What is the Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card, where to buy it and how to use it? Learn about the “magic card” that helps you “travel around” Hong Kong conveniently and easily in this post!
- Hong Kong tourist card — 7 useful Hong Kong travel card every traveler must-have
- The ULTIMATE guide to Legoland Discovery Centre Hong Kong: Review, Top things to do, Ticket Prices, Tips & MORE
- The LATEST New Zealand Travel Entry Requirements: Custom Regulations, Tourist Visa Requirements & MORE
- The LATEST Singapore Travel Entry Requirements: Custom Regulations, Tourist Visa Requirements & MORE
- The Detailed Guide to Hong Kong Peak Tram: How to Get, Ticket Price, What to Do & MORE
If this is your first time traveling to Hong Kong, you will definitely be “slightly overwhelmed” by the dense subway system, close-knit convenience stores and super fast pace of life. How to travel easily and pay quickly everywhere? The answer lies in a tiny but “powerful” card called Octopus. This is an extremely popular multi-purpose payment card in Hong Kong, helping you travel, eat, and shop conveniently.
In this article, we will “reveal” the Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card, where to buy it, how to use it for the most convenience and savings. Let’s explore!
Hong Kong tourist octopus card review: Discover the Tourist Octopus Card – Tips for Easy Travel in Hong Kong
It would be a big mistake to travel to Hong Kong without knowing about the Tourist Octopus card. This is a contactless, reusable smart card that was launched in 1997. The original purpose of the card was to help residents and tourists pay quickly when using the MTR subway. However, up to now, the Octopus card has become a popular payment method on most types of public transport such as buses, trains, ferries, and even some taxis.
Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card
Not only for transportation, the card is also accepted at supermarkets, fast food restaurants, convenience stores, vending machines, parking lots, and many other public services. The Tourist Octopus version is designed specifically for tourists, helping you pay quickly with just one touch.
Each time you pay with a Tourist Octopus card, you just need to touch the card to the orange scanner. The transaction will be done immediately, in less than a second. The screen on the scanner will then display the remaining amount on the card for you to easily track. This is an extremely convenient solution, making your journey to explore Hong Kong much smoother and easier.
What Types of Octopus Cards Are Suitable for Tourists?
Tourist Octopus – Exclusive Souvenir Card for Tourists
Are you looking for a card that can be used throughout your journey to explore Hong Kong and also be brought back as a souvenir? Tourist Octopus will definitely satisfy you. This is a physical card designed specifically for tourists, with a cute, compact design and extremely convenient to use. Tourist Octopus comes in two versions:
- Adult or child card costs HKD 39 (about VND 130,000)
- China T-Union version card, which can be used in Hong Kong, Macau and over 330 cities in China, costs HKD 42 (about VND 140,000)
Both cards require no deposit and have no initial preload value. After your trip, you are required to refund the remaining amount on the card. Note that after the refund, the card will no longer be active.
On-Loan Octopus – Flexible Solution for Short-Term Users
Are you only in Hong Kong for a few days and want to use public transport flexibly and conveniently? On-Loan Octopus will help you do that. This is a card that you borrow temporarily during your stay, and can return it after the trip ends. To use, you need to deposit HKD 50 (about VND 167,000). Depending on the subject, the card will have different initial top-up values:
- Adults: pre-load HKD 150 (about VND 500,000)
- Children (3–11 years old) and seniors (65 years old and above): pre-load HKD 50 (about VND 167,000)
After returning the card, you will receive your deposit back along with the remaining balance. On-Loan Octopus is suitable for both short-term business travelers and tourists who love convenience.
Digital Octopus – No Card Required, Everything in Your Phone
For those who want to travel light and modern, without having to carry many cards or cash, try Digital Octopus – a smart payment solution right on your phone. With just an iPhone X or later or an Apple Watch Series 3 or later, you can download the Octopus App for Tourists and create a card in minutes. Huawei users in mainland China, Macau or Singapore can also use Huawei Pay Octopus via AppGallery.
You can use Digital Octopus at more than 180,000 payment points across Hong Kong, from trains, buses to convenience stores, restaurants, shopping malls, entertainment areas… All you need is a tap of your phone on the scanner.
Checking your balance and topping up on the Octopus Mobile app is also extremely simple. You just need to use a credit card, debit card or e-wallet (such as e-CNY) to top up right on the app. When you no longer need to use it, you can request a refund of your balance and deposit, also done quickly through the app. Digital Octopus offers a fast, convenient, and technology-standard payment experience, allowing you to “travel” freely.
Where to Buy a Tourist Octopus Card?
