Shanghai Pass: New Way to Pay Cashless in China
Debuting on May 19, 2024, the Shanghai Pass is a new payment option tailored for foreign tourists when you visit Shanghai. Recognizing the difficulties you may encounter with China's mobile payment systems, this card provides a straightforward solution. By loading the card with Chinese currency, you can conveniently make purchases in Shanghai without the need for cash or bank cards. After reading this article, you will know how and where to use a Shanghai Pass card on your trip to China.
Where to Use Shanghai Pass?
Night view of the Bund in Shanghai
1. Take Public Transportation in Shanghai
This card can be used for various public transportation in Shanghai, including buses, subways, Maglev trains, taxis, and ferries. Moreover, it can be used in public transportation systems of many prefecture-level cities across China, covering major tourist destinations such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Qingdao, Guilin, Chengdu, Sanya, and Xiamen.
2. Buy Tickets for Some Attractions in Shanghai
With this card, you can easily buy entrance tickets for 27 attractions in Shanghai. Here, we compiled the most recommended attractions on the list.
- Oriental Pearl Tower
- Shanghai Museum
- Shanghai Wild Animal Park
- Huangpu River Cruise
- Shanghai Natural History Museum
- Jin Mao Tower
Note: With the Shanghai Pass, you can purchase entry tickets directly at the entrance to the scenic area. However, availability isn’t guaranteed, and tickets may sell out during peak season. Why not travel with us? We'll arrange a personalized Shanghai tour for you, including ticket bookings, private cars, and expert guides. This way, you can enjoy a hassle-free tour.
3. Purchase at Certain Stores
With this card, you can make purchases at certain department stores, chain supermarkets, convenience stores, and some chain pharmacies in Shanghai.
Department Stores
Shanghai New World; Huijin Department Store
Chain Stores and Pharmacies
Shanghai First Provisions Store; Agriculture, Industrial and Commercial Supermarket (AICS for short); LYFEN; No. 1 Pharmacy
Convenient Stores
BUDDIES; alldays; KEDI
Beautiful skyline in Shanghai
How to Buy Shanghai Pass?
You can buy a Shanghai Pass card at any one of the following service centers, covering airports, metro stations, and some service centers on the road. Also, these service centers are available for topping-up and replacing a broken card. All offer staffed service.
At the Airport
- The arrival exit of Pudong International Airport Terminal 2
- No. 102 counter of Hongqiao International Airport Terminal 1
At the Metro Stations
- Line 1: Xinzhuang, People's Square, Xujiahui, Shanghai Railway Station
- Line 2: Zhongshan Park, Jing'an Temple, Longyang Road, Guanglan Road, Century Avenue, Songhong Road, Loushanguan Road, Lujiazui
- Line 3: Caoyang Road, Yishan Road
- Line 4: Dalian Road
- Line 10: South Shaanxi Road
- Line 11: Oriental Sports Center
- Mutual Service Centers of Line 2 & 10: Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2, Hongqiao Railway Station
Other Service Centers
- Lujiabang Service Center
- Jiujiang Service Center
How Do I Refund or Cancel My Shanghai Pass?
Unfortunately, you can't cancel Shanghai Pass. But you can withdraw the balance from your card. However, the Shanghai Pass has a non-refundable 20 yuan base fee. Beyond that, refunds are available for balances under 100 yuan (no fee). For a 100-yuan balance, a 5% fee applies (purchase proof is needed). Balances over 100 yuan are non-refundable.
A glimpse of the former French Concession
Shanghai Pass vs. Mobile Payments in China
Shanghai Pass and mobile payments in China make your life cashless and offer many conveniences. However, they are quite different from each other. Let's see the differences between Shanghai Pass and 2 major mobile payments, Alipay and WeChat.
| Shanghai Pass | Alipay & WeChat | |
| How to add money | Top-up at vending machines or counters | Link a bank card |
| Type | Physical card | Digital |
| Is ID information needed? | No | Yes |
| Where can I use it? | Shanghai (only used for public transportation in other cities.) | Public Transportation, buying tickets for certain attractions and shopping at certain stores |
| In what situations can I use it? | All around China | All support |
Other FAQs about Shanghai Pass
1. Can I overdraw my Shanghai Pass card?
No, overdrawing isn't possible with your Shanghai Pass card, and full payment for tickets is required.
2. Can I apply for a replacement if I lose it?
As an anonymous card, it unfortunately cannot be reported or replaced if lost.
3. How to top-up this card if I don't know Chinese at all?
You can top-up by using the self-service machines at every metro station in Shanghai. These machines accept both cash and UnionPay debit cards. English instructions are available. Top-ups are in 10 yuan increments, up to 1000 yuan.
4. Is it possible to use this card to pay for meals at restaurants?
We're sorry that the Shanghai Pass card doesn't cover meals at restaurants. However, you can buy food and snacks in the stores we mentioned above if needed.
Plan a China Tour with Us
Shanghai Pass can make your Shanghai tour easier. Traveling with us can provide you with an easier tour as well. We can help design your itinerary for your China tour, not only in Shanghai, but also in other cities like Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, and Zhangjiajie. Contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com for a private China tour.
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