🔥Save More with Up to 5% OFF
Use our promo code to enjoy up to 5% OFF (up to S$3) on your attraction tickets, tours and eSIMs! Only for new users!



Visiting Hong Kong is exciting, but the fast-paced city can be confusing for first-time travellers. The Octopus Card is a smart prepaid card that makes your trip smoother.
You can use it on almost all public transport, some taxis, convenience stores, fast food outlets, and even attractions. With the Octopus Card, you spend less time buying tickets and more time exploring.

The Octopus Card is a contactless prepaid card mainly for transport but accepted widely in shops and attractions. Tap in and out of trains, buses, or ferries, and the fare is automatically deducted.
You can also use it for small daily purchases like snacks, coffee, or souvenirs. Many travellers say it is the easiest way to move around Hong Kong without worrying about coins or notes.

The Octopus Card is flexible and easy to use for different types of travellers.
Type | Price / Deposit |
Adult Octopus Card Deposit | $SGD 8.30 |
Minimum Initial Top Up | $SGD 24.90 |
Refundable Deposit | Yes (at MTR service counters) |
You can top up your Octopus Card at MTR stations, Airport Express counters, or convenience stores like 7 Eleven and Circle K. It can also be used for small purchases in shops, cafes, fast food outlets, and some attractions.
While the standard Octopus Card works across almost all of Hong Kong, there are also special versions like the Tourist Octopus Card, which may include extra discounts on attractions, ferries, and shopping. This makes it convenient for first-time visitors to explore Hong Kong without worrying about cash.

Transport / Service | Examples | Benefits |
MTR Trains | All lines including Airport Express | Fast entry and exit, no ticket queues |
Buses | KMB, Citybus, New World First Bus | Cover long distances easily, convenient for sightseeing |
Mini Buses | Green and Red route minibuses | Flexible routes to local neighbourhoods |
Trams | Affordable travel with scenic views | |
Ferries | Star Ferry | Quick and convenient across Victoria Harbour |
Taxis | Selected taxi companies | Cash-free small rides |
Shops | 7 Eleven, Circle K, supermarkets | Easy purchases, no cash needed |
Food & Beverages | McDonald’s, Café de Coral | Pay quickly without queuing |
Attractions | Museums, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park | Convenient entry and payment |
Using the Octopus Card across transport and shops saves time and allows you to focus on sightseeing and food adventures.
Use our promo code to enjoy up to 5% OFF (up to S$3) on your attraction tickets, tours and eSIMs! Only for new users!

Here’s a step-by-step guide for Singaporeans on how to use the Octopus Card.
When you buy your Octopus Card at the airport or MTR station, it is ready to use immediately after topping up. No registration is needed.
Place your Octopus Card on the reader at the entrance of MTR gates, buses, ferries, or trams. The reader will beep and the fare will be automatically deducted.
For most MTR lines, buses, and ferries, tap your card again when exiting. This ensures the correct fare is calculated.
At convenience stores, cafes, fast food outlets, and some attractions, simply tap your card on the payment reader. Wait for the confirmation beep or green light. No cash is needed.
You can check your remaining balance at MTR machines, customer service counters, or even at convenience stores. Top up when your balance is low to avoid inconvenience.
Add value at any MTR station, Airport Express counter, or convenience store. Payments can be made with cash or card.
If you plan to return your Octopus Card, visit an MTR service counter to get your remaining balance and deposit back. A small handling fee may apply if the card was used for less than 90 days.
Affordable Flights to Hong Kong

If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong and wondering whether your Octopus Card from a previous visit still works, here’s what you should know.
The good news is that most standard Octopus Card cards do not have a fixed expiry date, but there is an important rule around inactivity.
Your stored value remains valid for up to 3 years from your last transaction or top-up. This means if you haven’t used your card for more than three years, the card may become inactive.
If your card hasn’t been used for over three years:
In many cases, you can visit an MTR Corporation customer service centre to check whether your card can be reactivated.
Before your next trip to Hong Kong, you can:
If your card no longer works, purchasing a new one may be the easiest option.
Premier Hotels in Hong Kong
Discover the world with Trip.com! Book the perfect hotel anywhere in the world and get an unbeatable 10% discount if you're a first-time user! Download our app now and start planning your next trip with ease.

No need to queue for tickets. You can enter and exit MTR stations, buses, and ferries smoothly.
Use it for transport, shops, fast food, and selected attractions. It is your cashless companion in Hong Kong.
Check balances anytime to manage your trip budget.
Spend more time enjoying Victoria Peak, street food markets, Disneyland, or shopping districts instead of handling cash.
Each traveller can have a card. It makes moving around with kids faster and more convenient.

Keep your card separate from other contactless cards to avoid double scanning. Top up before rush hours and check your balance before airport trips. Using the Octopus Card for small purchases like snacks or coffee saves time and avoids carrying loose change.
Booking flights, hotels, and attractions in advance pairs perfectly with the convenience of the Octopus Card. Stay close to an MTR station to get the most from your card, and you can explore the city efficiently, leaving more time for food, shopping, and sightseeing.
Read More
Discover Amazing Things to Do in Hong Kong
As a special treat, Trip.com is offering a 3% discount on your first train ticket booking. Simply claim your coupon and enjoy a seamless travel experience.
Popular Content
Popular Flights
Popular Hotels
Popular Things to Do
Featured guides
Trip.com links