How to Get an Octopus Card in Hong Kong?

The Octopus Card is Hong Kong's most commonly used electronic payment tool, covering transportation, retail, dining, and more. For tourists, it is almost a "must-have." Below is a detailed guide on how to obtain an Octopus Card:

1. Purchase Channels

1. Hong Kong International Airport
2. Airport Express Customer Service Center: Located in the arrival hall (Arrivals Level), offering standard Octopus Cards and tourist-specific Octopus Cards.

3. Automatic Ticketing Machines: Available at the Airport Express station or near convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven, Circle K) within the airport, supporting cash purchases.

4. MTR Stations (Hong Kong Subway)

5. The customer service center at all MTR stations sells Octopus Cards, including both the standard rental version and the sales version (with a deposit).

6. Recommended Stations: Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, etc., where customer service staff often speak fluent English.

7. Convenience Stores or Supermarkets

8. 7-Eleven, Circle K, OK Convenience Stores: You can directly purchase the "Sales Version Octopus Card" without registration, ready to use immediately.

9. Online Advance Purchase

10. Travel Platforms (e.g., Klook, KKday): Offering pre-purchase services for "Tourist Octopus Cards," which can be collected at designated locations upon arrival in Hong Kong.
11. Taobao/Fliggy: Some merchants provide mailing or self-collection services for physical cards, suitable for advanced planning.

2. Types and Prices of Octopus Cards

1. Standard Rental Version Octopus Card
2. Deposit: HK$50 (refundable when returning the card, with a deduction of HK$11 handling fee).

3. Initial Balance: HK$100-500 (depending on the recharge amount selected).

4. Sales Version Octopus Card (with Deposit)

5. Price: Starting at HK$150 (including HK$50 deposit and HK$100 balance).

6. Tourist Version Octopus Card

7. Features: Printed with Hong Kong landmark patterns (e.g., Star Ferry, Disneyland), ideal for collecting.
8. Price: HK$39 (card fee, excluding balance) + freely rechargeable amount.

3. Purchase Process

1. Choose Purchase Channel: Priority recommendation is the airport or MTR stations for the most convenient process.
2. Payment Method: Only accepts cash (Hong Kong dollars); some convenience stores support Alipay/WeChat Pay (check in advance).
3. Recharge: After the first purchase, you can recharge at any MTR station, convenience store, or recharge machine (minimum recharge HK$50).

4. Notes

1. Card Return and Refund
2. Before leaving Hong Kong, you can return the card at the MTR customer service center to get back the deposit and remaining balance (deducting HK$11 handling fee).

3. If the balance exceeds HK$500, identity proof is required.

4. Usage Scope

5. Transportation: MTR, buses, ferries, trams, Airport Express.

6. Consumption: Chain restaurants (McDonald’s, Maxim’s), supermarkets (Wellcome, ParknShop), attractions (Disneyland, Ocean Park), etc.

7. Other Functions

8. Octopus App: Can bind your Octopus Card to check the balance and transaction records (requires a Hong Kong mobile number for registration).
9. Special Note: Keep the receipt after purchasing the card, as some merchants may require verification.

5. Alternative Solutions (for Short Stays)

• Alipay/WeChat Pay: Supported by most merchants in Hong Kong, but some small vendors or transportation scenarios still require the Octopus Card.
• Visitor Day Pass: Suitable for frequent MTR rides within one day (HK$65 per ticket, available at airports or MTR stations).