Paying Bus Fare In China: A Guide For Foreigners

how to pay bus fare in china

China has a range of options for paying bus fares, from traditional cash payments to modern mobile payment platforms. While cash is accepted in some buses, it is recommended to have small bills or coins. Additionally, each city in China has its own transit apps, usually available as mini-programs within the popular messaging app, WeChat. These apps allow you to pay for the bus system in that particular city and provide crucial information about routes, schedules, and ticket prices.

Another option is to use a 公交卡(gōngjiāokǎ) public transport card. This card can be purchased for a small fee, usually around 20 yuan, which can be refunded when you return it. You then need to load money onto the card, and your fare will be deducted each time you use it. This card can be swiped in front of the card scanner on the bus.

For those who prefer mobile payments, China's leading mobile payment platforms, Alipay, and WeChat Pay, have revolutionized the way people pay for bus rides. By simply scanning a QR code, passengers can pay for their bus rides conveniently.

With the continuous advancement of technology, China's public transport payment methods are expected to evolve further, providing even more convenient, cashless travel options for its citizens and visitors.

Characteristics Values
Payment methods Cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, QR code, metro card, bank card, public transport card, Didi
Transport apps Baidu Maps, WeChat, Didi, Apple Maps, MetroMan China, Alipay
Transport types Bus, train, plane, taxi, bicycle, moped

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Paying by cash

Before boarding the bus, be sure to tell the driver where you are going so they can tell you the exact fare, as different buses have different rates, and some vary according to the distance travelled. For example, you might say, "I'm going to Renmin Park" and the driver will tell you the fare, for instance, "That's 2 yuan".

If you plan to do a lot of inner-city travel, you might consider purchasing a "公交卡(gōngjiāokǎ) public transport card". You will need to pay a set fee for the card itself, usually around 20 yuan, which can be refunded when you leave the city and return the card. On top of the set fee for the card, you will need to load money onto the card, from which your fare will be deducted each time you use it. You can simply swipe your card in front of the card scanner near the cash box.

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Using a transport card

To use the card, simply swipe it in front of the card scanner, which is usually located near the metal cash box at the top of the stairs on the bus.

Transport cards can also be used for the metro in some cities. For example, in Shanghai, you can use Alipay to purchase a digital metro card, which gives you a QR code to swipe in and out at the ticket barriers.

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Paying with a mobile app

There are several mobile apps that can be used to pay for bus fares in China. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use them:

Alipay

First, download the Alipay app and complete the real-name registration. Then, open the app and select the "City Service" option. Look for an icon that resembles a QR code version of a bus in the top left corner of the screen with the Chinese characters 乘车码 underneath. Verify your Alipay account with your payment password, phone number, and SMS verification code. This is for authentication purposes only, and you won't be charged at this point.

Once verified, you can proceed to the payment section. Your discounted bus fares will be deducted directly from your Alipay account. For example, you may come across a deal that saves you 1 RMB on a journey twice a day for seven days. After setting up the payment, you can activate the QR code by pressing the designated button. The QR code will be readily available in the drop-down menu whenever you press the "+" icon on the top right of your screen.

Metro大都会

Download the "Metro大都会" app, available on both Android and iOS. This app serves as a digital wallet for your QR code ticket, which can be topped up using your Alipay account. Search for "Metro" or "Metro大都会" in the Alipay search bar and select the option with the same logo as the app you downloaded. Press the icon in the top left corner with the Chinese characters 天天7折 underneath. Here, you can purchase discount cards for the metro, such as a 30-day pass that offers a 1.5 RMB discount twice a day. Follow the instructions to register the Metro Daduhui app with your Alipay account.

Once registered, select the QR code, and you're all set. When scanning your ticket at the metro station, the fare will be automatically deducted from your Alipay balance.

WeChat

WeChat is another popular messaging app in China that offers mini-programs for various services, including public transportation. Each city in China has its own WeChat mini-program for its bus and metro system, allowing you to pay for rides, check routes, schedules, and ticket prices. You can use WeChat to pay for your bus fare by setting up a transportation card within the app.

Other Apps

Depending on your phone model and the city you're in, there may be additional apps you can use. For example, Xiaomi phone users can utilize the Mi Wallet app to purchase virtual bus cards for several different cities, which can be used with NFC technology. Similarly, Huawei phone users can use the HiWallet app to buy bus cards for select cities. Additionally, Samsung users can take advantage of the Samsung Pay app, which offers the option to select a transit card for a fee of 25 RMB. This currently supports connections to Lingnan, Shanghai, and Beijing transit cards.

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Paying with a QR code

To pay your bus fare with a QR code, you will need to download and set up specific apps on your smartphone. The apps required will depend on the city you are in. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Download the Necessary Apps

Firstly, download the apps required for your city. For example, in Shanghai, you will need to download WeChat and ensure you have the Tencent Transit QR Code set up. In Beijing, you will need the Beijing Yikatong APP. Other cities may have their own specific apps, so be sure to check before travelling.

