Tara Let's Go: Hong Kong Octopus Card for tourists

The most convenient way to travel around Hong Kong via public transport is to have an Octopus card. It is a rechargeable and contactless card used in most types of public transportation (buses, MTR trains, trams, ferries). It is also used in making payments at convenience stores, restaurants, supermarkets and vending machines.

Where to get an Octopus Card

An Octopus card is available to tourists as an on loan card. Immediately after arriving at Hong Kong International Airport, proceed to the customer service counter at the lower ground floor near the exit. You can also buy it at any MTR customer service center.

Each Octopus card for adults costs HK$150.00 (50.00 deposit and 100.00 value) and HK$70.00 for children 3-11 years old (50.00 deposit and 20.00 value). If you maximize the value of the card, no worries because you can use the deposit but only for a one time transaction until you reload or top up at any MTR counters and 7-11 stores. Minimum top up value is HK$50.00.

When leaving Hong Kong, you can refund the remaining balance of your card, however there is a refund fee of HK$9.00 if card is returned within three months from date of issue.

How to use the Octopus card

For buses, just tap the card when getting on and no need to tap when getting off.
For trains, tap the card when entering and tap again when exiting the station.
For trams. tap the card when getting off.
For Ferries, tap the card at the entrance.

Check your Octopus card balance

You can check the remaining value and the transactions of your Octopus card at any MTR stations. Just look for the small machine beside the automated ticket machines and tap the card on the slot provided.