Transit Smart Card: Empowering international visitors to enjoy digital China

"I never imagined a Chinese bus card could be 'hidden' in a phone SIM card! No need to unlock the screen—just a quick tap, and I’m on my way. Even the subway gates recognize my phone!"

Recently, China Mobile Financial Technology Co., Ltd., in collaboration with China Mobile Group Beijing Co., Ltd., launched a "communication + transit" product tailored for residents of international visitors to China—the Transit Smart Card (hereinafter referred to as "Transit Smart Card"). Built on China Mobile’s Super SIM technology, this product transforms a phone SIM card into a transit card. Once activated, users can enjoy internet access, make calls, and use NFC-enabled public transportation in over 330 cities across China, as well as in Hong Kong and Macao. A simple tap of the phone allows users to breeze through transit gates in seconds.

At the China Mobile service counter in Beijing Capital International Airport’s Terminal 2, staff fluently introduced the product in English to an Icelandic tourist who had just arrived in China. In just a few steps, the tourist completed the registration and activation of the Transit Smart Card package. While exploring Beijing by bus or subway, a quick tap of the phone on the gate was all it took to board—no internet connection or screen wake-up required. The delighted tourist held up their phone, exclaiming, "Now my phone isn’t just a 'Chinese number'—it’s my 'All-Access Pass to China'!"

To ensure a seamless experience for international users right upon arrival, dedicated bilingual service counters have been set up at Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport, offering "full-scenario support."

The launch and pilot rollout of the Transit Smart Card represent China Mobile Financial Technology’s innovative effort to leverage "communication + transit" technology to facilitate travel for international visitors. Moving forward, the company will continue to explore multi-scenario applications based on Super SIM technology, delivering superior, user-centric services.

（Contributed by Feiyang Huang，Yikang Wang）