What You Need to Know About Beijing Metro Card for Foreigners

Traveloka MY
23 Jun 2025 - 3 min read

If you’re heading to Beijing and plan to get around like a local, forget the stress of buying tickets at every stop, the Beijing Metro Card (Yikatong) is the golden key to a smoother, smarter trip.

Activities to Enjoy in Beijing

If you're commuting across districts or hopping between temples and shopping malls, this nifty little card is your ultimate sidekick.

What is the Beijing Metro Card (Yikatong) and Why You Need It

The Yikatong Card, officially known as the Beijing Transportation Smart Card, is a rechargeable travel pass that works across almost every form of public transport in the city. That includes subways, city buses, airport express trains, and even select taxis and ferries. Basically, if it moves, this card’s got you covered.

So, why is it a must-have?

Discounted fares: Subways and buses offer lower rates when using Yikatong compared to buying single tickets.
Skip the queues: No more standing in line for single-journey tokens, especially during busy hours.
Works for short or long stays: Whether you're in Beijing for five days or five weeks, the card is flexible and easy to manage.

Plus, it’s compact, contactless, and feels a bit like holding a VIP pass to the entire city. Total win.

Where and How Can Foreigners Buy the Card?

Purchasing a Yikatong card is straightforward and tourist-friendly, even if you do not speak Mandarin. The process is simple, quick, and well-supported at most major subway stations across Beijing.

Where to buy Yikatong cards? Yikatong cards can be purchased at any subway station customer service counter. These counters are usually located beside the ticket vending machines. Major hubs such as Beijing Railway Station, Dongzhimen, and Xidan often have signage in English and staff who are accustomed to assisting foreign travellers. Even if there's a language barrier, most staff can assist through gestures, translations, or printed guides.

You’ll need to pay in Chinese yuan (CNY). While some stations accept WeChat Pay or Alipay, these platforms usually require a Chinese bank account or SIM-linked wallet, which can be complicated for tourists. It is highly recommended to use cash for a smoother purchase process.

There is a refundable deposit of CNY 20 (around RM11.81) for the card. You will also need to top up the card with a balance to use it. A common starting amount is CNY 50 to 100 (approximately RM29.53 to RM59.05), which should cover subway and bus rides for a few days depending on your travel distance.

Before leaving Beijing, you can return your card at designated stations such as Dongzhimen, Xizhimen, or Beijing Railway Station. You’ll be refunded the CNY 20 deposit (RM11.81) and any unused balance, provided the card is in good condition and within the refund policy terms.

Always keep your receipt when purchasing the card. It will make refund claims or lost card issues much easier to resolve with the transport authorities.

Tips for Using the Metro Card Like a Local

Using the Yikatong is wonderfully straightforward, but here are a few tips to truly ride like a Beijinger:

1. On the subway

Tap your card once at the entry gate and again when you exit. The system automatically calculates your fare based on distance.

2. On buses

Just tap once when you board. No need to tap again when you get off. Easy!

3. Topping up

Add credit at ticket machines, customer service windows, or select convenience stores. You can top up in any amount, but a good rule is to keep at least CNY 20 on the card to avoid delays.

4. Lost card protection

If you’re staying in Beijing for a while, consider registering your card at certain stations. This helps you recover your balance in case of loss.

5. Going digital

If you’ve got a Chinese SIM card and NFC-compatible phone, you can use the mobile version of Yikatong via apps like Beijing One Card. Super convenient, but requires a local setup.

And yes, you’ll look like a local tapping your way through the city with confidence. No paper tickets, no coin counting, just beep-and-go freedom.

Explore Beijing Stress-Free with Traveloka

With a Yikatong in your pocket, Beijing becomes instantly more accessible. Ride smoothly between the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, 798 Art District, and those tucked-away noodle joints only locals know about. The subway gets you there quickly, cheaply, and without fuss.

Want to make your whole Beijing experience just as easy? Traveloka has you covered, from flights and hotel bookings to airport transfers and attraction tickets.

Best Hotels in Beijing To Stay

Travel smart, travel local, and start your Beijing journey with Traveloka, your all-in-one travel buddy.

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In This Article

• What is the Beijing Metro Card (Yikatong) and Why You Need It
• Where and How Can Foreigners Buy the Card?
• Tips for Using the Metro Card Like a Local
• Explore Beijing Stress-Free with Traveloka

Flights Featured in This Article

Tue, 8 Jul 2025
Shenzhen Airlines
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Beijing (PEK)
Start from RM 760.51
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Wed, 9 Jul 2025
Sichuan Airlines
Singapore (SIN) to Beijing (PEK)
Start from RM 670.67
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Fri, 11 Jul 2025
China Eastern Airlines
Penang (PEN) to Beijing (PEK)
Start from RM 648.53
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