Sachin Walls
The Octopus card is a versatile stored-value electronic card that can be used on most forms of public transport in Hong Kong, as well as for purchases in convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. It is an essential tool for getting around and saving money in the city. You can purchase a physical Octopus card at the MTR customer service kiosk at Hong Kong International Airport, or you can get a digital version through the Octopus Tourist app on your phone. The card is available with a preloaded credit of HKD 50 or HKD 150, and it can be easily reloaded through the app or at various locations throughout Hong Kong.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you buy an Octopus card at Hong Kong Airport? | Yes, you can buy a Tourist Octopus card at Hong Kong International Airport. |
| Where can you buy it at the airport? | MTR Customer Service Centre, Airport Station, MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machine (Airport Station), 7-Eleven, Hung Fook Tong, Relay, Travelex, and through the Octopus Tourist app. |
| What is the Octopus card used for? | Public transport, dining, entertainment, shopping, supermarkets, vending machines, and more. |
| What are the benefits of the Octopus card? | It saves time and money, and is a convenient way to pay. |
| Are there any alternatives to the Octopus card? | There is a daily tourist pass available, and the option of a virtual card through the Octopus Tourist app. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Where to buy an Octopus card at Hong Kong airport
The Hong Kong Octopus card is a stored-value electronic card that can be used on public transport and for purchases in convenience stores, fast-food shops, supermarkets, and vending machines. You can purchase a Tourist Octopus Card at the following stores within Hong Kong International Airport:
- 7-Eleven (Unit 5T058, Arrivals Meeters & Greeters Hall, or any 7-Eleven outlets)
- Hung Fook Tong (Shop No. 7T087, Departures Check-in Hall, Level 7, Terminal 1, HKIA)
- MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machine (Airport Station)
- MTR Customer Service Centre, Airport Station (except the Customer Service Centre located at Airport Station Platform 1)
- Relay (Arrivals Pre-Immigration, L5, Terminal 1)
- Travelex (Unit 5T035, Meeters & Greeters Hall A, Arrivals L5, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport / Unit 5T199, Meeters & Greeters Hall B, Arrivals L5, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport / Unit 5E535D, Pre-immigration Hall, Arrivals L5, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport)
You can also purchase a Tourist Octopus Card online through Klook, which offers cards with preloaded credit of HKD 50 or HKD 150. The card can be picked up at Hong Kong International Airport upon landing.
For tourists from Mainland China or Macau, it is also possible to get an Octopus Card by signing in to a Huawei Account with Mainland China or Macau as the registered region and downloading the Octopus App for Tourists from AppGallery.
PCR Testing: Airport Availability and Access
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to get an Octopus card before arriving in Hong Kong
The Octopus card is a versatile stored-value electronic card that can be used on most forms of public transport in Hong Kong, as well as for purchases in convenience stores, fast-food shops, supermarkets, vending machines, and more. It is an essential tool for making everyday life easier in Hong Kong. Here are some ways to get an Octopus card before arriving in Hong Kong:
Purchasing a Physical Octopus Card
You can purchase a physical Tourist Octopus card online before your trip and pick it up at Hong Kong International Airport upon landing. The card will come with a preloaded credit of HKD 50-150, which can be used for your initial transportation to the city and will give you a discount on the Airport Express train ticket.
Using the Octopus Tourist App
If you prefer a digital option, you can download the Octopus Tourist app on your iPhone, Android, or Huawei device before arriving in Hong Kong. The app allows you to check your balance and instantly top up using your preferred credit or debit card. Your digital card can then be added to your phone's wallet and used in the same way as a physical card with all Octopus card readers.
Purchasing Through Klook
You can also purchase a Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card through Klook, which offers cards with HKD 50 or HKD 150 preloaded. The card can be picked up at Hong Kong International Airport upon arrival, making it a convenient option.
Purchasing at MTR Customer Service Kiosk
According to a user on Reddit, you can get a physical Octopus card at the MTR customer service kiosk at the airport. This option ensures you don't have to worry about third-party involvement.
It's important to note that the Octopus card is widely used in Hong Kong, and 98% of the local population above the age of 16 use it for various purposes, from transportation to dining and even paying hospital bills. Therefore, having an Octopus card before arriving in Hong Kong will undoubtedly enhance your travel experience and make your daily transactions more convenient.
Leftover Pasta: Airport Security Clearance?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to use an Octopus card
The Octopus card is a reusable smart card that can be used for making electronic payments in Hong Kong. It was initially introduced for fare payment on the MTR but can now be used for a variety of purposes, including public transport, fast-food restaurants, supermarkets, vending machines, convenience stores, photo booths, parking meters, car parks, and many other retail businesses.
