• On July 28th 2025, the whole Chengdu Metro system rolled out contactless fare payment via bank cards, marking a major step in streamlining travel for both locals and visitors.
• Passengers can now use not only UnionPay cards but also overseas-issued VISA, Mastercard, and American Express cards, without extra costs involved.
Fares are automatically calculated and deducted according to standard rules, and payment is done automatically — no app, no cash, no need to speak Chinese. Just tap your card at the metro gates across the network and go!These cards also work seamlessly at ticket vending machines for purchasing single-journey tickets, adding another layer of convenience.
This makes Chengdu only the third city in the Chinese mainland (after Beijing and Shanghai) that provides this ‘tap and ride’ service using both domestic and international bank cards.
This comes after years of China having their own very separate debit/credit card and e-payment ecosystem, totally separate from global banking systems (operated by Visa, Mastercard etc.) in the majority of Western countries.
In the last few years, China has made moves to make visiting and living in China a little easier for international guests, with an easing of visa restrictions, and allowing international cards to be linked to WeChat and Alipay. These are very welcome changes!
