Your Ultimate Guide to the Hong Kong Octopus Card
Everything US travelers need to know about obtaining, topping up, and using your Octopus card for seamless travel in Hong Kong.
How to Get Your Octopus Card in the United States
While you can purchase an Octopus Card upon arrival in Hong Kong, there are convenient ways to get one before you even leave the US, ensuring a smooth start to your trip!
1 Digital Octopus (iPhone/Apple Watch)
For iPhone X or later and Apple Watch Series 3 or later, download the "Octopus App for Tourists" from the App Store. You can add a new Octopus directly to your Apple Wallet and top it up using your US-issued credit/debit card.
Get the App2 Purchase Physical Card Online
Websites like Klook allow you to purchase a Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card online. You'll typically receive a voucher to redeem your physical card upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport. This often comes with preloaded credit.
Buy on Klook3 Alternative: Purchase Upon Arrival
If you prefer, you can also easily purchase an On-Loan Octopus or Tourist Octopus (Sold version) at MTR Customer Service Centres, 7-Eleven, Circle K, or MTR Ticket & Octopus Selling Machines at Hong Kong International Airport.
Learn more about airport purchaseUsing & Topping Up Your Octopus Card
The Octopus card is incredibly versatile for public transport and daily purchases across Hong Kong.
Public Transport
Simply tap your Octopus card on the reader at MTR gates, on buses, ferries, and trams. The fare will be automatically deducted. Hold it steadily until you hear a "Dood" sound and see the remaining value.
- MTR (subway)
- Buses (KMB, Citybus, etc.)
- Ferries (Star Ferry, etc.)
- Trams (Ding Ding)
Retail & Services
The Octopus card is widely accepted for cashless payments at thousands of retail outlets across Hong Kong, making daily transactions incredibly convenient.
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Circle K)
- Supermarkets
- Fast food restaurants (McDonald's, Cafe de Coral)
- Vending machines
- Some parking meters
How to Top Up Your Card
Keeping your Octopus card loaded is easy. You can top up using cash or, for digital cards, directly through the app with your credit/debit card.
- **Cash Top-Up:** At any MTR station (customer service centers or add-value machines), 7-Eleven, Circle K, supermarkets, and many other retail outlets.
- **Octopus App for Tourists:** If you have a digital Octopus on your iPhone/Apple Watch, you can top up anytime, anywhere using your linked non-Hong Kong issued Mastercard, UnionPay, or Visa credit/debit cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you're using the "Octopus App for Tourists" with a digital Octopus on your iPhone or Apple Watch, you can top up using non-Hong Kong issued Mastercard, UnionPay, or Visa credit/debit cards.
Physical Octopus cards have a validity of 7 years. If you don't use it for an extended period, it might become inactive but can usually be reactivated at an MTR Customer Service Centre. Digital cards generally remain active as long as your device is in use.
Yes, you can typically get a refund for the deposit (if applicable) and any remaining value at any MTR station (except Airport Express Counter). For digital Octopus cards, you can apply for a refund directly through the Octopus App for Tourists before departing Hong Kong.
If the value on your Octopus card is zero or negative, it cannot be used until it is reloaded. You'll need to top it up at one of the designated locations or via the app (for digital cards) to continue using it.
Octopus Card at a Glance: Costs & Benefits
Discover the financial advantages and convenience benefits of using an Octopus card for your Hong Kong journey.