Walked in about a week ago and had a card made. No hassle—took about 10 minutes, and was free with presentation of a foreign passport. Most of the time they will write down a number for you, but getting the card does end up savings some hassle.

@atwillden

Did you need anything besides your passport? Last time they wanted all kinds of stuff like business card and letter from employer in Chinese.

@NingSi
If you can't get a card, it's a common practice to ask if you can borrow the card of the person checking out b4 you. All they need to do is scan it once, so it's not a real bother. What is a real bother is having to beg another customer for the right to spend $$$ at their store. Luckily, most Chinese customers at Metro have been very nice and presented their card to the cashier so I could check out.

Most Chinese who go there borrow other people's card in line :)
Otherwise just get a number when you go in :)

Most Chinese who go there borrow other people's card in line :)
Otherwise just get a number when you go in :)

@alex, I tried getting a card made six months ago and they wanted all the extra documentation, but last time I was in the girl at the counter said now they only needed a passport. Not sure if it was just the choice of the person on counter or if they changed the policy to get more people to shop there. Worth a shot I guess, worst thing is they say no and give you a temp number anyways or you borrow someone else's card.

What I never understood about Metro's card policy - you need a card to enter and a card to purchase, so if one doesn't HAVE a card, how does one enter without a card, shop, then make it to the checkout to ask someone for a card?

Life becomes infinitely more confusing and complicated for me, as I approach the end of ages. But, I'm DEFINITELY gonna try the passport thing on a regular basis, until I'm successful. Not having a regular day job has its benefits.

I have a card, but was ignored the other day as I tried to show it, so you can sometimes get in without one (I also have a friend who just walks through and ting-bu-dongs any annoyed shop assistants).

Success!
I went today and got a card upon presentation of my passport. Wasn't much of a hassle at all. My husband was happy to have found Korean red paste there!

Thanks for the info all! :)

I would advise everyone who does not have a card yet to go grab a card quick, before they change the policy again.

I recently made my metro card a few months back. All i had to do was hand them my passport, fill out some details like current address and contact number.

Was told to go in and choose my stuff first and collect my card before checkout. I did a quick run for some butter, cheese, imported biscuits (local biscuits are lousy), some coffee and frozen pizza.

Didn't spend more than 15 minutes choosing my stuff, went back to the front counter and my card was ready :)

So, yeah, passport is all that is needed.