1. Using identification documents. Foreign travelers can use the following valid identification documents when purchasing tickets or paying for the extended trip at the railway station's ticket office and ticket agents, or on trains:
(1) Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card;
(2) Passport;
(3) Foreigner's exit-entry permit;
(4) Seafarer's Certificate;
(5) Receipt of acceptance of a visa application issued by the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organs of China;
(6) Passport loss report certificate;
(7) Temporary international travel document issued by embassies and consulates in China (with valid visas or stay certificates issued by the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organs of China attached).
Foreign travelers can use their Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards and passports to purchase tickets through the 12306 website, 12306 APP, or booking hotline. Foreign travelers can also use their Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards to purchase tickets at the self-service machines.
2. Identity verification. To ensure safe and orderly passenger transport, China's railway operator implements real-name ticketing according to relevant regulations.
Foreign travelers must complete identity verification before purchasing tickets. (1) You can log in to the 12306 website or APP to fill in your name, nationality, ID number, and other information following the instructions. The system will automatically complete identity verification. Or, you can upload a photo of the passport information page for manual verification. (2) You can also take valid passports to the ticket office at the railway station for identity verification. 3. Ticket purchase. After the identity verification, foreign travelers can purchase tickets. (1) You can purchase tickets online through the 12306 website or APP and pay with Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay bank cards. (2) You can also purchase tickets at the ticket office at the railway station and pay in cash or by Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay bank cards. Some railway stations also have self-service machines for ticket purchase.
■ Ticket change
Foreign travelers can change their tickets at the 12306 website and APP, or the ticket office at the railway station.
■ Ticket refund
Foreign travelers can cancel their tickets at the 12306 website and APP, or the ticket office at the railway station. Service fees may be incurred depending on the time of cancellation.
■ Railway station entry/exit and train boarding
Foreign travelers can enter and exit the railway station through automatic or manual ticket check gates with the original valid identification documents used when buying tickets, and cooperate to complete ticket verification on the way. For details of relevant rules, please visit the 12306 website or APP, or call China Railway customer service hotline (12306) for consultation.
12306 website address:
Updated on March 13, 2024
Source: A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2024 Edition)