Hong Kong Disneyland Park Tickets
Buy as Soon as You Arrive at the Airport
If you are arriving in Hong Kong by air, it is convenient to purchase a Tourist Octopus Card as soon as you land. You can easily purchase both the Tourist Octopus and the Tourist Octopus – China T-Union Card at many points of sale located within the Hong Kong International Airport. Some popular places to buy the card include:
- 7-Eleven at the Arrivals Meeters & Greeters Hall, or any other 7-Eleven branch
- Hung Fook Tong store on Level 7, Departures Check-in Hall, Terminal 1
- Relay store on Level 5, Pre-Immigration, Terminal 1 (Immigration Check-in)
- Travelex stores at various locations in the Arrivals area of Terminal 1
- Card vending machines and MTR Customer Service Centers at the airport train stations (except the counter at Platform 1)
The cards range in price from HKD 39 (about VND 130,000) to HKD 42 (about VND 140,000) depending on the version. If you want to get your card as soon as you arrive in Hong Kong, this is the quickest and easiest option.
Buy at MTR Customer Service Centers
Most MTR stations in Hong Kong have customer service centers that sell Sold Tourist Octopus and On-Loan Octopus. These centers are usually located near the station entrances and are easy to find. Some popular locations for tourists include:
- Hong Kong Station
- Admiralty Station
- Tsim Sha Tsui Station
- West Kowloon Station
- Hong Kong International Airport Station
You can also buy cards at Lo Wu Station and Lok Ma Chau Station if you are traveling from mainland China across the border. Please note that most MTR service centers only accept cash payments. Therefore, you should prepare HKD 100 to HKD 300 (equivalent to about 333,000 to 999,000 VND) to buy and top up your card.
Buy at a Convenience Store in the City
If you want to buy a card quickly without going to the station or service counter, go to convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Circle K. These two brands are present on most streets in Hong Kong. You can almost find a store within a few minutes of walking.
Here, you can only buy the Sold Tourist Octopus, while the On-Loan Octopus will not be sold at convenience stores. Convenience stores are usually open 24/7, so you can buy the card at any time of the day, which is very convenient for those with flexible travel schedules.
Pre-Book on Klook – Pick up at the Airport or Hotel
Preparing in advance for your trip will help you save time and be more proactive when you arrive. In Vietnam, you should book a Tourist Octopus card through the Klook travel platform. After successfully booking, you will receive a confirmation code in the form of a QR code. Simply use this QR code to redeem your card directly at Counter A13 in the Arrival Hall of Hong Kong Airport.
Klook currently offers a variety of Tourist Octopus card packages ranging from VND323,333 to around VND726,667, depending on the package you choose. You have options such as a pre-loaded card of 50 HKD (about VND167,000), or more convenient integrated packages such as an Airport Express ticket from the airport to downtown Hong Kong, and a 4G SIM card valid for 8 days.
Counter A13 is open from 8am to 9pm every day. If your flight arrives in Hong Kong outside of these hours, you should buy the card directly at train stations or convenience stores in the city.
How to Use a Tourist Octopus Card When Traveling to Hong Kong
Using a Tourist Octopus card when traveling to Hong Kong is very simple and convenient. You just need to
lightly tap the card on the card reader at the MTR, bus, ferry boarding gate or when paying at supported stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. Each time you tap, the system will automatically deduct the corresponding amount from the card balance. Specifically as follows:
- Find the card scanner: The card scanner is usually located at the entrance/exit gates of the MTR, bus, ferry or at the payment counter of supported stores.
- Tap the card on the machine: Hold the Tourist Octopus card near the scanner until you hear a “beep” and see the amount deducted along with the remaining balance on the display screen.
- Make sure there is enough balance: Before using, check the balance on the card. You can top up at MTR stations, convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Circle K or through the Octopus app for tourists.
Hong Kong Palace Museum Ticket
In addition, you should also note:
- Only place one card on the scanner for each transaction.
- Avoid using other cards with contactless functions such as bank cards at the same time.
- Keep the card in good condition, do not bend, scratch or get wet to avoid technical errors.
Quick Guide to Top Up Your Octopus Card
Top Up with Cash at Train Stations or Convenience Stores
Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket
For those of you who are using a physical Octopus card, the fastest way to top up is to go to the top up machines in MTR subway stations. These machines only accept HKD 50 (about 166,561 VND) and HKD 100 (about 333,122 VND) notes. Simply insert the card into the reader, insert the money and wait for the new balance to be confirmed, then press the button to retrieve the card.
Another way is to visit a convenience store like 7-Eleven or Circle K. Just tell the staff how much you want to top up, hand over the cash, and place your card on the reader. After a beep, you will see your new balance displayed. You can also top up at supermarkets like ParknShop, Wellcome, Watsons, Mannings stores, or even McDonald’s and Starbucks. The minimum top-up amount is 50 HKD (about 166,561 VND), the maximum is 3,000 HKD (about 9,993,660 VND).
Use an App to Top Up with an International Card (With Mobile Octopus)
Hong Kong Kiztopia Ticket – Park Central in Tseung Kwan O
If you are using Octopus on your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Huawei, install the Octopus for Tourists app. This app allows you to top up with international Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay cards, or e-wallets like Weixin Pay and e-CNY. Simply open the app, select top-up, enter the amount, choose a payment method and confirm. The amount will be instantly added to your digital Octopus card.
Hong Kong octopus card review: How to Return an Octopus Card and Get a Refund?
