How to Plan Your Used Car Inspection Trip to Guangzhou: A Step-by-Step Guide for Importers

A productive inspection trip to Guangzhou starts two to four weeks before you fly: send us your shopping list so we can shortlist cars, check visa rules for your nationality, pick dates that avoid long public holidays, and arrange in advance how you will pay and who will clear the cars at your end. With that done, two or three days on the ground are usually enough to inspect, choose and sign.

Step 1 — Write your shopping list

The more precise your list, the better the shortlist waiting for you. Include:

• Models: Corolla Cross, Corolla sedan, or both.
• Powertrain: hybrid or petrol.
• Registration-year range — check your country’s age limit first. You can browse by year, for example 2023 or 2025.
• Maximum mileage, preferred colours and quantity.
• Destination port and whether you want Ro-Ro or container shipping.

Send it to contact@evtou.com or on WhatsApp at +86 166 1970 5662. We reply within 24 hours and send photos and records of candidate units, so you arrive with a shortlist rather than a blank page.

Step 2 — Check visa and entry rules

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and change from time to time. Check the current rules — including any visa-free transit options — with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country before booking flights. If your application needs an invitation letter, ask us early.

Step 3 — Choose your dates

• Avoid long Chinese public holidays, such as the Spring Festival and the National Day holiday in early October, when many businesses close.
• Consider the Canton Fair. It is held in Guangzhou in spring and autumn. Combining trips saves travel, but the city is busy and hotels fill up, so book early.
• Allow two to three working days for inspection and decisions, plus travel days.

Step 4 — Book flights and accommodation

International flights arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Send us your arrival details and hotel, and we will agree meeting times. Our business hours are 9:00–21:00 Beijing time (UTC+8). Make sure your phone works in China for calls and messaging so we can reach you on the day.

Step 5 — Prepare payment in advance

If you plan to buy during the visit, talk to your bank before you travel about how international transfers work from your account, how long they take and what documents the bank needs. Payment terms are agreed per order and written on the Proforma Invoice. In-stock vehicles ship within 10 working days after payment, so a payment that is ready to go is what turns a visit into a fast shipment.

Step 6 — Line up your import side

Bring the consignee name and address, the destination port, and your clearing agent’s contact details. Confirm with your agent which documents they need from us and any conformity requirements in your country. Our market pages — for example Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Rwanda — list the questions to ask.

Step 7 — A sample itinerary

Step 8 — What happens after you fly home

We handle the export licence, deregistration and export customs clearance, then move the cars to Nansha Port for loading. You receive a photo or video at every milestone. The process is described in From Guangzhou Yard to Nansha Port.

Packing list

• Passport with a valid visa or entry permission, and copies.
• Your shopping list and import requirements, printed or on your phone.
• Optional: your own paint thickness gauge or OBD scanner.
• Consignee and clearing-agent details.
• A phone that works in China for calls, messaging and photos.

For what happens on inspection day, read What to Expect During an On-Site Vehicle Inspection at Our Guangzhou Yard. If you are still deciding whether to travel, see Why Overseas Auto Dealers Are Visiting Guangzhou.