Shenzhen Tong Card Guide | Essential Transport Card for Malaysian Tourists

Planning a trip from Malaysia to Shenzhen? Getting around Shenzhen is actually a breeze—provided you have the right transit card. The Shenzhen Tong is the most practical all-in-one card for travelers, valid for subways, buses, and even some taxis.

This guide provides Malaysian travelers with a detailed overview of how to obtain a Shenzhen Tong card, top-up methods, and how to use payment options suitable for international tourists, such as Ruubypay.

What is Shenzhen Tong?

The Shenzhen Tong (Shenzhen Tong Card) is a reloadable smart transit card that can be used across most of Shenzhen's public transportation systems.

📌 The Shenzhen Tong card can be used for:

🚇 Shenzhen Metro
🚌 Public Bus
🚕 Selected taxis
🚲 Selected shared bikes
🏪 Select convenience stores and vending machines

💡 Why do Malaysian travelers recommend using the Shenzhen Tong?

• The fare is cheaper than buying single tickets.
• Get through the station faster (just tap and go)
• No need to queue for tickets every time
• Works offline
• Valid throughout Shenzhen, making it super convenient!

👉 Think of it like Malaysia's Touch ‘n Go, but with even deeper integration across Shenzhen!

💳 How to Get a Physical Shenzhen Tong Card

📍 Processing Location:

• Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
• Customer Service Centers at major subway stations
• Select convenience stores

💰 Card Application Fee:

• Card Deposit: CNY 20
• First-time top-up: 20–100 RMB (we recommend topping up at least 50 RMB)

📝 How to Apply:

1. Head to the subway customer service center
2. Just tell the staff: "Shenzhen Tong Card"
3. Pay deposit and top up balance
4. Collect the card on the spot

⏱️ Duration:

It usually takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

💡 Travel Tip:

We recommend carrying some small change or using Alipay / WeChat Pay.

📱 How to Activate the Shenzhen Tong QR Code

🪪 Physical Card

No activation required:

You can use it immediately after topping up.

📲 Digital Shenzhen Tong (Mobile Version)

You can activate it in the following ways:

• Shenzhen Tong App
• Alipay Mini Program
• WeChat Mini Program

📌 How to Activate:

1. Download the relevant app
2. Register an account (usually requires a mobile number)
3. Add "Transport Card"
4. Link Payment Method
5. Generate a QR code or NFC card

💡 Note:

Some features may require a Chinese mobile number.

💰 How to Top Up Your Shenzhen Tong

🪪 Physical Card Top-Up:

🚇 Subway Top-up Machine
👨‍💼 Subway Service Counter
🏪 Select convenience stores

📲 E-Card Top-Up:

Top up via the app using Alipay or WeChat Pay.

💡 Recommended top-up amount:

• 3–5 day trip → 50–100 CNY
• 1-week itinerary → 100–150 CNY

❤️ You can book your flights to Shenzhen in advance on Trip.com—don't forget to grab your promo code first!

🚏 How to Use Your Shenzhen Tong

🚇 Metro:

• Tap your card once when entering the station.
• Tap your card again when exiting the station.

👉 The system will automatically calculate the fare based on the distance.

🚌 Bus:

• Tap your card when boarding
• For some routes, you will also need to tap your card again when getting off.

⚠️ Important Notes:

If you forget to tap out, you may be charged the maximum fare.

Please pay attention to the in-vehicle announcements.

💸 Shenzhen Tong Card Returns and Refunds (A Must-Read for Tourists)

📍 Processing Location:

Subway Customer Service Center

📌 Refundable items:

• Deposit (CNY 20)
• Remaining card balance

📝 Refund Steps:

1. Returning Your Shenzhen Tong Card
2. Staff checking balance
3. On-site cash refund

💡 Travel Tip:

• Refunds can usually only be processed in Shenzhen.
• Please keep the card in good condition
• You may be required to present your passport at times.

📲 Shenzhen Tong App

Shenzhen Tong

🔧 Key Features:

• Add Virtual Transport Card
• Metro / Bus QR Code
• Check Balance
• Top Up Online

⚠️ Potential issues for travelers in Malaysia:

• Some features require a Chinese mobile number.
• The app interface is primarily in Chinese.

🌐 Ruubypay App (Recommended for international travelers)

For Malaysian travelers without a Chinese bank account, Ruubypay is a super convenient option.

📝 How to Register:

1. Download Ruubypay
2. Register with passport
3. Complete Identity Verification
4. Add International Bank Card

💰 Cost:

Same as local passengers, with no significant extra charges.

📲 How to use:

1. Open App
2. Generate QR code
3. Scan QR code on subway / bus
4. Auto-pay

✅ Why do we recommend Ruubypay for Malaysian travelers?

• No Chinese bank card required
• The English interface is more user-friendly.
• You can use it immediately after registering.

Travel Tips for Malaysian Tourists Visiting Shenzhen

📶 1. Connectivity is key

We recommend getting an eSIM in advance for easy navigation, payments, and translation on the go.

💳 2. China has gone almost completely cashless

Recommended use:

• Alipay
• WeChat Pay
• Ruubypay

🗺️ 3. The Shenzhen Metro is super convenient

The Shenzhen Metro is clean, punctual, and extensive.

Perfect for independent travelers.

🧥 4. Shenzhen Weather Guide

Spring: 18–28°C
Summer: Hot and humid
Winter: Mild (10–20°C)

🗣️ 5. Limited English proficiency

English is not widely spoken in some areas.

We recommend downloading a translation app.

🚆 6. Try to avoid peak hours

Morning: 7:30–9:30 AM
Evening: 5:30–7:30 PM

🌏 Summary

For Malaysian travelers visiting Shenzhen, the Shenzhen Tong (or QR code payment method) is practically an essential tool:

✔ Easy to use
✔ Affordable transportation costs
✔ Valid citywide
✔ Save a lot of time

👉 Our top recommendation:

• Short-term trip → Get a physical Shenzhen Tong card
• Prefer digital payments? → Use QR codes / Ruubypay

Continue planning your trip to Shenzhen:

• Recommended Accommodations in Shenzhen
• Must-Visit Attractions in Shenzhen
• China Visa Guide
• Shenzhen Travel Guide

🔥 Set off for China

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