Octopus Card (2023)

Question

What is the Octopus Card?

The Octopus is stored-value smart card (similar to London’s Oyster Card) that can be used for quick access and payment for public transportation as well as basic purchases at a wide range of retail shops throughout Hong Kong.

It is a highly recommendable for visitors to Hong Kong to acquire an Octopus Card upon arriving into Hong Kong to help facilitate quick and convenient use of public transportation as well as minor purchases while they are in the city.

Below you will find resources which provide current & updated information for any of your Octopus related questions.

Octopus Website (official website)

https://www.octopus.com.hk/en/consumer/index.html

Hong Kong Extras (best unofficial site)

http://hongkongextras.com/octopuscard.html

If you can’t find what you are looking for on these two resources, the information likely doesn’t exist online and you should ask on the Hong Kong forum.

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Octopus FAQs

1.) Where to acquire an Octopus Card?

https://www.octopus.com.hk/en/consumer/tourist/channels/air/index.html

2) What type of Octopus should I acquire (3 options)

Most Popular Option: On-Loan Standard Octopus Card*

https://www.octopus.com.hk/en/consumer/octopus-cards/products/on-loan/standard.html

*This a physical card that you borrow and use during your visit to HK. You then return it and are refunded any outstanding value that remains on the card before leaving the city.

Tourist Octopus (Sold Version)**

https://www.octopus.com.hk/en/consumer/octopus-cards/products/sold-tourist/index.html

**This is a physical card that you purchase and keep as a souvenir to take home after your visit to Hong Kong.

Newest Option: Octopus on iPhone and Apple Watch (tourist app)***

https://www.octopus.com.hk/en/consumer/tourist/apple-pay/index.html

***This is a downloadable Octopus App which is stored in your wallet and linked to your own credit card. You can use the Octopus App as a wave pay with your iPhone or Apple Watch while you are in Hong Kong.

3) How to Add Value to my Octopus Card

https://www.octopus.com.hk/en/consumer/octopus-cards/reload/cash/index.html

4) How to Replace an old Octopus Card?

https://www.octopus.com.hk/en/consumer/card-replacement/about/index.html

5) How to return On-Loan Octopus Card for refund?

https://www.octopus.com.hk/en/consumer/customer-service/faq/customer-service/refund-procedures.html

Answer

The Octopus Card is a stored-value smart card in Hong Kong, similar to London’s Oyster Card. It is designed to provide quick and convenient access to public transportation, including buses, trams, ferries, and the MTR subway system. Additionally, the card can be used for small purchases at numerous retail shops, convenience stores, vending machines, and even some restaurants.

For visitors, acquiring an Octopus Card upon arrival is highly recommended, as it simplifies travel and daily transactions without the need for cash or multiple tickets.

Where to Acquire an Octopus Card

Airport counters: Octopus Cards can be obtained immediately upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport.
MTR Stations: Almost all major MTR stations have customer service centers where Octopus Cards are available.
Retail Outlets: Some convenience stores also sell tourist Octopus Cards.

Types of Octopus Cards

On-Loan Standard Octopus Card: A physical card that is borrowed for your visit. You can return it before leaving Hong Kong to receive a refund of any remaining balance.
Tourist Octopus (Sold Version): A physical card that you purchase and keep as a souvenir. Remaining balance can be used on future visits, but no refund is given upon departure.
Octopus on iPhone/Apple Watch (Tourist App): A digital Octopus stored in your Apple Wallet, linked to your credit card. It functions like a contactless payment card and can be used for transport and retail transactions during your stay.

Adding Value to an Octopus Card

Top-up is possible at MTR stations, convenience stores, kiosks, and via the Octopus App.
Cash or electronic payment options are available for reloading the card.

Replacing or Returning an Octopus Card

Old or damaged Octopus Cards can be replaced at MTR customer service centers.
On-Loan Standard Octopus Cards should be returned before departure to obtain a refund of the remaining balance.

Overall, the Octopus Card is an essential tool for visitors to Hong Kong, offering convenience, speed, and ease of use for both transportation and everyday purchases.

Octopus Card (2023)

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