Elder Octopus Card

Question

DH and I will arrive to Hong Kong on a cruise ship. Since we are over 65, is the On-loan Elder Octopus card the most convenient and least expensive way to pay for public transportation and food, in addition to using a Visa card where it’s accepted? If so, can we buy this card at the cruise terminal and how to buy and add up to it? Thanks in advance

Answer

Yes, the Elder Octopus Card is the most convenient and cost-effective way for visitors aged 65 or above to travel around Hong Kong using public transport. It provides access to the city’s extensive MTR, buses, ferries, and trams network at a significant discount through the government’s Elderly Concessionary Fare Scheme. You can also use the card at many convenience stores, supermarkets, fast food outlets, and vending machines, making it extremely practical for day-to-day purchases.

1. About the Elder Octopus Card

The On-loan Elder Octopus Card is a stored-value smart card designed specifically for people aged 65 and above. It automatically applies the reduced fare when you tap in and out of transport gates or buses. Each ride usually costs only HK$2 or less, compared to the full adult fare. The card also works the same way as a regular Octopus card for small retail payments.

Deposit: HK$50 (refundable when you return the card).
Initial stored value: HK$50 (total payment at purchase: HK$100).
Eligibility: Anyone aged 65 or older, including non-residents and visitors.
Validity: No expiry date; you can keep and reuse it on future visits.

2. Where to Buy the Elder Octopus Card

You can easily purchase the card once you arrive in Hong Kong. However, the cruise terminal itself (Kai Tak Cruise Terminal or Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui) does not always have Octopus sales counters. It’s better to get the card at nearby MTR stations or convenience stores after disembarkation.

MTR Customer Service Centres – located inside all major MTR stations (closest to cruise terminals are Kowloon Tong or Tsim Sha Tsui depending on docking port).
7-Eleven and Circle K convenience stores – many sell and reload Octopus cards.
Airport Express or major transport interchanges – also have sales points for Octopus cards.

3. How to Add Value to the Card

You can top up your Elder Octopus Card easily throughout Hong Kong. Top-ups can be made using cash or credit card, depending on location.

Cash top-ups at 7-Eleven, Circle K, and supermarkets.
At MTR stations using Add Value Machines (cash only).
At Octopus Service Points or through Octopus App if you have a compatible smartphone and NFC payment card.

4. Using the Elder Octopus Card

To use the card, simply tap it on the reader when boarding or entering stations. The discounted fare is deducted automatically. You can also use it for small retail payments at outlets displaying the Octopus logo. Balances and remaining value can be checked at any MTR Add Value Machine, service counter, or store checkout terminal.

Valid on all MTR lines, buses, trams, and most ferries.
Automatically applies the HK$2 Elderly Concession Fare on eligible routes.
Usable for small purchases such as drinks, snacks, and coffee at participating shops.

5. Summary

For visitors over 65, the On-loan Elder Octopus Card is absolutely the best choice for getting around Hong Kong. It saves you time, eliminates the need for small change, and gives you the lowest fares available. Plan to buy the card shortly after you disembark — at an MTR station or convenience store — and top it up as needed. Combined with your Visa card for larger payments, this will give you the most convenient and economical way to explore the city.

Elder Octopus Card

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