Octopus Card
The Octopus Card is a rechargeable contactless card that can be used to pay both for transport in Hong Kong and for many shops and restaurants.
How much is the Octopus Card?
The on-loan Octopus Card costs 150 HKD (US$ 19.20) (70 HKD (US$ 8.90) for seniors over 65 and children between 3 and 11), which includes an initial top-up value of 100 HKD (US$ 12.80) to spend on transport, and a 50 HKD (US$ 6.40) deposit which is refunded when you return the card (minus an 11 HKD (US$ 1.40) charge if the card is returned within 90 days).
There is also a Tourist Octopus Card available, but at 39 HKD (US$ 5) with no stored value and no refund, the on-loan version works out better.
Where to get the Octopus Card?
The pass can be purchased at MTR and ferry customer service centres and at the Admiralty bus station. You can also get an Octopus Card at the MTR Customer Service Centre on arrival at the airport. The card can then be topped up at MTR stations and at stores like 7-Eleven, Circle K, Starbucks and McDonalds. Before leaving Hong Kong, visit any MTR Customer Service Centre for a refund of the remaining value on your Octopus Card.
Benefits
- Using the Octopus Card, transport tickets are slightly cheaper than paying by cash.
- You don't need to carry around exact change to pay for transport.
- You can top up as much as you need to at any time.
- Unused money on the card will be refunded when you return the card.
