Hong Kong and Macau - How much to load on Octopus card

According to a TripAdvisor article, it's cheaper to buy at kiosks near Airport Express than to buy at a vending machine?

So I plan to load at least the round-trip fare for Airport Express, which should be about $160? The Octopus card should be $150 which includes $100 of credit.

I know that they will refund the $50 deposit but do they refund the unused credit?

Or will the Octopus Card store that credit for years or is it best not to have credit remaining and to get your deposit back if you may not be back in HK for years?

http://www.octopus.com.hk/customer-service/getting-a-refund/en/index.html

Yes, they refund the unused credit. They charge a service fee if you return the card within 3 months of getting one.

There is no difference in price. It's all the same on the MTR system. What you might have read is a reduced Airport Express fee if you buy 2 cards at the same time. I'm not sure if that's still offered.

According to a TripAdvisor article, it's cheaper to buy at kiosks near Airport Express than to buy at a vending machine?

So I plan to load at least the round-trip fare for Airport Express, which should be about $160? The Octopus card should be $150 which includes $100 of credit.

I know that they will refund the $50 deposit but do they refund the unused credit?

Or will the Octopus Card store that credit for years or is it best not to have credit remaining and to get your deposit back if you may not be back in HK for years?

$160 is the round-trip price to Kowloon - it's $180 to Central. I'm also not sure about if the Octopus is smart enough to figure out to only charge you $80 for the return journey if a period of days elapses though I do know it can handle the same-day return as I've done that a number of times.

Depending on number of days you are staying and the number of trips by other modes of transportation the tourist card with airport express return and unlimited travel for three days might make sense.

www.mtr.com.hk

$160 is the round-trip price to Kowloon - it's $180 to Central. I'm also not sure about if the Octopus is smart enough to figure out to only charge you $80 for the return journey if a period of days elapses though I do know it can handle the same-day return as I've done that a number of times.

If you're originating from the Airport there is no discount when you use Octopus, you actually get charged the full $120/$180/$200 full fare as if you bought 2 single journey tickets. (I do this sometimes if I am in a massive hurry to squeeze in a couple of errands in HK during a short layover) The Octopus discount is only applicable from one of the city stations to AsiaWorld-Expo, although you could get off at Airport, do your thing then go spend exactly 1 hour at AsiaWorld-Expo if you really wanted to save a few bucks. You can buy same-day returns for the same price as single journey which is way cheaper than buying a roundtrip ticket.

I wasn't expecting same-day return fare for Airport Express. I see $90 from HKG to Kowloon for a single and $160 for the return. Surely they don't' expect you to return the same day?

I did consider the Airport Express tickets with the 3-day pass but that's only valid on the MTR right? So if I want to use the Star Ferry or buses, that wouldn't work?

How do you pay fares on the bus with the OC? Fares vary depending on the distance, it appears. So do you have the OC read when you board and when you exit the buses? For instance, I may take the bus from TST to Aberdeen or from Central to Aberdeen/Stanley. Or another bus between Aberdeen and Stanley.

Also, can the OC be used to pay for the ferry to Lantau, the buses on Lantau Island, the cable car on Lantau? And the MTR back from Lantau to TST?

I wasn't expecting same-day return fare for Airport Express. I see $90 from HKG to Kowloon for a single and $160 for the return. Surely they don't' expect you to return the same day?

I did consider the Airport Express tickets with the 3-day pass but that's only valid on the MTR right? So if I want to use the Star Ferry or buses, that wouldn't work?

How do you pay fares on the bus with the OC? Fares vary depending on the distance, it appears. So do you have the OC read when you board and when you exit the buses? For instance, I may take the bus from TST to Aberdeen or from Central to Aberdeen/Stanley. Or another bus between Aberdeen and Stanley.

Also, can the OC be used to pay for the ferry to Lantau, the buses on Lantau Island, the cable car on Lantau? And the MTR back from Lantau to TST?

For info on what the pass is good for:
www.mtr.com.hk

I wasn't expecting same-day return fare for Airport Express. I see $90 from HKG to Kowloon for a single and $160 for the return. Surely they don't' expect you to return the same day?

