China Business Trip – Digital Mobile

Ein großflächiges Panoramabild von Shanghai bei Nacht und zahlreichen, beleuchteten Wolkenkratzern

Part 1: Your Practical Guide for VPN, Apps, Payment Logistics in China

A business trip to China is a strategic undertaking. However, without proper digital and logistical preparation, even the best plans can fail due to simple obstacles: no access to familiar apps, unsuitable payment methods, or blocked communication channels. Such operational problems waste valuable time and jeopardize your actual business goals.

This guide is the start of our three-part series and provides you with practical tools for your digital sovereignty.

The other parts deal with Finance Law (Part 2) and the final preparation including Visa Culture Shock (Part 3).

Digital and Logistical Sovereignty in China: What Executives Need to Know

Your effectiveness in Chinese business daily life depends on the right digital equipment and knowledge of logistical conditions. Insufficient preparation in these operational areas ties up valuable management time and distracts from the essentials. As an executive, your goal is to ensure smooth operations so that you and your team are fully capable of action at all times.

The “Great Firewall” of China is a digital reality that blocks access to Western services like Google or X (formerly Twitter). For you as an executive, this means: Without preparation, you are cut off from critical information and communication channels, which severely limits your ability to act on-site. The solution is a reliable VPN service (Virtual Private Network), which must be installed on all business devices before your entry.

However, the legal aspects are complex. While individual use of VPNs by travelers is often tolerated, your Chinese branches are subject to stricter rules. A robust connectivity strategy that also considers the company’s compliance requirements is therefore essential.

Choosing the right provider is crucial, as not all services can reliably bypass the “Great Firewall”. Look for features such as obfuscation technologies that disguise VPN traffic as normal data traffic.

Recommended VPN Providers for China (as of 2025)

Provider Works in China (Tests 2025) Important Features for China Approximate Costs (per month with long-term subscription)
Surfshark Yes NoBorders mode, Obfuscation, good speeds from approx. € 2.00
NordVPN Yes NordWhisper/Obfuscated Servers, good speeds from approx. € 3.10
ExpressVPN Yes Strong encryption, Obfuscation, reliable from approx. € 4.55

China is a pioneer in mobile digitalization, where many everyday and business processes run through so-called “super apps”. Using these apps is therefore often not a matter of convenience, but a necessity to participate in social and business life. As an executive, you must ensure that your team is equipped with these digital tools to avoid operational friction and focus on the actual business objectives. A central tool for this is WeChat, for example, which is also crucial for building Guanxi.

Essential Mobile Apps for China

Category Recommended China App(s) Western Equivalent (approx.) Key Features
Communication WeChat, QQ WhatsApp, Facebook Messaging, Calls, Social Network, Mini-Programs
Payment Alipay, WeChat Pay PayPal, Apple/Google Pay Mobile Payments (QR-Code), Bills, Transfers
Maps Baidu Maps Google Maps, Apple Maps Navigation, Traffic Info, POI Search
Ride Services Didi Chuxing Uber, Lyft Order Taxis and Ride-shares
Travel booking Ctrip (Trip.com), Qunar, Fliggy Booking.com, Expedia Flight, train, hotel bookings
Translation Google Translate, DeepL, etc. – Text, voice, image translation

In China’s digital everyday life, cash and traditional credit cards play a minor role. Mobile payments via QR code through Alipay and WeChat Pay are the unavoidable standard. A functioning mobile payment option is crucial for your operational efficiency on-site. The setup should definitely be done before your trip to avoid initial difficulties.

Setup for international cards: It is now possible to link international credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) with Alipay and WeChat Pay. The process usually requires downloading the app, registration, and identity verification, but can often be done with a non-Chinese phone number.

Limits and alternatives: Note that there may be transaction limits or fees for international cards. For short trips, the “Tour Pass” feature of Alipay might be a worthwhile alternative to circumvent these restrictions.

Your time in China is your most valuable resource. Thoughtful planning of your mobility and accommodation is therefore not an administrative detail, but a strategic decision. It ensures that you can focus your energy on your business goals – and not on unforeseen logistical challenges.

Transportation: Efficiently getting from A to B

  • Long distance: High-speed trains efficiently and comfortably connect the major economic centers. For greater distances, domestic flights are the best option.
  • Inner-city: Subways are often the fastest means of transport in metropolises to avoid traffic.
  • Flexibility: Taxis and ride-hailing services (especially the Didi Chuxing app) are widespread and easy to book.

Accommodation: The right base for your stay

  • Hotels: International hotel chains offer Western standards and English-speaking staff. Local chains can be more cost-effective but often require more linguistic flexibility.
  • Booking: Use common platforms like Ctrip/Trip.com (local leader) or Booking.com. For longer stays, serviced apartments are a good alternative.
  • Important note: Be sure to clarify in advance whether the chosen hotel is authorized to accommodate foreign guests and will handle the necessary police registration for you. This is a crucial legal aspect.

An unsuitable plug can make the difference between a fully operational and a paralyzed management team at a crucial moment. The power supply for your devices is a small but mission-critical detail that doesn’t tolerate any uncertainties.

Voltage: The mains voltage in China is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz.

Socket types: The most common socket types are A, C, and I.

Recommendation: Most modern electronic devices (laptops, phone chargers) are designed for a wide voltage range (dual-voltage) and don’t require a voltage converter. However, a universal travel adapter is essential to be able to connect your devices.

Your complete plan for China: The ultimate business trip checklist for download

This article series gives you the administrative knowledge for your success in China. For perfect operational preparation where no detail is forgotten, we have developed a comprehensive checklist for you.

From visa and VPN to packing list and the most important apps – secure now the practical tool that saves you time, minimizes risks, and ensures a smooth running of your trip.