SIM — these stop working: Google Maps, Gmail, Google Workspace, WhatsApp calls (text may partially work), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Slack, Zoom, ChatGPT. These do not stop working: Microsoft Teams, Outlook, WeChat, Apple Maps, DiDi, any Chinese app.
The good news: the fix is simple and inexpensive. The bad news: it must be done before you board your flight.
The Three-Step China Business Trip Prep
Step 1: Buy and install a China eSIM with international routing.
Purchase online. QR code arrives by email. At home on WiFi: Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM, scan QR code. Label it China Data. The eSIM installs in 90 seconds. On landing in China: enable Data Roaming on the China eSIM line. Google Maps opens. WhatsApp works. Done.
Step 2: Set up WeChat and WeChat Pay.
WeChat is China's primary business communication platform. Your Chinese counterparts, suppliers, and meeting contacts all use WeChat — not email and not WhatsApp for local business. Download WeChat before departure. Create an account. Ask a WeChat contact to verify your account (WeChat verification requires an existing contact). Link an international Visa or Mastercard to WeChat Pay in the Wallet section. This enables payment at restaurants, hotels, and transport in China.
Step 3: Download DiDi International.
DiDi is China's Uber. The DiDi International app accepts foreign credit cards and has an English interface. Download and register before departure. In China: enter your destination in English, confirm your pickup, and pay with your linked card. No Mandarin required, no cash negotiation with taxi drivers.
China Business Apps: Essential vs Nice-to-Have
| App | Essential? | Install when | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Before departure | Primary business communication in China | |
| China eSIM (international routing) | Essential | Before departure | Enables Google, WhatsApp, Gmail in China |
| DiDi International | Essential | Before departure | Taxi without Mandarin or cash |
| Google Maps offline (your city) | Recommended | Before departure | Backup if eSIM data is slow |
| WeChat Pay (linked international card) | Recommended | Before departure | Many restaurants and small vendors prefer QR payment |
| Alipay International | Optional | Before departure | Alternative to WeChat Pay — both accepted most places |
| Google Translate (offline Chinese pack) | Recommended | Before departure | Menu translation, signage — works without data |
Meeting Protocol in China
Chinese business meetings exchange WeChat IDs rather than business cards or LinkedIn — or in addition to them. Have your WeChat QR code ready to show. After the meeting: all follow-up communication happens primarily on WeChat. Email is used for formal documents. Your Google account email works fine on your international roaming eSIM for follow-up correspondence.
Three First-Timer Business Situations
Arrival at PVG, taxi to the hotel: Your flight lands at Pudong. China eSIM enables Data Roaming. Google Maps shows your hotel address. DiDi International books a ride in 3 minutes from the arrivals exit. You arrive at the hotel speaking zero Mandarin and having navigated the entire arrival process independently. Cost: approximately 80 CNY (DiDi) plus $1.49 (eSIM data for the day).
Client dinner, WeChat Pay at the restaurant: Your Chinese client takes you to a local restaurant. The bill arrives. No option for international credit card — only WeChat Pay QR code. WeChat Pay linked to your Mastercard: scan, pay, done. Your client is impressed that you prepared. First China business trip: off to a strong start.
Zoom with home office from the hotel, eSIM hotspot: Your European headquarter scheduled a debrief call at 10pm local time. Hotel WiFi: Zoom blocked. You hotspot your laptop to the China eSIM. Zoom connects in seconds. 45-minute call with the team, reviewing the day's client meetings. Total eSIM data used for the call: approximately 400 MB.
FAQ
Do I need to bring cash to China for my business trip?
For most business trip purposes: minimal cash is needed. DiDi accepts international cards. WeChat Pay and Alipay with international cards cover restaurants, taxis, and most purchases. Some hotel minibar purchases and small street vendors: cash or WeChat Pay. Carry approximately 500 CNY ($70 USD) as backup for situations where QR payment is not available.
How do I receive WeChat messages from Chinese contacts before my trip?
WeChat works normally outside China. Install WeChat before your trip, send your WeChat ID to your Chinese contacts, and they can reach you on WeChat before you depart. WeChat messaging outside China requires no special setup.
What is the most important thing to do before a China business trip?
Install the China eSIM QR code before boarding. Everything else (WeChat setup, DiDi, WeChat Pay) can theoretically be done after arrival. The eSIM cannot. If you land without a pre-installed eSIM: you spend the first day navigating China without Google Maps, without Gmail, and without WhatsApp. Install the eSIM first.
First China business trip? China eSIM — install before boarding, Google and WhatsApp working from PVG or PEK arrivals. From $1.49.