I did consider the Airport Express tickets with the 3-day pass but that's only valid on the MTR right? So if I want to use the Star Ferry or buses, that wouldn't work?

How do you pay fares on the bus with the OC? Fares vary depending on the distance, it appears. So do you have the OC read when you board and when you exit the buses? For instance, I may take the bus from TST to Aberdeen or from Central to Aberdeen/Stanley. Or another bus between Aberdeen and Stanley.

Also, can the OC be used to pay for the ferry to Lantau, the buses on Lantau Island, the cable car on Lantau? And the MTR back from Lantau to TST?

First, about the roundtrip fares on the Airport Express. Like you said, roundtrip ticket HKG-Kowloon is HK$160 (good for 30 days), so it's a little discount over two singles (HK$90 x 2 = HK$180). Some credit cards also get discount if you bought online. But it's absolutely ridiculous that they want you to use Navigator or IE only - who uses Navigator? These are not loaded onto Octopus, but actual separate physical tickets they give you.

When you asked why buy from kiosk over vending machine, it's for the group tickets and same-day return tickets, which are not sold at the vending machines.

Second, yes, 3-day pass only good for most MTR trains (and not all). Not on other transportation.

On most buses, fares are NOT based on distance, only where you board. So, you simply "beep" your Octopus when you board and that's it. I can tell you all the exceptions, and the one that a tourist may see is getting off the bus to Stanley at Repulse Bay. You "beep" your Octopus one more time when you get off, and you'll get a refund onto your Octopus. On these buses, you'll get off through the front door only, as the card reader is next to the driver.

Finally, yes, you can pay for all those trips you listed with an Octopus. Basically, you can use it on any public transportation except a few taxis (and I do mean a few actual taxis, if you're lucky enough to get into one), and most red-colored 16-seat "Public Light Bus" (some routes do have them).

I wasn't expecting same-day return fare for Airport Express. I see $90 from HKG to Kowloon for a single and $160 for the return. Surely they don't' expect you to return the same day?

I did consider the Airport Express tickets with the 3-day pass but that's only valid on the MTR right? So if I want to use the Star Ferry or buses, that wouldn't work?

How do you pay fares on the bus with the OC? Fares vary depending on the distance, it appears. So do you have the OC read when you board and when you exit the buses? For instance, I may take the bus from TST to Aberdeen or from Central to Aberdeen/Stanley. Or another bus between Aberdeen and Stanley.

Also, can the OC be used to pay for the ferry to Lantau, the buses on Lantau Island, the cable car on Lantau? And the MTR back from Lantau to TST?

I have some of the answers you are looking for but not all.

- Round trip Airport fares: There are some folks that really do fly into and out of HKG in one day, they would be flying intra Asia. The other scenario are local folks who want to see off family members who are taking a flight; they need to get home.

- In looking at the MTR Airport Express website, it doesn't seem like the Airport Express cards with the one or two airport trips is good on the Star Ferry or on the local buses (ie Citybus, Kowloon Motor or New World). However a regular Octopus card will work (btw the regular Octopus card can also be used in places like 7-11, the supermarkets (Wellcome, anyway), and I believe McD's).

- Hong Kong buses charge on a two zone system. What happens is that they charge full fare at the beginning of a route, then somewhere at the halfway or two thirds point the fare drops. Thus you flash your Octopus card just once; there's no exit reader. This is really fair for someone who's going between point A and point B where B is a mile or two from the bus' starting point - they pay the full fare going one way, and the reduced fare to get back (the bus started its journey ffrom the other end).

- You need to get answers from others on most of your other Lantau questions, however the MTR Tung Chung line stations (including Tung Chung station itself) will take the Octopus card. BTW if you have time and want to save money, there are S buses (S1 and two other S routes I think) that connect HKIA with Tung Chung station. A lot of crew and airport staff use these to get back and forth; assume it's 20 minutes between the two ends.

- Hong Kong buses charge on a two zone system. What happens is that they charge full fare at the beginning of a route, then somewhere at the halfway or two thirds point the fare drops. Thus you flash your Octopus card just once; there's no exit reader. This is really fair for someone who's going between point A and point B where B is a mile or two from the bus' starting point - they pay the full fare going one way, and the reduced fare to get back (the bus started its journey ffrom the other end).

