Short answer
Yes. Activate the Shanghai metro code inside Alipay's Transport tab using your bound international card, then scan at the gate. If you would rather not, every station has machines with an English interface that accept cash and foreign cards for single journeys.
The QR route
- Alipay → Transport tab → activate the Shanghai code once
- Works with a foreign card and an international phone number
- Distance-based fare deducted on exit
The token route
Station machines sell single-journey tokens and accept cash and international cards. Slower per trip, but dependable when your phone is flat or the code will not activate.
Airport connections
Hongqiao is directly on the metro network. Pudong is served by the maglev and metro Line 2 — both accept the same QR code once activated.
Related guides
More questions answered
Where these matter
Official sources
Policies and booking channels change — check the official channel before you rely on it.