Starting Sunday, Guangzhou Metro—China’s southern metropolis’s rapid transit system—now accepts contactless payments from major international bank cards, including Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and JCB. The update allows travelers to simply tap their overseas-issued cards (or domestic Mastercard/American Express cards with contactless and RMB transaction features) at designated fare gates across all stations, bypassing the need for advance ticket purchases or app downloads, the operator announced.
This enhancement follows the earlier integration of UnionPay, making Guangzhou Metro the first in China to fully support all five major global card networks: UnionPay, Mastercard, Visa, JCB, and American Express. The move is designed to streamline travel for foreign visitors, particularly ahead of the 138th Canton Fair (opening October 15 in Guangzhou), a major international trade event.
China’s Visa-Free Push Drives Transit Upgrades
The simplified payment system aligns with broader efforts to attract global travelers, as China expands its visa-free entry policies. Data from the National Immigration Administration reveals a surge in foreign visits: 38.05 million inbound/outbound trips were recorded in the first half of 2025—a 30.2% year-on-year increase. Notably, 13.64 million of these trips were visa-free, reflecting a 53.9% rise compared to the same period last year.
By adopting universal contactless options, Guangzhou Metro aims to reduce friction for international passengers, ensuring smoother journeys in line with China’s growing role as a tourism and business hub.
