SilkPass app top up

Question

Does anyone know how to top up Beijing travel cards using the SilkPass app? When I go to pay it says, even via WeChat and Alipay, that it does not support international cards and you can only use Chinese-issued card. Any help appreiated! I will be using the card in other cities in China so will not physically be able to go to a metro station in Beijing to top up (you can use it around China).

Answer

The SilkPass app is the official mobile platform for topping up and managing Beijing public transport cards, including the Beijing Transportation Smart Card (Yikatong). Unfortunately, as you have experienced, the app currently only supports Chinese-issued bank cards for top-ups. International cards, including those linked to WeChat Pay or Alipay registered outside China, are not accepted directly in the app.

Since you mentioned you will be using the card in other cities and will not be physically in Beijing, this limitation can be a significant hurdle. Here are the main workarounds and options that travelers use:

Use a Chinese bank account or card: If you have access to a Chinese-issued debit or credit card, you can link it to SilkPass or Alipay/WeChat Pay and top up the card remotely. This is the most straightforward method.
Ask a local friend or contact to top up: A friend in China can use their SilkPass app or a metro station to recharge the card for you. The balance will be immediately usable on the card itself.
Use third-party services or platforms: Some international visitors use platforms like Trip.com or other travel service apps that sell Beijing travel card credits online. Availability varies and may include additional fees.
Top up once in China: If you will pass through a city that accepts the Beijing card (many major cities do under the China T-Union system), you can try topping up the card at a local metro station that supports card recharging. This requires carrying cash or a locally accepted payment method.

It’s important to note that SilkPass itself has no official mechanism for topping up with foreign cards at present. If you do not have access to a Chinese card or someone to help, the only reliable method is to top up the card in person when you arrive in China, either in Beijing or at any compatible metro station in another city under the T-Union network.

Additionally, if you plan to use the card outside Beijing, make sure the cities you visit support the T-Union system. Most major cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Xi’an, accept Beijing cards for public transport, but top-up may still require local payment methods.

SilkPass app top up

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