Metro: foreign cards & gate problems
Metro: foreign cards & gate problems in Shanghai: what to check, how to ask staff, and where to confirm the current rules. Practical guidance with original sources.
Use this guide to prepare your questions. Confirm the current rule with the venue before booking or travelling. These notes are under local and language review; they do not guarantee entry, ticket availability or a refund.
Find your situation
- Can I use this foreign card?
- Tickets for adults and children together
- Card accepted, but the gate stays closed
- My family is on the other side
- Cannot exit with my card or phone
- Metro charge looks duplicated
Can I use this foreign card?
When: Before buying tickets or entering the metro.
Eligible foreign cards can be used on Shanghai Metro. Confirm your card and use the same physical card or device for entry and exit. Ask the service centre to resolve gate errors.
Try this free Chinese cardTickets for adults and children together
When: Before buying tickets or entering the metro.
Eligible foreign cards can be used on Shanghai Metro. Confirm your card and use the same physical card or device for entry and exit. Ask the service centre to resolve gate errors.
View the phrase cardCard accepted, but the gate stays closed
When: At the metro gate, when someone cannot get through.
Eligible foreign cards can be used on Shanghai Metro. Confirm your card and use the same physical card or device for entry and exit. Ask the service centre to resolve gate errors.
View the phrase cardMy family is on the other side
When: At the metro gate, when someone cannot get through.
Eligible foreign cards can be used on Shanghai Metro. Confirm your card and use the same physical card or device for entry and exit. Ask the service centre to resolve gate errors.
View the phrase cardCannot exit with my card or phone
When: At the exit gate; keep the card or phone used to enter.
Eligible foreign cards can be used on Shanghai Metro. Confirm your card and use the same physical card or device for entry and exit. Ask the service centre to resolve gate errors.
View the phrase cardMetro charge looks duplicated
When: When checking bank records after a metro trip.
Eligible foreign cards can be used on Shanghai Metro. Confirm your card and use the same physical card or device for entry and exit. Ask the service centre to resolve gate errors.
View the phrase card