Octopus Card, Hong Kong

The card makes a "doot" sound everytime you use it; the locals swear by it and you should too! This nifty little card called the "Octopus" is the handiest transport buddy you will have during your stay in HK. The Octopus is essentially a pre-paid fare card which you can continuously top-up at all MTR stations. At just about every transportation you can name, you just need to tap it before boarding. The only exception is the double decker trams, where you pay with the Octopus just before you alight.

So named because back when it was launched in 1997, it was used on 8 modes of transportation. The Octopus can now be used on even MORE forms of transport and can also be used at major supermarket chains and restaurants like Café de Coral and convenience stores like 7-11. It's just a much quicker, cash-less way of getting things done (if you're unfamiliar with HK coins this is an added incentive to avoid the "figuring out the change" hassle!)

Forms of transport you can "doot" your way through: buses, MTR, trams, mini-vans (both the green and red-topped ones), light rail, ferry, KCR (which has since been re-named), Airport Express, and a couple others. Note that taxis DON'T take the Octopus, though!

Fun fact: the Octopus card generates more than 10 million transactions every day in HK.

buy an octopus card before you start travelling on any public transport. you can use it on ferry's, busses and the MTR. it is reloadable saves you time and money and you even get a refund when you hand it back at the end of your travels.

When you first buy your Octopus Card at the Airport Express counter at the airport, the person in charge would normally recommend the Airport Express package which allows return ride on Airport Express Train and unlimited rides on the MTR which is about HK$300.

I suggest not to take that offer for it is too expensive. For that amount I could have multiple buses/MTR rides for 1 week.

The card can be used on all trains, buses, ferries and convenient stores. There will be a HK$50 deposit. It will be refunded if returned. However, a Refund Handling Fee of HK$7 will be charged if it is returned within three months from the date of issue. So I think it's not worth returning. Consider using it till it gives a negative value and keep it as a mementos.

Yes, please get one for your stay as a number of shops in HK accept octopus (ie convenient store like 7-11, fast food shop like MacDonalds, all public transportations, supermarkets like Welcome etc.)

No need to worry about the amount as you pay what you have to pay and the remaining balance can be refunded (including the HK$50 deposit).

It is definetely useful to buy Octopus pass, but remember when you have completed all security formalities and get in, then there is no way you can refund the balance amount of Octopus pass. Do that just before security check. It is nice if HK authority provide one counter to refund the balance amount inside the depature of airport.

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For long-staying visitors, an “Octopus” card, which also allow travel on the Airport Express and other forms of transport may be useful. Passenger with an Octopus card can enjoy free MTR connection to/from the Airport Express. Octopus card hotline: 852-2993-8880

When commuting around Hong Kong for at least 3 days,then it's a must for you to buy an Octopus card..you can buy at the airport upon arriving or to any MTR stations.With this, you can save time everytime you commute within the island.You can swipe it to MTR,bus, ferry, tram entrance at The Peak,etc..And when you're running out of card value, you can reload to any MTR stations,7/11 stores.Don't worry, the amount deposited in your card can be refunded at the airport Octopus card counter before departing HK.

If your spending any time in Hong Kong commuting on the Mass Transit Rail (MTR) get yourself an Octopus Card. (like the Oyster card of London). The Octopus Card is a rechargeble contactless card used on the MTR and other shops e.g McDonalds and KFC. There is a HKD50 deposit that is refunded when finished with. i found using the Octopus Card easy and stress free while in Hong Kong.

more info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octopus_card