Beijing Pass and Yikatong Card

Things concerning with Yikatong and Beijing Pass are still unclear. Yikatong issuer's web site is blocked by Chinese government. Things to consider are that:

1. Loan card vs. Sold card
Loan card is better if the price are the same. Transportation card could be stopped working, getting a refund is best solution.

2. Unanimous card vs. registered card. Especially for temporary visitors it is better to avoid registration as much as possible.

3. Shopping function. It is better to have one.

Basic Yikatong card with China T-Union logo is a loan card. For Beijing Pass, it is unclear. No Chinese News mention this. According to an article written by Chinese tour guide, it sounds to be sold card. I think it should be a loan card like basic Yikatong.

Beijing Pass is an anonymous card, but they may check your passport to confirm that you are a foreign tourist.

Basic Yikatong used to be an anonymous card. At the peak of China's DZCP, many Chinese cities implemented real name policy for their subways. After end of DZCP, many cities dropped the real name policy, but not Beijing. Things with Yikatong became very confusing.

During March of this Year, Beijing City made it clear to continue on real name policy. On end of March of this Year, Beijing City announced that they are committed to improve foreign tourists conveniency. On August, Beijing Pass is an answer to this policy.

Before these news, some Yikatong sales points refused to sell card to foreigners because they don't have Chinese ID card. After the announcement, all of sales points are supposed to resume selling cards to foreigners and make it unanimous. But it is unclear that, all of sales points are doing this. When Chinese news says something, it takes time to become reality.

News about Beijing Pass, also mentioned that Beijing Subway station are equipped with credit card POS machines to accept international card. But recent video filmed by Japanese, he visited 4 stations, only one station has a sign that they accept international cards. One of the station is run by BJ MTR, so it is not mentioned in the news. But Tiananmen East Station is supposed to be handling international cards.

I found more evidence that Beijing Pass is a sold card. In this case, 20Yuan of card price is unrefundable.

For shopping places, there are supermarket chains like Wumart. Bakery chain of Wedome is on the list.