Buying Public Transport Cards in China

by

Navigating public transportation in China is made easier with public transport cards.

These cards offer convenience, cost savings, and ease of use for both locals and expats.

In this guide, we’ll explore the types of public transport cards available, how to purchase and top them up, tips for troubleshooting, and additional resources to make your travel experience in China smooth and hassle-free.

1. Types of Public Transport Cards

China’s major cities each have their own public transport cards, which can be used across various modes of transportation, including buses, subways, ferries, and even taxis in some cases.

Here are some of the most popular ones:

Beijing Yikatong Card (北京市政交通一卡通)

UsageAdditional Benefits
Valid for buses, subways, the Airport Express Train, S2 trains, taxis, and public bicycles in Beijing.Can also be used for payments at parking lots, gas stations, supermarkets, convenience stores, and more.

Shanghai Public Transportation Card (上海公共交通卡)

UsageAdditional Benefits
Can be used on buses, metros, ferries, and some taxis in Shanghai.Offers discounts on fares and can be used for small purchases at select stores.

Guangzhou Yang Cheng Tong Card (羊城通)

UsageAdditional Benefits
Accepted on buses, subways, ferries, and taxis in Guangzhou.Can also be used for payments at retail outlets and public services.

Shenzhen Tong Card (深圳通)

UsageAdditional Benefits
Usable on buses, subways, and taxis in Shenzhen.Offers fare discounts and can be used for small purchases.

Other Cities

Many other cities in China, such as Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xi’an, and Chongqing, have their own transport cards.

For a full list of cities and their transport systems, visit China Metro Maps.

2. How to Purchase a Public Transport Card

Buying a public transport card in China is straightforward.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Locate a Sales Point
    • Public transport cards can be purchased at:
      • Subway stations
      • Bus stations
      • Authorized retail outlets (e.g., convenience stores and supermarkets)
  2. Pay the Deposit
    • Most cards require a small deposit, usually around 20 yuan, which is refundable when you return the card.
  3. Initial Top-Up
    • You will need to load an initial amount onto the card. The minimum top-up amount is typically 20 yuan.
  4. Get Your Card
    • After paying the deposit and initial top-up, you will receive your card, which is ready to use immediately.

3. How to Top Up Your Card

Topping up your public transport card is easy and can be done in several ways:

a) Manual Top-Up

  • Visit any subway station, bus station, or authorized retail outlet to add funds to your card.

b) Self-Service Machines

  • Use self-service machines available at subway stations and some bus stops.
  • These machines usually accept cash and sometimes mobile payments.

c) Mobile Apps

  • Many cities offer mobile apps that allow you to top up your card using your smartphone. For example:

d) Online Top-Up

  • Some cities provide online top-up services through their official websites or apps.
  • Check your city’s transport card website for details.

4. Using Your Public Transport Card

Using your public transport card is simple and convenient:

  1. Buses
    • Swipe your card at the card reader when boarding the bus. In some cities, you may need to swipe again when alighting.
  2. Subways
    • Swipe your card at the entry and exit gates of subway stations. The fare will be automatically deducted based on the distance traveled.
  3. Taxis
    • In some cities, you can use your card to pay for taxi rides. Simply swipe your card on the card reader in the taxi.
  4. Other Services
    • Depending on the city, you can use your card for public bicycles, parking fees, and small purchases at select stores.

5. Tips for Expats and Travelers

a) Keep Your Card Topped Up

  • Always ensure your card has enough balance to avoid inconvenience. While most cities allow small overdrafts, it’s best to keep your card topped up.

b) Use Mobile Apps

  • Download the relevant mobile app for your city’s transport card. These apps offer features like balance checks, top-ups, and route planning.

c) Take Advantage of Discounts

  • Many cities offer fare discounts for using public transport cards. For example:
    • Beijing: 50% discount on bus fares after the first 100 yuan spent in a month.

d) Return Your Card

  • If you’re leaving the city or no longer need the card, return it to an authorized location to get your deposit back.

6. Troubleshooting and FAQs

a) Lost or Damaged Card

  • Visit the nearest customer service center to report a lost or damaged card. You may need to pay a small fee for a replacement.

b) Card Not Working

  • If your card isn’t working, check the balance or visit a service center for assistance.

c) Language Barriers

  • If you don’t speak Chinese, use a translation app like Google Translate or show written Chinese phrases to station staff. For example:
    • “I want to buy a transport card”: 我要买交通卡 (Wǒ yào mǎi jiāotōng kǎ).

7. Digital Alternatives to Physical Cards

In addition to physical transport cards, many cities now support QR code payments via apps like WeChat and Alipay.

These digital options are convenient and eliminate the need for a physical card.

Simply scan the QR code at the entry and exit gates.

8. Environmental Benefits

Using public transport cards reduces the need for paper tickets, making it an eco-friendly choice.

By opting for reusable cards or digital payments, you contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Conclusion

Public transport cards are an indispensable tool for navigating China’s extensive public transportation network.

They offer convenience, cost savings, and ease of use, making them a must-have for both locals and expats.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to purchase, top up, and use your public transport card efficiently, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel experience in China.

For more information, visit the official websites of the transport cards mentioned above or check out China Metro Maps for detailed city maps.

Safe travels!