You can purchase a Tourist Octopus Card at Hong Kong International Airport at the following locations:
- 7-Eleven (Unit 5T058, Arrivals Meeters & Greeters Hall, or any 7-Eleven outlets)
- Hung Fook Tong (Shop No. 7T087, Departures Check-in Hall, Level 7, Terminal 1)
- MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machine (Airport Station)
- MTR Customer Service Centre, Airport Station (except the Customer Service Centre located at Airport Station Platform 1)
- Relay (Arrivals Pre-Immigration, L5, Terminal 1)
- Travelex (Unit 5T035, Meeters & Greeters Hall A, Arrivals L5, Terminal 1)
To use your Octopus card, simply tap your card at the card reader when entering a form of public transport, a store, or any other place that accepts Octopus cards. You will hear a beep, and the screen will show you how much was deducted and how much you have left on your card. You can check your balance and top up your card using your preferred credit or debit card through the Octopus app, which is available for iPhone, Android, and Huawei users. You can also add money at MTR service counters and Octopus Add-Value machines at MTR stations, as well as at convenience stores.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport: Getting a VAT Refund
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to reload an Octopus card
Yes, you can buy an Octopus Card at Hong Kong International Airport. The Tourist Octopus Card is available at the following stores within the airport: 7-Eleven, Hung Fook Tong, MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machine (Airport Station), and MTR Customer Service Centre, Airport Station.
Using the Octopus App
You can reload your Octopus Card through the Octopus App. First, register your Octopus Card in the app by tapping the "+" button under the "Octopus Card" tab. You can register up to 20 Octopus Cards. Please note that this function only applies to Octopus Cards with a number of at least 9 digits. Once registered, tap "Top up Octopus" in the main menu and select your preferred top-up method: Octopus Wallet, bank account, or designated bank app.
Using a Compatible NFC-Enabled Mobile Device
If you have an NFC-enabled mobile device, you can top up your Octopus Card by tapping it to your phone. This method allows you to top up directly from your bank account. However, if the process is interrupted, the transfer amount will be refunded to your account.
Topping Up with Cash
You can reload your Octopus Card with cash at various locations in Hong Kong, such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, Starbucks, and McDonald's.
Using Pay-Wave
Pay-Wave is a popular payment method in Hong Kong that utilizes NFC technology. You can use Pay-Wave with your Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX at various merchants, including 7-Eleven and St. Honore cake/bun shop.
Please note that the availability and compatibility of these methods may vary, and it is recommended to refer to the official Octopus Hong Kong website or the app for the most up-to-date information.
Explore Airport Dining: No Ticket Required
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to get a refund for an unused Octopus card balance
Yes, you can buy an Octopus card at Hong Kong International Airport. You can purchase a Tourist Octopus – China T-Union Card (Sold version) at the following stores: 7-Eleven (Unit 5T058, Arrivals Meeters & Greeters Hall, or any 7-Eleven outlets), Hung Fook Tong (Shop No. 7T087, Departures Check-in Hall, Level 7, Terminal 1), MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machine (Airport Station), and MTR Customer Service Centre, Airport Station (except the Customer Service Centre located at Airport Station Platform 1).
Now, if you want to get a refund for an unused Octopus card balance, here is what you need to do:
If you have an Octopus card on your iPhone or Apple Watch, you can request a refund directly through the Octopus App. The refund will be processed either via the Octopus Wallet or the Faster Payment System (FPS). Please note that if you have a bank co-brand Octopus card, the refund will be arranged by your bank. To be eligible for a refund, you should be the cardholder and in possession of the card at all times before the refund. There may also be a handling fee deducted from the final refund amount.
For Octopus cards on Android devices, the process is similar. You can request a refund through the Octopus App, and the refund will be provided via the Octopus Wallet or FPS. As with the iPhone version, you should be the cardholder and in possession of the card before the refund.
Additionally, if you have lost your Android device, you can suspend or wipe your Octopus card by filling out an online form.
It is important to note that these refund methods are applicable under specific conditions, such as when your Octopus card has been removed from your Octopus Wallet and cannot be retrieved, or when you have decided not to restore it on another compatible mobile device.
Traveling with Electronics: What's Allowed at Airports?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy a Tourist Octopus Card at Hong Kong International Airport.
You can buy a Tourist Octopus Card at the MTR Customer Service kiosk at the airport. You can also buy it from the MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machine at the Airport Station.
Yes, you can purchase a Tourist Octopus Card online. You can then pick it up at the airport.
The Octopus Card is a reusable smart card that stores money for making electronic payments. It can be used on most forms of public transport, as well as for purchases in convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and more.
