How to Pay for Shenzhen Metro: Cards, Tickets or Mobile Pay
Shenzhen Metro ticket fares start at 2 RMB for short trips and increase with distance. A 10-kilometer ride could cost 5 RMB, while a longer trip might be up to 14 RMB. Use Amap or Baidu Maps to calculate fares.
Shenzhen Tong Card vs. Single-Journey Tickets
If you’re staying in Shenzhen for a while, the Shenzhen Tong Card is the better choice. For short visits, single-journey tickets work just fine.
Shenzhen Tong Card
- Pros: Convenient, rechargeable, and offers discounts on fares. You can also use it on buses and taxis.
- Cons: Requires a ¥20 deposit and an initial top-up (usually ¥80).
Single-Journey Tickets
- Pros: No deposit needed; just buy a ticket for your trip at the vending machine.
- Cons: No discounts, and you’ll need to buy a new ticket for each journey.
Source from viajeroslowcosteros
Mobile QR Code Payment: Alipay
Using your phone to pay for the Shenzhen Metro is super convenient. Here’s how to set it up:
✅Alipay
- Download and open Alipay.
- Bind your card (both Chinese and international cards work).
- Select your city (e.g., Shenzhen) in the app.
- Click “Travel” and find the Shenzhen Metro QR code.
- Scan the code at the gate to enter and exit the station.
Make sure your name in WeChat or Alipay matches your passport exactly (use SURNAME FIRST NAME MIDDLE NAME in all caps). If it doesn’t, you’ll need to wait 15 days to update it.
Source from viajeroslowcosteros
😐WeChat Pay(Not Recommended)
Open WeChat and go to “Services.” Find the “Transport” section and activate the Shenzhen Metro QR code. Scan the code at the gate.
Alipay is more convenient for foreigners as it requires less verification compared to WeChat Pay, which needs a Chinese number and additional IDs.
😏UnionPay Cards
If you have a UnionPay card with the “Quick Pay” feature, you can simply tap it on the gate to enter and exit. This also works with Apple Pay or other T-Union compatible smartcards.
What to Do If You Have Problems in Shenzhen Metro?
Lost Belongings in the Metro
If you lose something, head straight to the service counter. Describe the item, where you last had it, and the time. The staff will help file a report and contact you if it’s found. Pro tip: Always double-check your seat before leaving the train!
What to Do If You Miss the Last Train?
Don’t worry if you miss the last train! Shenzhen offers night buses and taxis for late-night travel. Additionally, some lines, such as Line 1 (to Qianhaiwan) and Line 11 (to Songgang), may have halfway trains running after 11 p.m. to help you reach your destination.
Emergency Contacts
For urgent help, go to the service counter or dial 110 for police or 120 for medical emergencies. You can also call the metro hotline at +86 755 8896 0000. Save these numbers in your phone or jot them down just in case.
Phone Out of Battery or No Internet
No battery or internet? Don’t panic. Grab a local SIM or eSIM for reliable access—many stations sell them. Some stations also have charging spots or power banks for rent. If you’re lost, just ask the staff—they’re there to help. Carry a portable charger and download offline maps.
✅Get a local SIM card or reliable eSIM data plan - you'll need internet for checking metro routes, schedules, and using mobile payments while getting around.
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