Originally Posted by
moondog
I used my Shanghai metro card (one of the red ones) in Kunming last year. I didn't try the Alipay version in Kunming (I've only used that in Shanghai, Beijing, and Nanjing),, but I assumed it worked everywhere too?
If it has the China T Union logo (which the new Shanghai cards do), it can be used in most cities, with the notable exception being the Hohhot metro, Inner Mongolia. Also works in HK and Macau since the spring and vise versa (for new HK/Macau cards with China T Union logo). Some smaller cities which only have busses may also not be available and you have to top it up in the "home" city, or online via phone's NFC.
If Alipay in Kunming metro does not work with foreign cards, it may be worth a try at the ticket office (to pay by card), or failing that - withdraw 100RMB and buy the token. At least (AFAIK), the Chinese ATMs don't charge you fees unlike say the Thai and Philippino ones.
PS: I was in Kunming a week ago and bought this souvenir card. It retails at 50RMB and can be used for the metro and other transport in Kunming and other cities. Normal cards are probably around 20RMB, but this one is absolutely beautiful.
