Jazmin Li
The Octopus card is a popular payment method in Hong Kong, used by 98% of the local population for everything from public transport to convenience stores and even hospital bills. For tourists, the Octopus card can be purchased at the Hong Kong International Airport at the MTR Customer Service Centre, MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machine, or at the 7-Eleven store. The Tourist Octopus card can be bought online and picked up at the airport, or purchased at the airport with a non-refundable deposit. It is recommended to have cash to buy and top up the Octopus card, as credit cards are usually not accepted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to buy Octopus card at the airport | MTR Customer Service Centre, MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machine, 7-Eleven, Relay, Hung Fook Tong, Airport Express counter |
| How to pay | Cash, credit card (for Tourist Octopus Card only) |
| Refundable | Yes, if you get a refundable Octopus card at the Airport Express counter for 200 HKD |
| Non-refundable deposit | 40 HKD |
| Online purchase | Yes, for 97 HKD with 50 HKD pre-loaded. Pick up at the airport |
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What You'll Learn
Buying a Tourist Octopus Card at 7-Eleven
If you're a tourist in Hong Kong and are looking to buy an Octopus Card, you can purchase a Sold Tourist Octopus Card from any 7-Eleven store. The Sold Tourist Octopus Card is also available at Circle K stores, the small supermarket chain VnGo, and China Travel Service (CTS) offices. You can also buy it online from Ctrip.
The Sold Tourist Octopus Card costs HK$39 and, unlike the normal On-Loan Octopus Card, is not refundable. However, you get to keep the card as a souvenir. You can reload your Sold Tourist Octopus Card with cash at any of the 900 7-Eleven stores across Hong Kong and Macau, as well as at thousands of other locations, including transportation providers and retailers.
The Sold Tourist Octopus Card offers the same benefits as the regular Octopus Card, allowing you to travel on the MTR, buses, ferries, and trams. You can also use it to pay for food, drinks, and minor purchases at shops and restaurants.
If you prefer to get the regular On-Loan Octopus Card, you can purchase it at the MTR or Airport Express Service counters in the arrival hall after you come out of luggage reclaim. The MTR/Airport Express Service desk at the airport opens around 5:30 am.
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MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machine
The MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machine is a convenient way to purchase an Octopus card, a popular payment system in Hong Kong. Octopus cards were initially introduced in 1997 as a payment method for the MTR, but due to their widespread adoption, they are now used across various modes of public transportation and retail outlets.
The MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machine is located at the Hong Kong International Airport's Airport Station and Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. This machine offers a quick and easy way for travellers to obtain an Octopus card upon their arrival. The card can be purchased using cash, and it provides a seamless way to navigate Hong Kong's extensive transportation network.
Octopus cards are not limited to transportation and can be used at vending machines, photo booths, shops, department stores, supermarkets, fast-food outlets, bookstores, cinemas, public swimming pools, and even schools. With over 23 million Octopus cards in circulation, it is an essential part of daily life in Hong Kong. The card's versatility eliminates the need for coins or single journey tickets, making it a preferred choice for locals and tourists alike.
When using the MTR with an Octopus card, passengers must remember to swipe or tap their card at both the entrance and exit barriers. This ensures accurate fare deduction based on the distance travelled. Additionally, for those travelling in First Class, it is important to validate their Octopus card using the First Class Processor to avoid a surcharge.
The MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machine at the airport provides a convenient option for travellers to obtain an Octopus card and seamlessly navigate Hong Kong's transportation system. With its wide range of uses, the Octopus card is an indispensable tool for anyone exploring or living in this vibrant city.
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MTR Customer Service Centre
Octopus Cards are incredibly versatile and can be used to pay for multiple modes of transport, including the MTR, Light Rail, buses, and ferries. They are widely accepted by vending machines and photo booths in transport premises. With an Octopus Card, you won't have to worry about scrambling for coins in your pocket or purse again.
If you are travelling First Class, remember to validate your Octopus Card at a First Class Processor before boarding. First Class Processors are located on the platform of the East Rail Line or beside the gangway door of the First Class compartment. Passengers travelling in First Class without valid tickets or validation are liable for a surcharge.
The MTR Customer Service Centres also handle general enquiries, ticketing matters, and souvenir sales. They collect excess fares and provide change for passengers purchasing tickets from vending machines. For advice or assistance with ticketing matters, such as purchasing a ticket or adding value to your Octopus Card, you can seek help from the centre at your relevant station.
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Using the Octopus App
The Octopus App provides diversified offline and online Octopus payment services to meet different payment needs. The app is available for download on the App Store and the Huawei AppGallery for users from Mainland China or Macau.
If you are an Octopus Mobile SIM user, there is no need to register your Octopus Mobile SIM to use the Octopus App enquiry function. To check the status of your Octopus card, press "Enquiry" and place the Octopus at the NFC area of your mobile device until the remaining value is shown. If your mobile device does not support the NFC tap card function, connect the Octopus Mobile Reader. Press "Enquiry" and place the Octopus by the upper back of your mobile device or on the Octopus Mobile Reader until the remaining value is shown.
If your Octopus card has not been used for some time and has become inactive, you can reactivate it using the Octopus App. Place your Octopus at the NFC area of your mobile device or connect the Octopus Mobile Reader. Tap "Details" to check the status and/or choose to reactivate your Octopus. After checking the status, tap "Activate" to reactivate your inactive Octopus.
The Cross Border Octopus is not supported by the Octopus App. For the latest transaction information, please use the other enquiry channels listed on the Octopus website. For security reasons, the Octopus App only supports Octopus cards registered on your mobile device.
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Refundable Octopus at the Airport Express Counter
If you are looking to purchase a Refundable Octopus card at the Airport Express Counter, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to understand that the Airport Express Counter at Hong Kong International Airport offers two types of Octopus cards: the Tourist Octopus card and the regular Octopus card.
The Tourist Octopus card is designed specifically for visitors and can be purchased at the MTR Customer Service Centre located in the airport. This card comes with a non-refundable deposit, typically around HK$40, and includes features such as a one-way or two-way Airport Express ticket, a 3-day MTR pass, and a small amount of spending money. It is important to note that this card cannot be purchased using a credit card, and you will need to use cash or the EPS service.
On the other hand, the regular Octopus card can be purchased at the Airport Express Counter with a refundable deposit of HK$50. This option provides more flexibility as it can be used for transportation, dining, and everyday purchases. Additionally, you can easily add value to your card at various retail outlets, including 7-Eleven, Starbucks, and McDonald's.
When purchasing a Refundable Octopus card at the Airport Express Counter, it is recommended to have cash on hand, as credit cards are typically not accepted for the initial purchase. However, once you have the card, you can link it to your credit card or bank account to make future top-ups more convenient.
It is worth noting that there are MTR Service Counters located throughout the airport where you can also obtain a Refundable Octopus card. These counters can be found in the "buffer halls" after baggage reclaim, in the arrival halls, and on the Airport Express platforms. Additionally, you can use these counters to receive an immediate refund on your Octopus card deposit if the balance is less than HK$500 and the card is not damaged.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy an Octopus Card at the MTR Customer Service Centre at Hong Kong International Airport.
Yes, but this version comes with a non-refundable $40 deposit.
No, you can only buy an Octopus Card with HK$ cash.
Yes, you can purchase a Tourist Octopus online for HK$97.00, which comes with HK$50.00 pre-loaded. You can then pick up your card at the airport.
Yes, you can get a refund on your Octopus Card by returning it before you leave Hong Kong.