It all depends on the route. Many are single zone, and some have 3 or more. The point where they often reduce the subsequent fare is a geographical barrier, and not necessarily due to distance. Like after crossing a bridge or tunnel.

And besides the buses to Stanley I mentioned, #15 to The Peak also gives a refund if you beep your Octopus when get off at or before Wan Chai Gap. In the New Territories, some KMB routes allow you to pay sectional fares, but only with cash and not with Octopus.

i just got back from HKG, and i usually load about $100 per reload.
sometimes $200 if i know im going to be doing some intensive traveling.

Or will the Octopus Card store that credit for years or is it best not to have credit remaining and to get your deposit back if you may not be back in HK for years?

Mine has worked for years. Just keep it. That's what I do, I keep it with my passport and the odd currency I accumulate on my trips that I don't bother to exchange back on the way out.

When you exit customs at the airport, there's a desk right at the exit (before you clear that area where all the people are) on the right that sells the octopus cards. I just put 200 - 300 on it, which covers my Airport Express round trip and usually whatever extra trips I do on bus, train, ferry. You can check your balance/reload anywhere/anytime. In that same area, there's some ATM machines also, so first you will pass that desk, go to the ATM machine, get 500 - 1000 or whatever and go back to the MTR desk and buy/reload your Octopus card.

There's a bunch of places where you can pay for stuff with your Octopus card now. There's even a web site for it. (Quokka posted a link to it in post#2). It's a separate third party payment system.

It's a great system. (both Octopus and the HKG transit system). Enjoy.

-David

I will be in Hong Kong for two nights and one day on which I intend to follow this itinerary:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13337861-post18.html

For required local transport it looks like I may need an airport express roundtrip ticket, along with an adult loan octopus card, or an adult sold tourist card. What is the best option, and what is the best process to get this going smoothly?

I will be in Hong Kong for two nights and one day on which I intend to follow this itinerary:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13337861-post18.html

For required local transport it looks like I may need an airport express roundtrip ticket, along with an adult loan octopus card, or an adult sold tourist card. What is the best option, and what is the best process to get this going smoothly?

First, I highly suggest you NOT to go to the Wishing Tree. It's a waste of your precious time in Hong Kong.

Assuming you're set in taking the Airport Express to/from airport, the cost of your two choices are not that different. If you are planning to take a lot of MTR rides, like going to the Big Buddha via Tung Chung or Disney, then get the tourist card. If you plan to trying more of the other transportation - buses, ferries, trams, etc, then get a separate Octopus.

You can get the Octopus and all kinds of Airport Express tickets at the circular counter right outside customs exit at HKG. Cash only for the regular Octopus. Credit card accepted for the airport express tickets and tourist card.

First, I highly suggest you NOT to go to the Wishing Tree. It's a waste of your precious time in Hong Kong.

Assuming you're set in taking the Airport Express to/from airport, the cost of your two choices are not that different. If you are planning to take a lot of MTR rides, like going to the Big Buddha via Tung Chung or Disney, then get the tourist card. If you plan to trying more of the other transportation - buses, ferries, trams, etc, then get a separate Octopus.

You can get the Octopus and all kinds of Airport Express tickets at the circular counter right outside customs exit at HKG. Cash only for the regular Octopus. Credit card accepted for the airport express tickets and tourist card.

Thanks, what's a good alternative to Wishing Tree. I assume that MTR will be main tranposrtation, but there will also be the Peak Tram, a ferry ride, and maybe one bus ride if I read the itinerrary correctly. I will be staying at the JJ Hotel in Wan Chai, which supposedly is short taxi ride away from Airport Express Station, or Wan Chai MTR.

Thanks, what's a good alternative to Wishing Tree. I assume that MTR will be main tranposrtation, but there will also be the Peak Tram, a ferry ride, and maybe one bus ride if I read the itinerrary correctly. I will be staying at the JJ Hotel in Wan Chai, which supposedly is short taxi ride away from Airport Express Station, or Wan Chai MTR.

There are tonnes of places to go in HK. You may notice that I post often on this forum but not in that sticky thread, as I don't agree with some of the itineraries there. Anyways, you should look at other threads as well as guidebooks, etc. And consider what interest you. Scenery? Pre-colonial villages? Temples and Monasteries? Shopping? Markets?

