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China Travel Guide

How to Pay for Metro and Bus in China as a Foreigner

Subway platform with train arriving

China’s metro systems are fast, clean, and extensive. But how do you pay without a Chinese bank account or local transit card?

The best method for foreign travelers is Alipay or WeChat Pay transport QR codes. These work at almost every metro gate and bus in major cities, require only passport verification and card linking, and avoid the hassle of physical cards or exact cash.

How QR Code Payment Works

Instead of buying a ticket or tapping a card, you generate a city-specific QR code in your payment app. Scan this code at entry gates (metro) or when boarding (bus). Scan again when exiting (metro) or the fare is calculated automatically.

Step-by-Step for Alipay

  1. Open Alipay
  2. Search for the city name + “transport” or look for the “Transport” section
  3. Download the city’s transport QR code (each city has its own)
  4. At the metro gate or bus, open the QR code screen
  5. Scan at the reader and walk through

Alipay automatically deducts your fare after you scan at the exit. No manual confirmation needed.

Step-by-Step for WeChat Pay

  1. Open WeChat
  2. Search for “chengchema” (Chinese pinyin for transport QR code)
  3. Select your city and activate the code
  4. At the metro gate or bus, show your QR code
  5. Scan and enter

WeChat Pay may show an “outstanding balance” after your ride, requiring manual payment confirmation. This adds a step at crowded exits.

Which Cities Support QR Payment

QR codes work in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and most major cities. You must activate a separate code for each city. The codes are not interchangeable.

Before traveling, download QR codes for all cities you plan to visit. This saves time at station entrances.

Alternative Payment Methods

International Bank Cards at Gates

Starting 2026, some metro systems are introducing direct international card tap payment at gates. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu are piloting this feature.

However, support varies between stations within a city. A station with international card readers may be blocks away from one without. Do not rely on this as your primary method yet.

Ticket Machines

Self-service ticket machines accept:

  • Alipay and WeChat QR codes
  • Cash (typically 10 RMB bills only)
  • Sometimes international cards (Beijing has best support)

If you use cash, check what the machine accepts. Some take only coins. Others take paper bills but only specific denominations.

Manual Ticket Windows

Staffed windows accept international cards, cash, and mobile payments. Use this if machines are confusing or your card does not work at the machine.

Prepaid Transit Cards

You can buy a physical transit card at manual windows. Deposit is typically 20 RMB, refundable when you return the card.

Some cards work nationwide (China Transportation Union cards). Others are city-specific. Ask staff before purchasing to confirm scope and refund policy.

Practical Tips

Download QR Codes Before Arrival

Activate city-specific codes in Alipay or WeChat before you land. This avoids fumbling with app settings at crowded station entrances.

Carry Backup Cash

Ticket machines may only accept 10 RMB bills. Buses accepting cash often require coins. Carry small bills and coins as backup.

Prepare for Security Checks

Metro stations have security screenings at entrances. You scan bags and walk through metal detectors. Add 1-2 minutes to your travel time.

Know Your Exits

Metro stations have multiple exits (A, B, C, D, etc.). Check which exit leads to your destination before you descend. Wrong exits can leave you blocks away.

Bus Payment Rules

On most buses:

  • Board through the front door
  • Scan QR code or pay cash when entering
  • Exit through the rear door

Some buses use distance-based pricing. You may need to scan again before exiting. Watch for signs indicating this rule.

Common Mistakes

Assuming QR Codes Work Everywhere Without Setup

You must activate the specific city code before use. Showing your general Alipay payment QR will not work at metro gates.

Expecting International Cards to Work at All Machines

Card support varies by city and station. Beijing has better international card acceptance than smaller cities.

Carrying Only Large Bills for Cash Payment

Ticket machines often reject 100 RMB bills. They want 10 RMB. Bus drivers may not have change for large bills.

Using Wrong Exit

Each metro station exit leads to different streets and landmarks. Choosing exit A instead of B can add 10 minutes to your walk.

Summary

Foreign travelers can pay for metro and bus rides in China using:

  1. Alipay/WeChat QR codes (recommended): Works everywhere, automatic fare deduction, no physical card needed
  2. International cards at gates (limited): New feature, varies by station
  3. Ticket machines: Accept QR codes, cash, sometimes international cards
  4. Manual windows: Accept all payment types, can issue prepaid cards
  5. Prepaid cards: Physical option for those who prefer cards

Alipay’s QR code with automatic fare deduction is the smoothest experience. Download city codes before arrival, carry 10 RMB bills and coins as backup, and expect security checks at metro entrances.

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