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.
What Is the Hong Kong Octopus Card
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.
Octopus Card Price and Value
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.
Regional or Special Use
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.
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Where You Can Use the Octopus Card
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 | Hong Kong Island Tramways | 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.
How to Use the Octopus Card
Here’s a step-by-step guide for Singaporeans on how to use the Octopus Card.
Step 1: Activate Your 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.
Step 2: Tap In for Transport
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.
Step 3: Tap Out When Required
For most MTR lines, buses, and ferries, tap your card again when exiting. This ensures the correct fare is calculated.
Step 4: Use It for Shopping and Food
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.
Step 5: Check Your Balance Regularly
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.
Step 6: Top Up When Needed
Add value at any MTR station, Airport Express counter, or convenience store. Payments can be made with cash or card.
Step 7: Refund Before Leaving (Optional)
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.
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Benefits of Using an Octopus Card
Fast and Convenient Travel
No need to queue for tickets. You can enter and exit MTR stations, buses, and ferries smoothly.
Accepted Almost Everywhere
Use it for transport, shops, fast food, and selected attractions. It is your cashless companion in Hong Kong.
Easy Spending Tracking
Check balances anytime to manage your trip budget.
Saves Time
Spend more time enjoying Victoria Peak, street food markets, Disneyland, or shopping districts instead of handling cash.
Perfect for Families
Each traveller can have a card. It makes moving around with kids faster and more convenient.
Plan Your Trip Smarter
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.
FAQs About the Hong Kong Octopus Card
Does the Octopus Card work every day in Hong Kong?
Yes. The Octopus Card works year round, including weekends and public holidays. You can use it anytime public transport services are running.Can I use the Octopus Card on the Airport Express?
Yes. The Octopus Card is accepted on the Airport Express. Trains generally operate from about 5:50 AM until 12:48 AM, making airport transfers easy at most times of the day.Is the Octopus Card deposit refundable?
Yes. When you return your Octopus Card at an MTR service counter, you will receive your remaining balance and the deposit back. A small handling fee may apply if the card is used for less than 90 days.Do I need to buy different Octopus Cards for different areas?
No. One Octopus Card works across almost all of Hong Kong, including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and airport routes.