You shouldn't rely on MTR as your main transportation, as there are good bus network in the city which allow you to see more; and many places don't have MTR access - like the southern part of Hong Kong Island.

Thanks, what's a good alternative to Wishing Tree. I assume that MTR will be main tranposrtation, but there will also be the Peak Tram, a ferry ride, and maybe one bus ride if I read the itinerrary correctly. I will be staying at the JJ Hotel in Wan Chai, which supposedly is short taxi ride away from Airport Express Station, or Wan Chai MTR.

If one has time a ride on the upper level front windows on the tram is a great way of seeing the city and the various 'Neighbourhoods".

For a thrill and scenery bus 15 from peak to central on the front row of the upper level beats any amusement park ride.

If one has time a ride on the upper level front windows on the tram is a great way of seeing the city and the various 'Neighbourhoods".

For a thrill and scenery bus 15 from peak to central on the front row of the upper level beats any amusement park ride.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I may have to revise my itinerary. As I only have one day I would like to visit the "must-sees", but I also just like walking around to get a feel for the place and its diversity of people and architecture (or lack thereof).

But how does this octopus thing work - which one to start with? And i guess if I run out of fare I recharge it and if I have too much I get a refund (at HKG airport)?

Thanks for all the suggestions, I may have to revise my itinerary. As I only have one day I would like to visit the "must-sees", but I also just like walking around to get a feel for the place and its diversity of people and architecture (or lack thereof).

But how does this octopus thing work - which one to start with? And i guess if I run out of fare I recharge it and if I have too much I get a refund (at HKG airport)?

There are only two you should consider. A "regular" Octopus; or the Airport Express tourist card, which is an Octopus with AE rides, a MTR pass, and some value already loaded on it.

A regular Octopus is HK$150 to start, which has HK$100 on it, and a deposit. You can get all unspent money plus $43 of that deposit back. You can load it at any train station as well as convenient stores, which are all over Hong Kong. Just return your Octopus to the Airport Express service counter at HKG where you get your card in the first place, and you'll get your money back.

In fact, I suggest you return your regular Octopus BEFORE taking the train back to the airport, so you can use that HK dollars to buy your train ticket, instead of having so much HKD to spend or to exchange at the airport.

Thanks, what's a good alternative to Wishing Tree. I assume that MTR will be main tranposrtation, but there will also be the Peak Tram, a ferry ride, and maybe one bus ride if I read the itinerrary correctly. I will be staying at the JJ Hotel in Wan Chai, which supposedly is short taxi ride away from Airport Express Station, or Wan Chai MTR.
Airport Express gets you to Hong Kong station in about 22 minutes. But from there you'll have to transfer to MTR Island Line's Central station (a 5 minutes walk underground?) onto Wan Chai Station. Then another 3 to 4 blocks to JJ hotel.

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get from airport to JJ hotel is A11 Bus (http://www.nwstbus.com.hk/routes/routeinfo.aspx?intLangID=1&searchtype=1&routenumber=A11&route=A11&routetype=D&company=5&exactMatch=yes). It drops you off at Hennessy and Stewart Road, then it is only one block away to JJ hotel. On the way to the airport, catch the bus four blocks away on Gloucester Road and Stewart Road in front of Axa Center. The cost is $40 each way, no transfer and minimal walking.

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get from airport to JJ hotel is A11 Bus (http://www.nwstbus.com.hk/routes/routeinfo.aspx?intLangID=1&searchtype=1&routenumber=A11&route=A11&routetype=D&company=5&exactMatch=yes). It drops you off at Hennessy and Stewart Road, then it is only one block away to JJ hotel. On the way to the airport, catch the bus four blocks away on Gloucester Road and Stewart Road in front of Axa Center. The cost is $40 each way, no transfer and minimal walking.

Thanks, about how much time does the bus ride take? I am scheduled to arrive at 22:30 after a long trip FRA-ICN-HKG with 8h layover in ICN, so will probably not be very alert.

Thanks, about how much time does the bus ride take? I am scheduled to arrive at 22:30 after a long trip FRA-ICN-HKG with 8h layover in ICN, so will probably not be very alert.

