HK Transportation - where are VISA credit cards accepted?

Question

Hi Everyone, I will be on a cruise and making a stop HK (for less than 36 hours). I understand that the Octopus Card is the favored method of payment and can be used across all modes of transportation. I don't know how much I need to pre-load on the Octopus card and have a short stay. So, my preference is to use a Visa credit card (if possible). Can you tell me which modes of transportation does NOT accept credit card? I read that MTR and Ding Ding will accept visa credit cards. I think the Ferry does NOT allow visa credit card. How about the City Bus?

Here are my tentative plans: Day 1, from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, take ferry and/or bus to Aberdeen Island. City Bus to Central Market area. Experience the Ding Ding. Return to TST area from HK via the Star Ferry. On Day 2, from the cruise terminal, stay in TST area , go to ladies market, eat DIM SUM and look for Mah Jong souveniers.

Would I need to take the MRT?

Thanks for any help / tips you can provide.

Answer

Hong Kong is highly convenient for transportation, and while the Octopus Card is the most widely used payment method across all public transport, some options do allow Visa credit cards, though not all. Here’s a breakdown for your short visit and planned itinerary.

Acceptance of Visa Credit Cards:

MTR (Mass Transit Railway): Visa credit cards are accepted at ticket machines for single journey tickets or stored-value options. You can also use your card directly on some mobile payment platforms linked to Visa.
Ding Ding (Trams in Hong Kong Island): Visa cards are accepted for single tickets purchased at tram stops or via mobile payments. Cash and Octopus are still common, but Visa works at machines or apps where available.
City Buses (KMB, Citybus, New World First Bus): Most city buses do NOT accept Visa credit cards. Cash or Octopus Card is required. Contactless mobile payments linked to Visa (Apple Pay, Google Pay) may work on some buses, but coverage is not universal.
Ferries (Star Ferry, etc.): Visa credit cards are generally not accepted. Only cash or Octopus Card is accepted for boarding.

Transport Tips for Your Itinerary:

From Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Aberdeen: Bus is easiest. If you want to avoid using cash or Octopus, a taxi or ride-hailing app accepting Visa may be a better choice.
City Bus to Central Market: You will likely need an Octopus Card or cash as credit cards are not accepted on buses.
Ding Ding tram: Can use Visa card at machines or via mobile payment; otherwise, Octopus is easiest.
Star Ferry to TST: Only cash or Octopus; Visa cards are not accepted.

Do you need the MTR?

For your planned short stay, you may not need the MTR unless you plan longer distances beyond TST, Central, or Aberdeen. The MTR can save time, especially if you want to travel quickly between districts, and using a Visa card is straightforward for single tickets.

Recommendation:

Carry a small Octopus Card preloaded with around HK$100–150 for city buses, trams, and ferries, even if you prefer using Visa where accepted.
Use Visa credit card mainly for MTR or mobile payments where available.
For convenience and minimal cash handling, combining a small Octopus balance with Visa payments works best for a 36-hour stay.

HK Transportation - where are VISA credit cards accepted?

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