Elders Octopus card for tourists

Question

The official Octopus card website says that there is an elders Octopus card available for tourists and can be rented, but there really is not much information about this. Does this still exist or is the only option the JoyYou card for locals?

Answer

In Hong Kong, the standard Octopus card is widely used by both locals and tourists for public transport, convenience stores, and some attractions. There are also concessionary Octopus cards for seniors (the Elder Octopus), but these are generally intended for Hong Kong residents aged 65 or above.

1. Elder Octopus card for tourists:

Officially, there is no publicly available Elder Octopus card specifically for short-term tourists. The concessionary card requires proof of age and Hong Kong permanent or long-term residency.
Tourists cannot rent or purchase the Elder Octopus card for discounts; the only Octopus options for visitors are standard Tourist Octopus cards, which offer convenience but not senior discounts.
The Tourist Octopus card can be purchased at the airport, MTR stations, or some hotels and is preloaded with a balance for transport and small payments.

2. JoyYou card:

The JoyYou card is targeted at Hong Kong residents for discounts and rewards programs and is not suitable for short-term tourists.
It requires a local Hong Kong ID for registration and cannot be used by international visitors.

3. Practical advice for elderly tourists:

Elderly visitors can simply use the standard Tourist Octopus card for convenience. Although it does not offer the discounted fare for seniors, it allows seamless travel on buses, MTR, trams, and ferries.
If traveling with local friends or family, they can use their Elder Octopus card to help you understand routes and fares, but the tourist themselves cannot obtain the discounted card.
Always check the MTR and bus websites for updates, as fare structures and eligibility requirements are occasionally revised.

In summary, the Elder Octopus card for tourists is no longer available; the main option for elderly visitors is to use the standard Tourist Octopus card for ease of travel, while JoyYou and resident Elder Octopus cards remain for locals only.

Elders Octopus card for tourists

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