Nanjing metro card Jinlingtong available for purchase?

Question

So I am facing an issue setting up my Alipay for paying for metro in Nanjing beforehand. So I like to ask if it is possible for me to get a physical metro card such as jinlingtong at the stations there if I have neither a China bank account nor a Chinese phone number? I do not wish to always pay for metro trips every time I have to take the metro.

Answer

Yes, it is possible to obtain a physical metro card (Jinlingtong) in Nanjing even if you do not have a Chinese bank account or phone number. The Jinlingtong card is the standard rechargeable card for Nanjing Metro and can be purchased at metro stations across the city.

Here’s how you can get one and use it:

Where to buy: Visit any metro station and look for the customer service counter or ticket vending machines. Most major stations, including Nanjing South Railway Station, Xinjiekou, and Nanjing Railway Station, have staff who can sell you a Jinlingtong card.
Cost: The card itself costs a small deposit (usually around CNY 20), which is refundable when you return the card. You can then load any amount for travel on the metro.
Payment method: Cash is accepted for both the deposit and the balance top-up, so no Chinese bank account or phone number is required.

Using the Jinlingtong card:

Simply tap the card at the entry and exit gates of the metro stations.
You can recharge the card at any station using cash.
The card works for multiple passengers, but each person needs a separate card for entry.

Additional tips:

Keep the card safely if you plan to use it for the duration of your stay, as it can save time compared to paying for each trip individually.
If you run out of balance, the top-up counters are available at all major stations, usually with English-speaking staff at the busiest stations.
Refunds of the deposit are only available at customer service counters, not at vending machines.

In summary, even without a China bank account or phone number, you can conveniently use the Jinlingtong card for your metro travels in Nanjing with minimal hassle.