On-Loan Octopus Card – Return Card and Get Your Deposit Back
Hong Kong Big Bus Unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tours
With the On-Loan Octopus card, you return the card at the customer service counter in major MTR stations to get a refund. The amount you receive back includes the remaining balance and the initial deposit of HKD50 (approximately VND166,561).
However, if you return the card within 90 days of purchase or the card has only been used less than 5 times, you will be charged a processing fee of HKD11 (approximately VND36,644) or 1% of the balance, whichever is higher. If the card is damaged, the processing fee can be up to HKD30 (approximately VND99,937). With a balance of less than HKD 500 (about VND 1,665,610), you will receive a refund at the counter. If the balance is larger, you will need to fill out an application and receive a refund within 9 working days.
Tourist Octopus Card – Keep as a Souvenir or Refund the Balance
If you are using a retail Tourist Octopus card, you can keep the card after your trip as a souvenir or continue to use it on future visits to Hong Kong. The card has no expiry date and can be used indefinitely. However, if the card is not used for three consecutive years, the system will automatically put the card into a suspended state. At that time, you just need to bring the card to the customer service counter at the MTR station to reactivate it and you can continue using it.
In case you do not need to keep the card, you can also go to the MTR customer service counters to refund the unused balance. Since this is a card without a deposit, you will only be refunded the remaining amount on the card, and the card will be canceled after the refund. The refund policy of this card is similar to the On-loan Octopus card.
Mobile Octopus – Quick Refund
Hong Kong FunPass (HONG KONG FunPASS)
With Mobile Octopus, refunding is extremely convenient. You just need to open the Octopus App and select the “Delete and Refund” function. The balance and deposit (if any) will be transferred to your Octopus Wallet (Plus or Pro) or bank account via the FPS system.
If you lose your device, you just need to log in to your account on another device to restore the card. In case you cannot refund in the usual way, you can still fill out the online refund form for quick support.
Quick Comparison of Octopus Cards for Tourists
When traveling to Hong Kong, choosing the right Octopus card will help you save time, money and enjoy a more comfortable journey. Below is a quick comparison table of the three most popular cards for tourists, so you can easily find the option that best suits your needs.
| Criteria | Tourist Octopus | On-Loan Octopus | Digital Octopus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card Type | Physics (keep as souvenir) | Physical (return after use) | Digital (on phone) |
| Initial purchase price/payment | 39–42 HKD (130.000–140.000 VND) | 50 HKD deposit + top-up from 50 HKD | Create for free on the app |
| Target customer | Tourists who travel to Hong Kong many times, or want to collect cards as souvenirs | Short-term tourists only | Travelers who don't want to carry physical cards |
| Is there a refund? | Yes (balance), no card purchase fee refund | Yes (balance + margin) | Yes (via app) |
| Outstanding advantages | Cute design, keep as a gift | Simple, popular, convenient | Modern, fast, no physical card required |
A Few Tips for Using Octopus Like a Local
Whether you are only spending a few days or a whole week in Hong Kong, knowing how to use Octopus quickly and properly will make your trip much smoother. Let’s pocket some tips that locals often apply!
- When paying, place the card or mobile device firmly on the reader, wait until you hear a “beep” and see the remaining balance before removing it.
- If the payment is not completed, simply hold the card or device back to the reader until the transaction is completed.
- Avoid sharing your card with others, as the system does not allow swiping twice in a short period of time.
- Please note down the card number for easy refunds when needed, especially if the card is lost.
- Children aged 3 to 11 should use the Child Octopus card, while those aged 65 and over can use the Elder Octopus card for preferential prices.
With the Tourist Octopus card in hand, your journey to explore Hong Kong will become easier and more enjoyable than ever. Take the train, eat or shop, all with just one tap. If you want to fully enjoy your trip without worrying about change or train tickets, don’t miss this super convenient card!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Hong Kong you can refer to
- Shared Shuttle Bus Transfers between Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong Island & Kowloon
- iVenture Hong Kong and Macau Attractions Pass
- Hong Kong Big Bus Unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tours
- Hong Kong Disneyland Park 1-Day Ticket and Meal Coupon Combo
- Hong Kong Airport Express & 72-hour Unlimited MTR Travel Pass
- MTR Tourist Day Pass
- Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card
- [SALE] Peak Tram Fast-Track Combo
- Hong Kong TramOramic Tour
- [QR Code Direct Entry] Peak Tram Sky Pass (Peak Tram + Sky Terrace 428)
- 3G/4G Prepaid SIM Card (HK Airports Pick Up) for Hong Kong
- [Unlimited Data for 5 Days] 4G SIM Card for Hong Kong from YSIM(HK Airport Pick Up)
- [Unlimited Data] 4G Portable WiFi for Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau from Uroaming
- [Unlimited Data] 4G WiFi for Hong Kong/Macau/Mainland China from Song WiFi (HK Airport 24 Hours Pick Up)
Are you looking for more Hong Kong travel guide and top things to do in Hong Kong: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Hong Kong unique experiences — Top 10 unusual places & unique things to do in Hong Kong.
