The Octopus Card: Your Key to Hong Kong

The Octopus is Hong Kong's tap-everything card — MTR, buses, trams, ferries, 7-Eleven, cha chaan tengs, even vending machines. Get one on arrival: Tourist Octopus for HK$39 (card only, non-refundable) or add a digital one to your iPhone via the Octopus for Tourists app. It saves money over single tickets and, more importantly, saves your sanity.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How do I top up my Octopus card?

Cash at add-value machines in every MTR station, or at any 7-Eleven, Circle K, or supermarket checkout — just say 'add value' and hand over notes (HK$50 increments usually). Physical cards can go slightly negative once, so you're never stranded at a turnstile.

Is Octopus better than buying single MTR tickets?

Yes — Octopus fares are lower than single-journey ticket prices on most trips, and you skip the ticket machine queue every single ride. Over a few days the savings are modest but real; the convenience is enormous. Nobody who lives here buys single tickets.

How much does an Octopus card cost for tourists?

The Tourist Octopus (sold version) costs HK$39 with zero stored value — the HK$39 is the card price, not refundable, but any balance you load is refundable. Bundles with HK$50 preloaded run about HK$89. The standard on-loan adult card is HK$150 (HK$100 value plus a HK$50 refundable deposit).

Where can I buy an Octopus card at Hong Kong airport?

At the Airport Express customer service counters in the arrivals hall, right before the train platforms — you can pay for the card in cash or by credit card. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Circle K) throughout the city also sell and top up Octopus.

What can I pay for with Octopus besides transport?

A ridiculous amount: convenience stores, supermarkets, most fast food and cha chaan tengs, bakeries, vending machines, parking meters, even some street market stalls. There are over 180,000 acceptance points. Many small eateries that refuse credit cards happily take Octopus.

Can I just use my contactless credit card instead of Octopus?

Increasingly yes on the MTR, trams, and many buses — but coverage isn't universal (minibuses, some ferries, small shops), foreign card fees can nibble at you, and you lose Octopus-only perks. If you're here more than a day or two, the Octopus still wins.

Do I get money back when I leave Hong Kong?

On a Tourist Octopus, the remaining balance is refundable at MTR customer service centres (the HK$39 card cost isn't — keep it as a souvenir; it stays valid for future trips). On a standard on-loan card, you get the balance plus the HK$50 deposit back, minus a small fee if returned within 90 days of issue.

Can I add an Octopus card to my iPhone?

Yes — download the Octopus for Tourists app, which accepts non-Hong Kong Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay for setup and top-ups, then the card lives in Apple Wallet on iPhone or Apple Watch. Adding directly through Apple Wallet only works with Hong Kong-issued bank cards, which trips up most visitors.