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Tap and Go: Public Transport

Navigating China’s efficient public transportation system, including buses (公交 – Gōngjiāo) and subways (地铁 – Dìtiě), has become incredibly convenient with the widespread adoption of mobile payment. For foreign tourists who have already set up Alipay (支付宝 – Zhīfùbǎo) or WeChat Pay (微信支付 – Wēixìn Zhīfù), using their dedicated ride codes offers a seamless and often contactless way to pay fares. Here’s how you can tap into this convenient method:

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Prerequisites: Setting Up Alipay or WeChat Pay

Before you can use the ride codes, you’ll need to have successfully set up either Alipay or WeChat Pay on your mobile phone. This typically involves:

  • Downloading the App: Install the Alipay or WeChat app (or both) from your app store.
  • Account Registration: Register an account using your phone number (a local Chinese number often provides more features, but some international numbers may work).
  • Linking a Payment Method: Link a bank card to your account. Compatibility with international credit/debit cards can vary, so this might require some initial setup and potentially a local bank account for full functionality.

Alipay Ride Code for Buses and Subways:

  1. Open Alipay: Launch the Alipay app on your phone.
  2. Navigate to “Transit/Public Transport”: Look for an icon or section labeled “Transit” (出行 – Chūxíng), “Public Transport” (公交/地铁 – Gōngjiāo/Dìtiě), or similar. You might need to tap on “More” or search within the app to find this option.
  3. Activate Your Ride Code: For the first time, you might need to activate the ride code service for your city. Follow the in-app instructions to agree to the terms and enable it. This usually involves selecting your current city.
  4. Generate the Ride Code: Once activated, the app will generate a unique QR code specifically for transit. This code refreshes periodically for security.
  5. Tap to Pay on Buses: When boarding a bus, look for the payment terminal near the driver or in the front/middle of the bus. Hold the QR code displayed on your Alipay app directly in front of the scanner until you hear a beep or see a confirmation on the screen.
  6. Tap to Enter/Exit Subways: At subway stations, you’ll find gates with scanners. Before entering, scan your Alipay ride code at the entry gate. The gate will open. When you exit at your destination, scan the same code at the exit gate, and the fare will be automatically deducted. Important: Ensure you use the same app (Alipay) for both entry and exit.

WeChat Ride Code for Buses and Subways:

  1. Open WeChat: Launch the WeChat app on your phone.
  2. Access WeChat Pay: Tap on “Me” (我) in the bottom right corner, then select “Pay” (支付).
  3. Find “Transit Code”: Within the WeChat Pay section, look for “Transit Code” (乘车码 – Chéngchē Mǎ) or a similar option. You might need to scroll down or tap on “More Services.”
  4. Activate Your Ride Code: For the first time, you’ll need to activate the service for your city. Follow the in-app prompts to agree to the terms and select your current city.
  5. Generate the Ride Code: Once activated, a unique QR code for transit will be displayed. This code also refreshes periodically.
  6. Tap to Pay on Buses: Similar to Alipay, hold the WeChat ride code QR code in front of the scanner on the bus payment terminal until you get a confirmation.
  7. Tap to Enter/Exit Subways: At subway stations, scan your WeChat ride code at the entry gate to pass through. Remember to scan the same code at the exit gate for fare deduction. Important: Use the same app (WeChat) for both entry and exit.

Key Advantages of Using Ride Codes:

  • Contactless Payment: A hygienic way to pay fares without handling cash or physical cards.
  • Convenience: No need to worry about having the exact fare or purchasing single-journey tickets.
  • Speed: Faster boarding and exiting, especially during peak hours.
  • Automatic Fare Calculation: The correct fare is automatically deducted based on the distance traveled (for subways).

Important Considerations for Foreign Tourists:

  • Initial Setup: The initial setup of Alipay or WeChat Pay and linking a payment method can sometimes be challenging for foreigners. It’s best to try and complete this process as soon as possible after arrival or even before if possible.
  • Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection (mobile data or Wi-Fi) when generating and using the ride codes, although they are often designed to work even with a weak signal.
  • Battery Life: Make sure your phone battery is sufficient for your journey, as you’ll need to display the QR code. If you couldn’t find a charging station, try rent a power bank in nearby stores.
  • App Updates: Keep your Alipay and WeChat apps updated to ensure the ride code feature works correctly.
  • City-Specific Codes: Ride codes are usually specific to the city you activated them in. If you travel to a different city, you might need to switch or activate the ride code for that new location within the app.

By following these steps, you can easily utilize the Alipay and WeChat ride codes to navigate China’s efficient and extensive public transportation networks, making your travel experience more convenient and integrated with local payment methods.