Foreign credit card to tap in/out of MTR/bus/tram

Question

Can we directly tap in/out of MTR/bus/trams using foreign credit card or Apple Pay without the Octopus Card?

Answer

Yes, in Hong Kong, you can use certain foreign contactless credit/debit cards and mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay to tap in and out of the MTR, buses, and trams, but there are some limitations and details to note.

Here’s how it works:

MTR (Mass Transit Railway) – Most MTR stations support contactless payments using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and UnionPay cards, as well as mobile wallets that are linked to these cards. You simply tap your card or device at the entry and exit gates.
Buses – Major bus operators like Citybus, New World First Bus, and Long Win accept contactless bank cards and mobile payments on-board, but some smaller operators may only accept Octopus cards.
Trams – The iconic Hong Kong trams also accept contactless credit cards and mobile payment methods directly on the tram.

Important points to keep in mind:

The contactless card or mobile device must support international tap-and-go payments (EMV contactless). Some older cards may not work.
Unlike the Octopus card, using a foreign credit card may incur foreign transaction fees depending on your bank.
For buses, ensure you tap the same card on entry and exit (if applicable) to get the correct fare, similar to the Octopus system.
Octopus cards are still more convenient for tourists because you can also use them for convenience stores, restaurants, and other transport services in Hong Kong.

In summary, yes, you can use foreign contactless cards or Apple Pay, but having an Octopus card can still offer smoother travel and additional convenience for small payments across the city.