Planning to attend the 140th Canton Fair in Guangzhou from October 15 to November 4, 2026? Whether you're sourcing products, meeting suppliers, or exploring new business opportunities, reliable mobile data can help you navigate the exhibition, access product information, and stay in touch with business contacts. Before you travel, here's what to know about the exhibition, how to prepare for your visit, and how to stay connected throughout your business trip in China.
The 140th Canton Fair: Dates, Themes, and Highlights
The 140th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair, will take place in Guangzhou, China, from October 15 to November 4, 2026. Held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, the event connects international buyers with Chinese manufacturers and suppliers across a wide range of industries.
The exhibition is divided into three phases, each covering different product categories. Check the schedule before booking your trip so you can attend the phase most relevant to your sourcing needs.
| Phase | Dates | Main Product Categories |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | October 15–19 | Electronics, industrial equipment, vehicles, and new energy products |
| Phase 2 | October 23–27 | Home goods, gifts, furniture, building materials, and household products |
| Phase 3 | October 31–November 4 | Fashion, textiles, healthcare products, toys, and maternity and baby products |
The fair spans approximately 1.55 million square meters and features tens of thousands of exhibitors, making advance planning especially important for international buyers.
Official website: For the latest exhibition schedule, product categories, and official announcements, visit cantonfair.org.cn.
What to Prepare Before Visiting the Canton Fair
Preparing your buyer badge, researching exhibitors, and checking your phone before departure can save time during the exhibition. Use the official Canton Fair resources below to organize your visit.
1. Register and Arrange Your Buyer Badge
Overseas buyers should complete pre-registration and check the badge application requirements before arriving. Prepare the required identification documents and registration details, and confirm the latest collection instructions before your trip.
- Pre-registration: buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register
- Badge requirements: Check official badge requirements
- Attendance instructions: cantonfair.org.cn
2. Research Exhibitors and Plan Your Route
The Canton Fair brings together thousands of exhibitors across multiple product categories. Search for suppliers and products before visiting, then shortlist the booths relevant to your sourcing goals.
- Find exhibitors and products: Canton Fair Buyer Guide
- Check exhibition sections: Confirm which phase covers your target product categories.
- Plan your visits: Save exhibitor names, booth numbers, and questions you want to ask so you can make better use of your time on the exhibition floor.
The official website and app can help you access exhibition information and search for exhibitors. Check the latest official resources before departure.
3. Download Useful Apps Before Departure
Install essential apps before arriving in China, especially those you need for navigation, translation, transportation, and supplier communication. Some international apps may be restricted on mainland Chinese networks, so prepare alternatives in advance.
| Need | Recommended Apps | What They're Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibition information | Canton Fair official site and app | Search exhibitors, check exhibition information, and locate booths |
| Navigation | Amap (Gaode Maps) or Baidu Maps | Find routes, search addresses, and navigate around Guangzhou |
| Translation | Google Translate or Microsoft Translator | Translate product details and communicate with suppliers; download offline language packs where available |
| Ride-hailing | DiDi | Arrange rides between the exhibition complex, hotels, and meeting locations |
| Business communication | WeChat and email apps such as Gmail or Outlook | Exchange contact details, send documents, and coordinate meetings |
| Payments | Alipay or WeChat Pay | Make supported mobile payments after setting up an eligible payment method |
Tip: Set up your accounts and payment methods before departure whenever possible. Save hotel addresses, exhibitor details, and meeting locations for offline access in case your mobile connection is temporarily unavailable.
Google services such as Gmail and Google Maps are generally restricted on mainland Chinese networks. App availability and functionality can vary, so prepare suitable alternatives rather than relying on a single service.
4. Check Your Phone and Mobile Data
Reliable connectivity helps you retrieve product specifications, contact suppliers, and adjust meeting plans while moving between booths.
Before departure:
- Check eSIM compatibility: Confirm that your phone supports eSIM and is not carrier-locked.
- Choose a suitable data plan: Compare international roaming, travel eSIMs, and local SIM cards based on your trip length and data needs.
- Review network access: If you depend on international business apps, check whether your chosen service supports access to them in mainland China.
- Check hotspot support: If you need to connect a laptop or tablet, confirm that tethering is included in your plan.
If you plan to use a travel eSIM, install it according to the provider's instructions before departure when possible. Check when its validity begins, as some plans start on installation while others start when the eSIM first connects to a supported network.
Why You Need Mobile Data During the Canton Fair
A reliable mobile connection helps you manage supplier meetings, access product information, and navigate Guangzhou throughout your business trip. From the exhibition floor to meetings across the city, mobile data keeps essential travel and business tools within reach.
Find Exhibitors and Navigate the Exhibition Hall
Use the Canton Fair's official website or app to search for exhibitors, check product details, and locate booths. Mobile access is especially useful when you need to confirm booth numbers, review exhibitor information, or adjust your schedule between meetings.
Tip: Save exhibitor names, booth numbers, and meeting times in advance. The exhibition complex is large, so grouping visits by area can help you reduce unnecessary walking.
Communicate with Suppliers in Real Time
Business discussions often continue beyond scheduled meetings. Messaging apps and email let you confirm appointments, request quotations, and exchange product specifications while moving between booths.
- Exchange contact details and confirm meeting times through WeChat or email.
- Download product catalogs and review specifications during discussions.
- Send photos, documents, and follow-up questions while details are fresh.
Use Translation and Business Tools
If you don't speak Chinese, translation apps can help you understand product descriptions and communicate basic questions. You may also need an internet connection to access cloud documents, shared spreadsheets, and business email.
