Beijing Transport Card (Yikatong) Guide | Metro, Bus & Travel Tips

Planning a trip from Malaysia to Beijing? Getting around the city is easy—if you have the right transport card. The Beijing Municipal Administration Traffic Card (Yikatong) is your all-in-one solution for metro, buses, and more.

This guide covers everything Malaysians need to know—from getting the card to using apps like Ruubypay.

What is Beijing Yikatong?

The Beijing Yikatong is a rechargeable smart card used for public transport across Beijing.

📌 What can it be used for?

• 🚇 Beijing Metro (subway)
• 🚌 Public buses (including long-distance city buses)
• 🚕 Selected taxis
• 🅿️ Parking meters (limited)
• 🏪 Some convenience stores

💡 Why Malaysians should use it:

• Cheaper fares than buying single tickets
• Faster entry (tap-and-go)
• No need to deal with ticket machines every time
• Works even without internet

👉 It’s similar to Malaysia’s Touch ‘n Go, but widely integrated across Beijing.

💳 How to Apply for a Deposit Card

📍 Where to get it:

• Beijing Capital International Airport / Daxing Airport
• Any major subway station (customer service counter)

💰 Cost breakdown:

• Card deposit: RMB 20
• Initial reload: RMB 20–100 (recommended RMB 50+)

📝 Step-by-step:

1. Go to a subway Customer Service Center (服务中心)
2. Say: “Yikatong card” or show translation
3. Pay deposit + top-up
4. Receive card immediately

⏱️ Time needed:

• Usually less than 5 minutes

💡 Tip: Prepare small cash or use mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay).

📱 How to Activate the Yikatong QR Code

🪪 Physical Card

No activation needed:

• Just top up → start using immediately

📲 Digital Yikatong (Mobile Version)

You can activate via:

• Beijing Municipal Administration & Communication Card
• Alipay / WeChat mini programs

📌 Steps:

1. Download the app
2. Register account (phone number required)
3. Add a “transport card”
4. Link payment method
5. Generate QR code or NFC card

💡 Note: Some features may require a China phone number.

💰 Top-up Methods

🪪 Physical Card:

• 🚇 Subway machines (cash / QR payment)
• 👨‍💼 Service counters
• 🏪 Selected convenience stores

📲 Digital Card:

• In-app reload (Alipay / WeChat Pay)

💡 Suggested budget:

• 3–5 days stay → RMB 50–100
• 1 week → RMB 100–150

🚏 Card Swiping Method

🚇 Metro:

1. Tap card at entry gate
2. Tap again at exit gate
   👉 Fare calculated based on distance

🚌 Bus:

• Tap when boarding
• On some routes → tap again when alighting

⚠️ Important:

• Forgetting to tap = maximum fare charged
• Always check signs inside the bus

💸 Card Refund (Very Important for Tourists)

📍 Where:

• Subway service counters

📌 Refund details:

• Deposit (RMB 20) → refundable
• Remaining balance → refundable

📝 Steps:

1. Return card
2. Staff checks balance
3. Cash refund given

💡 Tips:

• Refund only available in Beijing
• Keep card in good condition
• Bring passport (sometimes required)

📲 Beijing Municipal Administration & Communication Card App

Beijing Municipal Administration & Communication Card

🔧 Features:

• Add virtual transport card
• QR code for metro/bus
• Balance tracking
• Recharge function

⚠️ Limitations for Malaysians:

• May require China phone number
• Interface mostly in Chinese

🌐 Ruubypay App (Best for Foreign Tourists)

Ruubypay is a great option for Malaysians without Chinese bank accounts.

📝 How to Register:

1. Download Ruubypay
2. Register using passport
3. Complete identity verification
4. Add payment method (international card supported)

💰 Fare:

• Same as local metro/bus pricing
• No significant extra charges

📲 How to Use:

1. Open app
2. Generate QR code
3. Scan at metro/bus gate
4. Fare deducted automatically

✅ Why Malaysians should use Ruubypay:

• No China bank account needed
• English-friendly interface
• Works immediately after setup

Tips for Malaysians Traveling in Beijing

📶 1. Internet is Essential

• Use eSIM for maps, payments & translation
• Google services may be limited → prepare alternatives

💳 2. Go Cashless

• China is mostly cashless
• Use Alipay / WeChat Pay / Ruubypay

🗺️ 3. Navigation Tips

• Use Google Maps + local apps
• Metro is the fastest way

🧥 4. Weather Preparation

• Spring: 10–20°C
• Winter: very cold (-5°C possible)

🗣️ 5. Language Barrier

• English not widely spoken
• Use translation apps

🚆 6. Avoid Rush Hours

• 7:30–9:30 AM
• 5:30–7:30 PM

🌏 Final Thoughts

For Malaysians visiting Beijing, the Yikatong card (or QR alternative) is essential:

✔ Easy to use
✔ Affordable transport
✔ Works across the entire city
✔ Saves time and hassle

👉 Best strategy:

• Short trip → get physical card
• Tech-savvy → use QR / Ruubypay

Ready to keep planning? Check out:

• Where to stay in Beijing
• Top things to do in Beijing
• Visa China
• Beijing Travel Tips

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