As a career coach who’s lucky enough to work from anywhere, I’ve been dipping my toes into the digital nomad lifestyle. Recently, I took my laptop and sense of adventure to mainland China, determined to work remotely while exploring this incredible country. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t always smooth sailing, but it was absolutely worth it! Here are the top five lessons I learnt while working from China over the holidays.

1. Backup Internet Is Your Best Friend

Hotel Wi-Fi can be about as reliable as a toddler with a secret – one minute it’s working, the next it’s not. I came prepared with three options: hotel Wi-Fi, an Australian hotspot, and a Hong Kong hotspot. Between the lot, I managed to keep my clients happy (and my sanity intact). Pro tip: portable Wi-Fi devices and local SIM cards are lifesavers, especially if you’ve got back-to-back calls. Always have a Plan B (and C) when it comes to internet.

2. Check What Works in China (Hint: You’ll Need a VPN)

China’s Great Firewall doesn’t mess around, and you might find some of your go-to websites and apps playing hard to get. Before leaving, I made sure my VPN was ready to roll so I could access everything from Google to Zoom. Trust me, sorting this out beforehand will save you a world of pain when you’re trying to log into a call and realise your trusty tools are MIA. Test your VPN and software before you go—it’s the tech equivalent of packing an umbrella “just in case.”

3. Give Your Clients the Heads-Up

Nobody likes surprises (well, maybe birthday ones). I made sure to let my clients know I’d be working from China, just in case tech gremlins or travel hiccups popped up. A quick email to manage expectations did wonders for keeping everyone on the same page. If something went pear-shaped, they were much more understanding because I’d been upfront. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference.

4. Soak It All In

You didn’t travel all the way to China to sit in your hotel room staring at a screen, right? I carved out time between work commitments to explore and it was worth it. From slurping down spicy noodles to wandering through ancient temples, China is an absolute feast for the senses. Schedule time to step away from the laptop and dive into the culture—you’ll come back to work refreshed and inspired (and maybe a little full).

5. Get Yourself a Decent Mic

If you’ve ever tried to take a work call from a bustling café—or, in my case, a panda sanctuary—you’ll know background noise can be a nightmare. A clip-on lapel mic became my hero. It’s small, easy to use, and ensures your clients hear you instead of the chaos around you. Whether you’re in a trendy coffee shop or surrounded by curious pandas, it’s a game-changer.

Final Thoughts

Working remotely in mainland China was an adventure I’ll never forget. Sure, there were a few hurdles, but with a bit of prep and a lot of flexibility, it was smooth(ish) sailing. If you’re dreaming of working from somewhere new, give it a crack! You’ll learn plenty, laugh a lot, and maybe even master the art of balancing work and play—panda sanctuary calls and all.

​Just don’t forget your backup internet. Seriously.