About 45-50 minutes at that time of the day.

And if you take E11, the cost drops to HKD20 I believe. :p

E11 would go thru Tung Chung first before heading out to HK Proper. It adds about 10 to 15 minutes to the ride normally as there are locals / airport employees using the E11 at the first few stops.

Alternately, Bus S1 costs HKD1.50? or some dirt cheap change to get you to Tung Chung where you can take the regular MTR, a fraction of the cost versus Airport Express and about the same as A11 but quicker than A11 / E11 which of course does not require any transfer between Bus and MTR.

About 45-50 minutes at that time of the day.

That's ok I guess. I will be travelling with mid-size suitcase, carryon backpack, and a laptop bag - is that ok on a bus?

And in keeping with the theme of the thread - can I use an octopus card (tourist or regular)?

That's ok I guess. I will be travelling with mid-size suitcase, carryon backpack, and a laptop bag - is that ok on a bus?

And in keeping with the theme of the thread - can I use an octopus card (tourist or regular)?

There is a luggage compartment/rack inside near the front of the lower level of the A11 bus. Kind of like the airport shuttle to hotel/rental car type in North America.

Yes, you can use the octopus card to pay bus fare.

S1 cost $3.5.

Anyways, the neat thing about the bus is that it's single ride. S1/mtr means many switches to most points in HK.

Thanks the A11 worked well. Problem is - I got in after midnight and rushed to get the bus and paid with cash fare, as I did not want to line up at the ticket counter and possibly miss the last bus. Is it possible to get around just with cash and no octopus card?

Thanks the A11 worked well. Problem is - I got in after midnight and rushed to get the bus and paid with cash fare, as I did not want to line up at the ticket counter and possibly miss the last bus. Is it possible to get around just with cash and no octopus card?

Next time you visit an MTR station you can get an Octopus. It's just too much of a hassle imo to line up and buy cash tickets for every journey and fumbling with change.

Next time you visit an MTR station you can get an Octopus. It's just too much of a hassle imo to line up and buy cash tickets for every journey and fumbling with change.

Thanks the A11 worked well. Problem is - I got in after midnight and rushed to get the bus and paid with cash fare, as I did not want to line up at the ticket counter and possibly miss the last bus. Is it possible to get around just with cash and no octopus card?

Hong Kong is a very fast pace society including getting on and off public transportation.
You will cause a backlog/lineup and be accused of preventing the earth from spinning. (;D 4 HKers)

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I love that "preventing earth from spinning" :-D

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I love that "preventing earth from spinning" :-D

Dating myself, remember this slang: 阻住地球轉

And if you take E11, the cost drops to HKD20 I believe. :p

E11 would go thru Tung Chung first before heading out to HK Proper. It adds about 10 to 15 minutes to the ride normally as there are locals / airport employees using the E11 at the first few stops.

Alternately, Bus S1 costs HKD1.50? or some dirt cheap change to get you to Tung Chung where you can take the regular MTR, a fraction of the cost versus Airport Express and about the same as A11 but quicker than A11 / E11 which of course does not require any transfer between Bus and MTR.Thanks, I will try the E11 bus on my next trip.
I will arrive in the morning but the check-in at JJ Hotel is not until 2:00 pm. So no need to take the faster but more expensive A11 bus. I will safe $19 and take the slower but cheapter E11 bus. ;-)

So is the consensus that you should buy the Tourist Octopus card and top up with $200HKD if one wanted to go to the peak tram etc as well?

So is the consensus that you should buy the Tourist Octopus card and top up with $200HKD if one wanted to go to the peak tram etc as well?

I will say more like $500 if possible. Octopus can be used in a lot of places and ridiculously, McD as well. So using $500 will not be difficult.

But this makes me wonder - I know that Tourist Octopus has coupons inside. What kind of coupon? Anyone have any idea? (I am thinking if there is any benefit to pay that $50 nonrefundable card cost.)

FWIW - I have an AAVS-enrolled personalized Octopus.

So is the consensus that you should buy the Tourist Octopus card and top up with $200HKD if one wanted to go to the peak tram etc as well?

How many days will you be in HK?
Just load it up with $200...$300...$500...who cares.

