Practical guide
Beijing CUBe Card: a SIM-based backup for connectivity and transit
Use the physical card only after checking its current sales, top-up and device conditions.
Beijing’s municipal government describes the CUBe Card as a SIM-card-based product for inbound visitors. It says users insert the card to make calls, access the internet, use e-CNY payments and tap in and out of Beijing buses and subway stations; the city also says tap-to-pay can work when the phone has no network or power. Sales, compatibility, top-up and acceptance are live conditions, so confirm them before purchase.
A clear next step
- Confirm that your phone and the current CUBe Card offer are compatible before purchasing.
- Top up through the live official process, then verify the features you actually need before relying on the card.
- Keep another payment and transport method available in case a particular gate, merchant or service path does not accept the card.
Sources & verification
Last verified
- Travel Made Smoother with Smarter Payments and Tax Refund Procedures — Beijing Municipal Government CUBe Card uses a SIM card as its carrier · the stated functions include calls, internet access, e-CNY payment and Beijing bus/subway tap-in and tap-out · the city says tap-to-pay can work without phone network or power · version 2.0 adds a 5G messaging application and AI services
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