IPass

Getting out of the taxi mentality and into public transport is one of the rites of passage that most regular citizens all have to go through after they've been here a few months. You should maximize the experience by getting hold of a subway swipe card, known as an IPass (Yi Ka Tong 一卡通), which has a surprisingly diverse array of uses. The basic advantages are increased convenience and cheaper fares, and they've bunged in a few extras to sweeten the deal. Lifestyle's got the lowdown.

Where to use

Public Transportation: all buses ands subways and even some taxis have installed an I Pass machine. Look for the "welcome to use I Pass"(欢迎使用一卡通) sign.

Highway Toll: The Pass is accepted on Badaling Freeway and stations on Jing Jin Tang Highway

Cinema: 22 cinemas currently accept I Pass, which give customers a 5 to 10 percent discount. Look out for the sign at New Line.

Supermarket: Wal-mart,Wu Mart,Chaoshifa and Lotus Mart all take the card as well as Holiland and Golden Phoenix Bakeries. There's no discount, though.

Hospital : Broken your leg and only have an IPass? Head to 301 or Chuiyangliu Hospital

Gas Station: 30 Sinopec gas stations in Beijing not only take the card but also have a charging service, found at Wangjing Xincheng, Zhongguancun, Beiyuanlu, and Shilihe stations among others.

What to pay

IPASS card requires a 20 yuan deposit

You'll need a minimum 20 yuan first charge, and after that at least 10n yuan, up yo a maximum charge of 1000

When returning the card for a deposit or refund, theres a one percent fee if the total is above 100 yuan.

Where to buy

Auto charge machines at subway stations

Bus terminals

Banks like China Merchants Bank, or China Citic Bank

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