If you find your balance is not enough, you can easily top it up with more. It literary takes 25 seconds. Can be done at every MTR station and every 7-11/Circle K.

If you find that you have an excess, you can always have the balance refunded back to you.

Either way....win win!

So is the consensus that you should buy the Tourist Octopus card and top up with $200HKD if one wanted to go to the peak tram etc as well?

Yes, technically you can go to HKD -34.9 on your Octopus before recharging. You can get back the remaining value from the Customer Service Center at Airport before you leaving HK, or keep it as a souvenir.

I will say more like $500 if possible. Octopus can be used in a lot of places and ridiculously, McD as well. So using $500 will not be difficult.

But this makes me wonder - I know that Tourist Octopus has coupons inside. What kind of coupon? Anyone have any idea? (I am thinking if there is any benefit to pay that $50 nonrefundable card cost.)

FWIW - I have an AAVS-enrolled personalized Octopus.

I will put HKD 200 first as I don't know how much the OP will be spending. it's also easy to recharge anyway.

The coupon provided as I recall are Nongping 360 / Ocean Park and something like that. You can also buy online to enjoy slight discount plus bonus Asiamiles

http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/fares_tickets/intro.html


The comment I made here makes no representation of my company and is of my own opinion. And thanks for garykung contributing to my bonus.

The comment I made here makes no representation of my company and is of my own opinion. And thanks for garykung contributing to my bonus.


So you work for Octopus? :p

Hell yeah - I have been using the same AAVS-enrolled personalized Octopus for century :D

I got several Octopus goodies without using. They are very "cute"...:D

As I have left comment in other threads, smart card is a good travel souvenir...

So, just to be clear - let's say you're going to HK for a week and plan in taking the MTR, bus, tram and need transpo to/from Airport, one should:

1) Buy the Airport Express Tourist 2-Way Card ($300 HKD)
2) Top-up the same card with a few hundred HKD at an MTR station to travel beyond the free first-3-days.
3) Get a refund at the airport on the way home/keep the card as memory.

Correct? Sorry for the question - but this thread has made my head spin a little.

As sad as it is to own up to, I get a small thrill out of (re-)discovering the Octopus refund machines scattered throughout the city. There's one by/in the Mid-Levels escalator, though I can't remember the other few that I've passed...

So, just to be clear - let's say you're going to HK for a week and plan in taking the MTR, bus, tram and need transpo to/from Airport, one should:

1) Buy the Airport Express Tourist 2-Way Card ($300 HKD)
2) Top-up the same card with a few hundred HKD at an MTR station to travel beyond the free first-3-days.
3) Get a refund at the airport on the way home/keep the card as memory.

Correct? Sorry for the question - but this thread has made my head spin a little.

Sounds reasonable good plan

As sad as it is to own up to, I get a small thrill out of (re-)discovering the Octopus refund machines scattered throughout the city. There's one by/in the Mid-Levels escalator, though I can't remember the other few that I've passed...

NO!!! my company is never THAT generous to provide a refund machine. I need those payment for my bonus :-p

Those machines are bonus station setup by MTR (Note: although MTR is a majority owner of Octopus, we are not MTR! :D) that you can enjoy HKD 1 - 2 discount if you take MTR at designated MTR station.

Some samples are

1. Central Escalator
2. (now defunct) Wan Chai Central Plaza
3. Kowloon Bay Enterprise Square
......


The comment I made here makes no representation of my company and is of my own opinion.

There are only two you should consider. A "regular" Octopus; or the Airport Express tourist card, which is an Octopus with AE rides, a MTR pass, and some value already loaded on it.

A regular Octopus is HK$150 to start, which has HK$100 on it, and a deposit. You can get all unspent money plus $43 of that deposit back. You can load it at any train station as well as convenient stores, which are all over Hong Kong. Just return your Octopus to the Airport Express service counter at HKG where you get your card in the first place, and you'll get your money back.

In fact, I suggest you return your regular Octopus BEFORE taking the train back to the airport, so you can use that HK dollars to buy your train ticket, instead of having so much HKD to spend or to exchange at the airport.

And when flying CX you can get discount on the cards.

