Card Payments and Octopus Card usage

Question

Good morning,

I’d like to know whether European credit cards are widely accepted in Hong Kong, or if only Asian cards are usable. Since I have a very early flight out of the country, I’m considering not buying an Octopus Card to avoid issues with returning it and getting a refund — especially since I’m not sure if that would even be possible at 5 AM.

Instead, I was thinking of paying for each trip individually using my European credit card (specifically a European Revolut card with a HKD account). Are such cards accepted for public transportation payments?

Do you know if it’s possible to return the Octopus Card very early in the morning?

Another question: on the buses on Lantau Island (for example, traveling from the Tian Tan Buddha to Tai O village), can you pay by card or is it cash-only? Are there ticket machines or do you pay directly on board?

Lastly, is payment at the Temple Street Night Market only accepted in cash, or do some vendors take cards?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer

European credit cards are generally accepted in Hong Kong, especially at larger stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and some public transport ticket machines. Contactless cards with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logos usually work fine. However, small shops, local markets, and some taxis may prefer cash or the local Octopus Card.

Regarding public transportation:

Hong Kong’s MTR (subway) system accepts contactless credit/debit cards for single trips in addition to Octopus Cards. Your European Revolut card with a HKD account should work at MTR gates for fare payment.
Many buses and trams also accept contactless payment cards, but some smaller or rural bus routes may still require an Octopus Card or exact cash fare. For example, buses on Lantau Island (such as from Tian Tan Buddha to Tai O Village) usually require exact cash fare if not using Octopus Card; there are no onboard card terminals for most local cards, and tickets are paid directly to the driver.
Ferries like the Ngong Ping Cable Car have separate ticketing systems; some accept card payments at the booth, but carrying cash or Octopus Card is more convenient.

About the Octopus Card:

You can return a standard Octopus Card and get a refund of the remaining balance at major MTR customer service centers. However, these centers open later in the morning (usually around 7:30–8:00 AM), so returning a card very early in the morning before flights (like 5 AM) may not be possible.
Given your early departure, it may be more practical to keep the Octopus Card as a souvenir or small convenience card and forgo the refund, rather than risk missing the window for returning it.

Regarding Temple Street Night Market:

Most vendors at Temple Street Night Market are cash-only. It’s a traditional street market, so credit/debit card acceptance is rare.
Some higher-end or restaurant-style stalls may accept card payment, but it is not reliable. Carrying cash is strongly recommended if you plan to shop or eat there.

Summary advice:

Use your European Revolut card for MTR and major shops; it will work for single-ride fares.
Bring cash or a small Octopus Card for buses, rural areas, street markets, and ferries where card payments may not be accepted.
If leaving very early, do not rely on returning the Octopus Card for a refund before your flight.

This approach should allow smooth travel across Hong Kong while minimizing dependence on cash or worrying about early card returns.