Download offline language packs where available, but remember that online translation and cloud-based tools still require connectivity. If you rely on international services, check their availability in mainland China before departure.
Stay Connected Beyond the Exhibition Hall
Your connectivity needs don't end when the exhibition closes. Mobile data is also useful for arranging transportation, visiting suppliers, and managing daily travel around Guangzhou.
- Navigate the city: Use Amap or Baidu Maps to find routes between the exhibition complex, your hotel, and supplier offices.
- Book transportation: Use a ride-hailing app such as DiDi to arrange trips and check pickup details.
- Manage daily plans: Search for restaurants, check transport information, and coordinate business dinners or last-minute meetings.
- Travel to other cities: If your itinerary includes destinations beyond Guangzhou, check that your data plan covers those locations.
Having mobile data available throughout your trip means you don't need to depend on finding Wi-Fi whenever you leave the exhibition venue.
How to Choose Mobile Data for the Canton Fair
International visitors have several options for getting online in China, including international roaming, travel eSIMs, local SIM cards, and Wi-Fi. The best choice depends on your trip length, communication needs, and how much you rely on mobile data while moving between locations.
| Connection Option | Best For | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| International Roaming | Travelers who want to keep using their existing SIM | Convenient, but data charges may be high depending on the carrier and plan |
| Travel eSIM | Visitors who want to arrange mobile data before departure | Can be purchased and installed in advance; requires an eSIM-compatible, unlocked phone |
| Local SIM Card | Travelers who need a Chinese phone number or local mobile services | May require identity verification and an in-person purchase or registration process |
| Wi-Fi | Occasional internet access at hotels, cafés, or venues | Availability and login requirements vary; less convenient when moving between locations |
Why Consider a Travel eSIM?
For international buyers attending the Canton Fair, a travel eSIM can simplify mobile data access throughout the trip.
- Set it up before departure: Purchase and install your eSIM in advance, following the provider's instructions, so you can prepare your connection before arriving in China.
- Stay connected on the move: Use mobile data for navigation, supplier communication, and online research at the exhibition and elsewhere in Guangzhou, subject to coverage.
- Keep your primary SIM available: Compatible dual-SIM phones may allow you to use your home SIM for calls or messages while selecting the travel eSIM for mobile data. Your home carrier may still charge roaming fees.
- Choose a plan that fits your usage: Compare data allowances, validity periods, hotspot support, and speed policies based on your schedule and business needs.
A travel eSIM can be particularly convenient for a short business trip because it reduces the need to purchase and register a physical SIM after arrival. However, access to international apps depends on the provider's network routing and service terms, so check these details if you rely on specific tools for work.
Stay Connected in China with ByteSIM
For international buyers attending the Canton Fair, ByteSIM China eSIM offers mobile data designed to support business communication and everyday travel across mainland China. With 5G/4G connectivity, flexible data plans, and hotspot support, it helps you stay connected from the exhibition floor to meetings around Guangzhou.
Why Choose ByteSIM China eSIM?
- 5G/4G Connectivity Across China: ByteSIM uses China Mobile as its primary network, with Unicom and China Telecom backup available on daily plans. This helps travelers access mobile data for navigation, supplier communication, and online research in supported coverage areas.
- Access to International and Local Apps: ByteSIM's international data routing is designed to support access to commonly used global services, alongside local apps such as Alipay and DiDi. This is particularly useful for international buyers who need to manage business communications while arranging transportation and daily expenses in China. App availability may vary by service and device.
- Flexible Data Plans, Including Unlimited Options: Choose from daily data, fixed-total data, and unlimited-data plans to suit different trip lengths and usage needs. Travelers who frequently download product catalogs, join online meetings, or use data-intensive apps can compare the available allowances and speed policies before selecting a plan.
- Hotspot Support for Business Devices: Share your mobile data with a laptop or tablet when you need to review product specifications, access cloud documents, or prepare quotations away from your hotel. Hotspot performance depends on network conditions and the connected devices.
- Instant Delivery and 24/7 Support: Receive your eSIM by email after purchase and install it before departure. If you need help during your trip, ByteSIM offers customer support through WhatsApp and email around the clock.
Get your ByteSIM China eSIM before the Canton Fair
Preparing your mobile data before departure means one less task to handle after landing in Guangzhou. Choose a plan that matches your exhibition dates and business travel schedule, then follow the installation instructions so you're ready to connect when you arrive.
Explore ByteSIM China eSIM →FAQ
Do I Need to Attend All Three Phases of the Canton Fair?
No. Each phase covers different product categories, so you can attend the phase most relevant to your sourcing needs. Check the official exhibition schedule before booking your trip.
Can I Install My China eSIM Before Arriving in China?
Yes, many travel eSIMs can be installed before departure. However, installation and activation are different: your eSIM may only connect successfully after you arrive in China, depending on the provider's instructions and plan conditions. Check when your plan's validity begins to avoid using up your data days too early.
Can I Use My Home SIM and a China eSIM at the Same Time?
On a compatible dual-SIM phone, you can usually keep your home SIM active for calls and text messages while selecting your China eSIM for mobile data. Check your phone's SIM settings and disable data roaming on your home SIM if you want to avoid unexpected roaming charges. Your carrier may still charge for calls, texts, or other roaming services.
What Should I Do If My eSIM Isn't Connecting After I Arrive in China?
First, check that the eSIM line is enabled and selected for mobile data. Then verify that data roaming is enabled if your provider requires it, and confirm that your plan has become active. If the connection still doesn't work, follow your provider's troubleshooting instructions or contact customer support before deleting the eSIM profile.
© 2026 Canton Fair Travel Guide — Plan your business trip to Guangzhou.
