Octopus Card

With attractive discount and connivance, Octopus Card is a must have accessory in Hong Kong. The card is a contactless smart card. It is mostly used to pay rides on the MTR, buses, minibuses, ferries, trams or on some taxis that are equipped with Octopus readers, and also for payment in supermarkets, fast food, department stores, shops, cinemas, car parks, retail outlets, convenience stores, bookstores that provides with Octopus readers. The card was originally intrduced in 1997 as a payment means on the MTR. However, since then, because of its popularity with local and tourist, it was transformed into a payment system nowadays. The card can be commonly seen in Hong Kong and People can use it for payment anywhere in the city.

Where to buy the card？

1. MTR Stations

   

   You can purchase Octopus cards at MTR customer service centres (except the racecourse station and the customer service centre on platform 1 of the airport station). Additionally, Octopus cards can be bought from MTR ticket and Octopus selling machines at the airport station and Hong Kong West Kowloon station.
    

2. Convenience Stores
   Some convenience stores also sell Octopus cards. For example, you can buy them at 7 – Eleven stores like Shop K8, 2/F, Lo Wu Station, Shop 289, 2/F, Shun Tak Centre, 200 Connaught Road Central, and at Circle K stores such as Shop 109, Lo Wu Station, and Shop WEK B2 – 8, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station.
    
3. Airport
   At Hong Kong International Airport, you can buy Octopus cards at the 7 – Eleven store (Shop 5T058, Level 5 Arrival Hall), Hung Fook Tong (Shop 7T087, Level 7 Departure Hall, Non – restricted Area), Relay (Level 5 Arrival Hall Pre – immigration, Restricted Area), and Travelex (Shop 5T035, Meeting Hall A, Shop 5T199, Meeting Hall B, and Shop 5E535, Level 5 Arrival Hall).
    
4. Ferry Terminals
   At the ferry pier termini of the Light Rail, including Leung King, Town Centre, Yuen Long Terminus, and Tin Yat stations, as well as at the Sun Ferry customer and Octopus service centres at Cheung Chau Pier, Mui Wo Pier, Central Pier 5, and Central Pier 6, you can buy Octopus cards.
    
5. Visitor Centres
   The Kowloon Visitor Centre at the Star Ferry Concourse in Tsim Sha Tsui sells tourist Octopus cards.
    

How Does the Card Work？

1. For Transportation: Tap & Go, No Fuss!

Whether you're hopping on the MTR, bus, tram, ferry (like the iconic Star Ferry!), or even a taxi that accepts Octopus, the rule is simple: just tap your card (or phone/watch with a digital Octopus) on the reader when you start and finish your journey.

• MTR/Subway: Tap the reader at the gate when entering and exiting the station. The fare automatically deducts from your balance.
• Buses/Trams: Tap once when you board (for buses) or when you exit (for trams).
• Ferry/Peak Tram: Same as the MTR—tap to enter and exit the terminal.
• Pro Tip: If you're taking the East Rail Line's first-class carriage, tap your card on the “First-Class Validator” near the entrance to activate it!

You'll hear a “beep” and see the remaining balance on the screen—no need to worry about buying tickets or exact change every time!
 

2. For Shopping & Dining: Tap to Pay Anywhere!

The Octopus card isn't just for transport—you can use it at over 180,000 stores across Hong Kong!

• Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Circle K, OK convenience store—buy snacks, drinks, or even a SIM card.
• Supermarkets & Markets: ParknShop, Wellcome, or local wet markets for fresh fruit or souvenirs.
• Restaurants & Cafes: Many tea shops, fast-food joints (like McDonald's), and even some sit-down restaurants accept Octopus. Just tap at the cashier when paying.
• Vending Machines: Grab a cold drink or a newspaper from machines labeled with the Octopus logo.

Just like with transport, tap your card on the reader at the checkout—the screen will show the amount deducted and your new balance. Easy as pie!
 

3. What Happens If Your Balance Is Low?

Don't panic if you forget to recharge! The Octopus card allows a small overdraft (up to HK$35) for essential trips or purchases. This means:

• If your balance is HK$10 but the bus fare is HK$15, you can still ride—your balance will show as -HK$5.
• Just recharge as soon as possible at an MTR station, convenience store, or via your phone (for digital Octopus).
   

4. Recharging: Quick & Easy

• Physical Card: Add cash at MTR stations (using machines or customer service), 7-Eleven, Circle K, or any store with an Octopus logo.
• Digital Octopus (on iPhone/Apple Watch/Huawei): Top up via credit card or mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay—no need to carry cash!
   

5. Returning the Card (If You Want)

If you're leaving Hong Kong and want a refund:

• Physical Card: Go to any MTR customer service center. They'll give back your HK$50 deposit (plus remaining balance), minus a small fee (HK$11) if you've used the card for less than 90 days.
• Digital Card: Refund through the Octopus app—same rules apply for the fee.
   

Benefit of using Octopus Card

►You do not have to spend time buying a single journey ticket at Ticket Issuing Machines, or counting the exact amount of coins on buses and trams.
►Passengers of Cityflyer Routes traveling to/from the Airport can enjoy a 50% discount for a return journey on the same day.
► Enjoy free MTR connections to/from the Airport Express stations.
►The MTR fares using Octopus are usually cheaper than single journey tickets.
► Airport Express (AE) passengers can enjoy a free return journey on the same day.
►Apart from collecting fares on public transport, it can be used as a payment method in retail and fast-food outlets, car parks, leisure facilities and many other places.
 

Tips

If you leave Hong Kong, but forget to return the On-Loan Octopus to get the refundable deposit and the remaining value. However, to get the refundable deposit and the remaining value on the spot (i.e. at any MTR/AE Customer Service Centre), make sure that your card has the remaining value less than HK$500 and is in good condition.