Starting September 13, Beijing became the first city in China to allow international visitors to use foreign-issued Mastercard and Visa cards for subway access! This exciting development makes life easier for expats and tourists, streamlining public transportation for smoother commutes.
Now, you can simply tap your foreign bank card across all 27 metro lines and suburban railway routes, adding to the existing UnionPay and QR code options. Whether you’re hurrying to catch a flight on the express line or just exploring the city, navigating Beijing’s subway system has never been more convenient.
This update covers a massive 836 kilometers of track and 490 stations, making Beijing the first city on the Chinese mainland to offer such a broad range of payment options. Plus, JCB card compatibility is in the pipeline, expanding access to even more global users who want seamless travel on the city’s vast transit network.
No more fussing with local apps or carrying cash – just use your contactless foreign card and hop on the subway with ease!
Have you experienced this new feature yet? Share your thoughts with us!