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is it possible to add certain amount to Alipay for subway?

I plan to use the subway in Beijing on 2 days. I have added a credit card to Alipay but need little clarity on next steps.

Do I need to go to Transport/metro and generate a QR code which I can scan at metro entrances (and exist?) and this will automatically charge my cc?

Or do I need to specify the From and To metro to generate QR code?

And is this something that can take 24 hours to set up so one must do this at least a day in advance of using metro for the first time?

Can some kind soul please clarify?

Yes, you can use Alipay to pay for subway rides in Beijing, and the process is fairly straightforward once your credit card is linked. Here are the details:

1. Adding money to Alipay for subway: You don’t need to pre-load a specific amount for Beijing subway if you use a linked credit card. The subway fare will be automatically deducted from your Alipay balance or charged to the linked card each time you scan a QR code at the entry gate.

2. Generating a QR code: You can open the Alipay app and go to the Transport or Metro section. You will generate a dynamic QR code that can be scanned at subway gates. This QR code does not require you to specify the origin and destination in advance. The system calculates the fare when you exit the subway, and the amount will be automatically deducted from your linked account.

3. Setup time: In most cases, the QR code setup is immediate. You do not need to wait 24 hours; once your credit card is linked and verified, you can generate a QR code and use it the same day.

4. Usage tips:

  • Make sure your Alipay account is verified and your credit card is linked correctly.
  • You can generate a new QR code for each day or reuse the same code multiple times, depending on the app settings.
  • Check that you have mobile internet or offline QR code caching enabled, as gates need to scan the code properly.

5. Summary: You don’t need to pre-specify trips or add funds manually. The system is designed for convenience: scan at entry, scan at exit, and the fare is automatically charged to your Alipay account or linked credit card.

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