Canton Fair eSIM: WhatsApp with no VPN in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong
One eSIM for the whole sourcing trip: land in Hong Kong, train to Guangzhou, factories in Shenzhen or Yiwu, home via Macau. Install at home, connect on landing.
Short answer: for the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, VoaSim recommends the China + Hong Kong + Macau eSIM: unlimited data with WhatsApp, Google and Instagram working without a VPN, because traffic exits outside the Chinese network. For one phase of the fair (5 days plus arrival and departure), 7 days cost USD 22.90. Two phases: 15 days for USD 41.90. The whole fair: 30 days for USD 60.90. Updated Oct 15, 2026.
✓ WhatsApp and Google, no VPN✓ China + Hong Kong + Macau✓ Shenzhen and Yiwu included✓ Instant delivery by email✓ Human support 24/7✓ 10% off for teams (2+ eSIMs)
Canton Fair calendar and how many eSIM days to buy
The 140th session takes place at the Pazhou complex in Guangzhou in three 5-day phases. Most buyers attend one phase, the one for their product category. Count your arrival and departure days.
Phase
Dates
Sectors
Suggested eSIM
Price today
Phase 1
Oct 15 – Oct 19
Electronics, home appliances, lighting, machinery, tools, vehicles and parts, new energy
7 days
USD 22.90
Phase 2
Oct 23 – Oct 27
Housewares, gifts, home decor, ceramics, building materials and furniture
7 days
USD 22.90
Phase 3
Oct 31 – Nov 4
Textiles, apparel, shoes, toys, office supplies, health, food and pet products
7 days
USD 22.90
Two phases
e.g. Oct 15 – Oct 27
—
15 days
USD 41.90
Whole fair
Oct 15 – Nov 4
—
30 days
USD 60.90
Next session (141st, spring 2027): expected Apr 15 to May 5, 2027, in the same three phases. The organizer has not published the official calendar yet; check cantonfair.org.cn before booking.
Takes 1 minute. 2 or more eSIMs in the same order get 10% off the total.
China plan or China + Hong Kong + Macau?
Landing in Hong Kong, going through Shenzhen or leaving via Macau? Pick China + Hong Kong + Macau. The China plan alone covers mainland China only and does not work in Hong Kong or Macau.
Flying straight into Guangzhou and staying on the mainland? The China plan is enough, including Shenzhen, Yiwu, Foshan and Shanghai.
Not sure? Take China + Hong Kong + Macau: both plans cost the same today and you stay online if your route changes.
Buyer checklist before you fly
Install the eSIM at home
On home Wi-Fi, scan the QR code and keep the line off. Days only start counting when it connects in China or Hong Kong.
Keep your home SIM in the phone
The eSIM is data-only. Your regular SIM stays in the phone for bank SMS and your WhatsApp code.
Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay first
Almost everything in China is paid by phone. Both accept international cards; finish sign-up and verification before you leave.
Download a Chinese map and a translator
Google works on the eSIM, but in Chinese cities Amap (Gaode) is usually more accurate. Also download Google Translate with offline Chinese.
Pre-register as a buyer
Your fair badge comes from the registration on the official site (cantonfair.org.cn). Bring your passport.
One eSIM per team member
Hotspot/tethering is not allowed by the networks. Each person uses their own eSIM, and 2 or more in one order get 10% off.
At the fair: what works on the eSIM
WhatsApp with suppliers and home
Photos, product videos, voice notes and video calls with your partner back home, no VPN.
WeChat with exhibitors
Most Chinese suppliers negotiate on WeChat. It works normally.
Email, Google Drive and sheets
Gmail, Drive, Docs and Sheets open directly, so you can send quotes and catalogs on the spot.
Getting around
Didi (China's Uber), Guangzhou metro (the Pazhou complex is on line 8) and high-speed trains between Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
VoaSim, Airalo or Holafly for China?
Same destination, three stores. Collected by the VoaSim eSIM Price Index on 15/10/2026.
VoaSim
Airalo
Holafly
7 days
USD 22.90
USD 27.00
USD 27.50
10 days
USD 28.90
USD 35.00
USD 37.50
Why trust VoaSim?
Real, registered company: invoice with every purchase, payment processed by Stripe (the same platform behind Amazon and Shopify) and a real guarantee: if the eSIM won't connect and our support can't fix it, we refund 100%. Human support, on your schedule.
One that covers mainland China and Hong Kong and routes traffic outside the Great Firewall. The VoaSim China + Hong Kong + Macau eSIM does both: unlimited data, WhatsApp and Google with no VPN, 7 days for USD 22.90.
Does WhatsApp work at the Canton Fair?
Not on the fair or hotel Wi-Fi: WhatsApp is blocked in China. On the VoaSim eSIM it does, because traffic exits outside the Chinese network. WhatsApp, Instagram, Google and Gmail work with no VPN.
Do I need a VPN at the Canton Fair?
Not with the VoaSim eSIM. You would only need a VPN on local Wi-Fi or on a Chinese SIM bought there.
When is the Canton Fair 2026?
The 140th session runs in Guangzhou in three phases: Oct 15–19, Oct 23–27 and Oct 31 to Nov 4, 2026.
When is the Canton Fair 2027?
The 141st spring session is expected from Apr 15 to May 5, 2027, in three phases. Official dates have not been published yet.
How many eSIM days do I need for the fair?
One phase lasts 5 days; with arrival and departure, 7 days (USD 22.90) is enough. Two phases: 15 days (USD 41.90). The whole fair, Oct 15 to Nov 4: 30 days (USD 60.90). Days start counting at the first connection at your destination.
I take the train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou. Do I need another SIM?
No. With China + Hong Kong + Macau, your phone switches network on its own when the train crosses the border.
Does it work in Shenzhen, Yiwu and Foshan?
Yes. The plan covers all of mainland China wherever local networks reach, including factory and wholesale cities.
Can I share the connection with my laptop or a colleague?
No. Hotspot is not allowed by the networks and may block the line. Each person uses their own eSIM; teams with 2 or more eSIMs in one order get 10% off.
Can I use Alipay, WeChat Pay and Didi?
Yes. The eSIM gives these apps the data they need. Sign-up and card linking happen inside each app; do it before you fly.
Do I get a Chinese phone number?
No. It is data-only. Suppliers reach you on WhatsApp or WeChat; your home number stays active on your physical SIM.