2024 Hong Kong Octopus Card Guide: Price, Where to Buy & FAQs
On our Hong Kong and Macau winter trip, we immediately bought our Hong Kong Octopus Card at the airport upon our arrival. We used this Octopus pass mainly to pay for public transport such as trains and buses as we explored the different Hong Kong attractions including Hong Kong Disneyland and Hong Kong Ocean Park.
If you are traveling to Hong Kong soon, be sure to secure your HK Octopus Card as well as your HK SIM card or pocket WiFi before your trip so you don’t have to worry about these travel essentials when you arrive.
Read on to learn more about this famous smart card in Hong Kong.
What’s a Hong Kong Octopus Card?
The Hong Kong Octopus Card is a multifunctional smart card, similar to Taiwan EasyCard, Singapore EZ-Link Card, Japan Suica Card, and Korea T-Money Card, which you can use to pay for public transport, dining, shopping, entertainment, and more.
Types of Hong Kong Octopus Cards
Here are different types of Octopus Cards you can use in Hong Kong depending on your preference:
1. Physical Octopus Cards
- Tourist Octopus Card
- On-Loan Octopus Card or Rental Card
2. Mobile Octopus Cards
- Octopus on iPhone or Apple Watch
- Huawei Pay Octopus (for those from Mainland China, Macau, and Singapore)
Octopus Card usage
The card can be used to pay for the following:
1. Public transportation
You may use the card to pay for your rides on Hong Kong’s public transportation including MTR, ferries, buses, coaches, and trams.
2. Shopping
This HK tourist card can also be used to shop for items at convenience stores, department stores, supermarkets, apparel shops, personal care stores, and household shops.
3. Dining
Many cafes, bakeries, and fast food chains like McDonald’s accept Octopus Cards as payment.
4. Entertainment
You may also use the card to pay for admission at theme parks, cinemas, skating rinks, racing courses, and swimming pools.
How much is an Octopus Card in Hong Kong?
The Octopus Card Hong Kong price depends on your type of card and preloaded amount. The card itself without initial stored value costs HK$39 (US$4.99). You may opt to get a card with a preloaded value of HK$50, HK$100, and HK$150.
*Check out the latest Octopus Card prices.
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Tip: If you buy your Octopus Card on Klook, you have the option to get a HK$50 preloaded tourist card with a Hong Kong Airport Pick Up or a HK$150 preloaded rental card with a 4G SIM Card valid for 8 days. |
Where to buy the Hong Kong Octopus Card?
You can buy your HK Octopus Card from the following:
Option 1: Online booking platforms
We recommend that you get your HK Octopus Card on Klook or KKday before your trip to avoid the hassle of buying it when you arrive in Hong Kong. Just present your mobile voucher and exchange it with an actual card at the Arrivals Area Counter A13 of Hong Kong International Airport.
Klook
- Card price: HK$97 (Tourist Card); HK$204 (Tourist Card + HK Airport Express) HK$218 (Rental Card + 8-Day 4G SIM Card)
- Top-up included: HK$50 (Tourist Card); HK$150 (Rental Card)
- Nice feature: HK Airport transfer and SIM Card add-ons
KKday
- Card price: HK$97 (Tourist Card); HK$218 (Rental Card + 8-Day 4G SIM Card)
- Top-up included: HK$50 (Tourist Card); HK$150 (Rental Card)
Notes:
- Pick-up location is at Hong Kong International Airport: Arrival Hall A – Counter A13.
- The claiming counter is open from 8am to 9pm, so be sure to arrive and claim your card within the operating schedule.
- The mobile voucher is only valid on your specified date.
Option 2: MTR Ticket and Octopus Selling Machines
If you failed to buy your Octopus Card ahead, you may still buy from ticket selling machines located at Airport Station and Hong Kong West Kowloon Station.
Option 3: Convenience stores
You may also buy your Octopus Card for tourist from convenience stores like 7-ELEVEN and Circle K.
*See complete list of Octopus Card outlets in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Octopus Card frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. How do I add money to my Octopus Card?
To top up or put money on your HK Octopus Card, you can go to the following:
Option 1: MTR / Light Rail ticket machines and customer service centers
You can look for ticket vending machines at MTR or Light Rail stations and top up your desired amount.
If you don’t know how to use the machine, you may proceed to the customer service centers found at the airport, MTR, bus, and ferry stations.
Option 2: Convenience stores and other establishments
You may also go to the nearest branch of partner establishments to top up your card. Some notable stores are the following:
- 7-ELEVEN
- Circle K
- Watsons
- Wellcome Supermarket
- Starbucks
- McDonald’s
*See complete list of Octopus Card reloading locations.
2. Can I buy an Octopus Card in HK airport?
Yes, you can buy an Octopus Card in HK airport. You may proceed to the MTR Ticket and Octopus Selling Machines located at the Airport Station or to any 7-ELEVEN branch.
3. Can I withdraw money from my Octopus Card?
No, you can’t withdraw money from your Octopus Card since it does not work as a debit card. You may, however, ask a refund of the remaining value at any MTR Customer Service Center.
4. Can I use my Octopus Card to pay for other people?
No, you can’t use your Octopus Card to pay for other people. One person should hold one Octopus Card.
5. When will my Octopus Card expire?
Once you request a refund, your Octopus Card will automatically expire. If your card has not been used for a while, it will also be deactivated.
6. Is my Octopus Card refundable?
Yes, your Octopus Card is refundable. You may request a refund of the remaining amount at any MTR Customer Service Center.
7. Can I still reuse my Octopus Card when I’m back in Hong Kong?
Unfortunately, you can no longer reuse your physical Octopus Card when you travel back to Hong Kong. It will automatically be deactivated after you request a refund. But you may still reactivate it by getting the Mobile Octopus.
That’s it! Hope we covered everything you want to know about the Hong Kong Octopus Card. Have fun in HK!