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Your Chinese Social Security Card Works Like a Membership Card Now

Shandong, Saving Money, Social Security Card, Discounts —

Let me tell you about a major information gap I just discovered.

April 20, Shandong province launched something called 「Social Security Card — Enjoy Shandong.」 Basically your social security card now doubles as a membership card.

Eight categories with discounts:

  • Transit: subway and bus fare reductions
  • Shopping: designated supermarkets with spend-based discounts
  • Travel: scenic spot ticket deals
  • Movies: reduced cinema prices
  • Books: bookstore discounts
  • Elder care: service discounts
  • Plus a few more I can’t recall

The key point: these discounts apply automatically when you swipe your social security card. No application needed.

How did I find out?

Last week I was on a business trip in Shandong. At a supermarket checkout, the cashier asked if I had my social security card — said I could get a discount. I was completely confused.

After I got back, I looked it up and confirmed: this is a real policy that launched April 20.

But here’s the catch!

This is primarily for Shandong residents. Other provinces haven’t rolled this out yet. If you’re in Shandong or have family there, definitely pass this on. It’s free money from the government essentially.

Anyone know if other provinces have similar programs? I heard Shanghai has consumption vouchers but I’ve never successfully snagged any.

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