Step 2: Link Your Payment Method

Once you have the correct app, you will need to link your payment method. For WeChat, you can link your bank card, including international credit or debit cards. For other apps, you may be able to link payment platforms such as Alipay or UnionPay. Follow the in-app instructions to add your chosen payment method.

Step 3: Activate Your QR Code

After setting up your payment, you will need to activate your QR code. In WeChat, this will be stored in the "Cards & Offers" section. In the Beijing Yikatong APP, click on the "bus code" or "subway code" on the homepage and follow the instructions to activate your QR code.

Step 4: Scan Your QR Code When Boarding

When you board the bus, show your QR code to the driver or scan it at the reader. You may need to scan the code again when disembarking, so ensure you keep the code accessible during your journey.

Step 5: Pay Your Fare

Depending on the app, you may pay your fare immediately after scanning, or you may be able to pay later when you have a stable internet connection. The fare will be deducted from your chosen payment method.

Paying by QR code can be a convenient way to use public transport in China, and it is worth setting up if you plan to travel by bus or subway in the country.

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Paying with WeChat/Alipay

WeChat and Alipay are the two biggest mobile payment platforms in China. They are commonly used in major stores and restaurants, and WeChat Pay is also widely accepted by smaller street vendors due to its integration with the WeChat super app.

Setting Up WeChat Pay

To set up WeChat Pay, you will need to go through an identity verification process, which can take some time. Therefore, it is recommended that you set up your payment method well before your trip to China.

  • Download the WeChat app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  • Register using your mobile number. International numbers are accepted.
  • Log in to your account and navigate to "Me" > "Services" > "Wallet". Alternatively, go to "Me" > "Settings" > "General" > "Tools" > "Weixin Pay" and enable it.
  • In the "Wallet" section, choose "Add Card" and agree to the terms and conditions.
  • Provide additional details such as your name, address, and ID. If using a passport for verification, upload a copy of your passport, ensuring that there are no commas in your address.
  • Once verified, enter your credit card details to add your card to your WeChat Pay wallet.

Setting Up Alipay

Alipay is considered to have a simpler and more intuitive installation and application process, with instructions available in English.

  • Download the Alipay app from the App Store for iOS or the Play Store for Android.
  • Enter your existing mobile number and set the app to the International Version. You will receive a verification code via SMS.
  • Set up your account by tapping on "Me" > "Bank Cards".
  • Tap on "+Add Card" to add your existing international credit cards.

Making Payments with WeChat Pay and Alipay

Payments made through WeChat Pay and Alipay involve the scanning of QR codes. Either the vendor/merchant will scan your QR code (found in the payment tab of your app), or you will scan their QR code.

To make a payment using the Alipay app, go back to the main screen and tap on the "Pay/Collect" or "Scan" icon below the search bar. A QR code reader will appear, prompting you to scan the merchant's QR code for payment.

For WeChat Pay, go to the "Me" section and tap on the "Money" icon. A QR code reader will appear, allowing you to scan the merchant's QR code to complete the payment.

Fees and Charges

Both Alipay and WeChat Pay waive the 3% international credit card transaction fee for single transactions under RMB 200. For amounts exceeding RMB 200, the 3% surcharge will be added to your payment. If purchasing multiple items, you can request the merchant to split the transactions to avoid these fees.

Using WeChat/Alipay for Bus Fare in China

In certain cities, such as Wuhan, passengers can use WeChat's Public Transit Cards function to pay for bus fares. To do this, open the WeChat mini-program "乘车码" (chéng chē mǎ), activate the "武汉公交乘车码" (wǔ hàn gōng jiāo chéng chē mǎ), and then scan the QR code to board the bus. The fare will be automatically deducted from your WeChat wallet.

Passengers can also enjoy a 20% discount on bus fares when paying with WeChat or Alipay, similar to the discount offered for using a physical transit card. However, the transfer discount is not available for these payment methods.

In addition to Wuhan, WeChat has launched QR code scanning payment for public transportation in ten other Chinese cities, including Guangzhou, Qingdao, Jinan, and Hefei. This service allows passengers to take the bus first and pay later when they have a stable internet connection on their smartphones.

Frequently asked questions

You can pay for a bus in China using cash, a transportation card, or a mobile payment app such as WeChat or Alipay. Some buses also have metal cash boxes where you can drop your money.

You can purchase a transportation card, also known as a "公交卡 (gōngjiāokǎ)", for a small fee, usually around 20 yuan. You can then load money onto the card and use it to pay for bus fares by swiping it in front of the card scanner.

Yes, you can use mobile payment apps such as WeChat or Alipay to pay for bus fares in China. You will need to set up an account and register your payment information. Then, you can scan a QR code to pay for your bus fare.

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