Sounds reasonable good plan



NO!!! my company is never THAT generous to provide a refund machine. I need those payment for my bonus :-p

Those machines are bonus station setup by MTR (Note: although MTR is a majority owner of Octopus, we are not MTR! :D) that you can enjoy HKD 1 - 2 discount if you take MTR at designated MTR station.

Some samples are

1. Central Escalator
2. (now defunct) Wan Chai Central Plaza
3. Kowloon Bay Enterprise Square
......


The comment I made here makes no representation of my company and is of my own opinion.


You work for Octopus, hey? When can we start using it in Shenzhen on the metro (at least on the line operated by MTR)? I know a few Cafe de Coral that accept it, but other than that...

Also, why would you list a defunct refund location? Did it relocate to another part of Wan Chai?

Last question- it would be great to see individualized add-fare boxes for Octopus, as opposed to having to queue in shops (for example, at the mosh pit of the 7-11 in the arrivals hall of HKG). Pipe dream, maybe.

Having to reload in a 7-11 is a good business plan. I always end up with less than a "red coated fish" worth of actual load due to a drink and a snack.

I am the envy of my Irish friend for being able to "doot" and have a can/bottle of Guinness in may hand.

doot!

You work for Octopus, hey? When can we start using it in Shenzhen on the metro (at least on the line operated by MTR)? I know a few Cafe de Coral that accept it, but other than that...

They've had cross-border Octopus cards (one for SZ, one for rest of Guangdong) for a few months now. It isn't truly seamless though, it's like a separate HK and SZ transit card (two balances) within one physical card.

This is a little off the topic but it sounds like that I'm buying a quasi-credit card. I'm planning to be in H.K for 4 days in Feb with my wife; we were there about 13 years ago. We're planning to go to Macau for a day but otherwise just plan to take it easy. I was just planning to convert some USD into HKD and use Visa or AMEX while there. So, why do I want or need an Octopus card? Am I missing something here?

The Octopus card is similar to a personalized refillable gift card (or pre-paid credit card) with pay-wave function. It's main use is for speed and convenience for public transport, vending machines and certain shops where there is a large transaction volume and speeding up the line is greatly appreciated/a necessity. Examples are coffee shops, convenience stores and places where office workers buy lunch boxes during the lunch rush. Considering the majority of the HK population have one, not having one is considered rude as you will almost always hold up the line fiddling around with coins. Plus the HK$5 coin and HK$10 coin are quite heavy and generally a pain (literally) to carry.

However, if you will not be taking public transport, use vending machines nor eat outside of sit-down restaurants for the duration of your visit, there is no reason to get an Octopus card. If the only public transport you need is the Airport Express, then just get those tickets separately.

This is a little off the topic but it sounds like that I'm buying a quasi-credit card. I'm planning to be in H.K for 4 days in Feb with my wife; we were there about 13 years ago. We're planning to go to Macau for a day but otherwise just plan to take it easy. I was just planning to convert some USD into HKD and use Visa or AMEX while there. So, why do I want or need an Octopus card? Am I missing something here?
Octopus is not a debit card; it's a part of the HK way of life. Pretty much everyone from schoolchildren to bankers to tourists have one. It's like an Oyster card in London or a Suica card in Tokyo. If you won't be taking public transport at all during those 4 days (somewhat unlikely) you don't need Octopus, but if you do plan to use the MTR it'll save you valuable time because you won't have to buy single journey tickets all the time. The payment thing outside public transit is more of a side function; I rarely use it for that purpose other than buying the odd cup of coffee.

Life is much easier even as a tourist with an Octopus card. And it's not just for the MTR. For example, the tram (the rail-based double-decker trains, not the Peak Tram) cost $2.3 per ride - exact change required. Similar issue for buses and mini-buses. It's much simpler to be able to just tap the Octopus card than worry about change. Also, for the Peak Tram, if you have enough value on the card to pay for the fare, you can skip the inevitable line at the ticket window. For smaller purchases at 7-11 etc, you avoid getting a pocketful of change.

So, just to be clear - let's say you're going to HK for a week and plan in taking the MTR, bus, tram and need transpo to/from Airport, one should:

1) Buy the Airport Express Tourist 2-Way Card ($300 HKD)
2) Top-up the same card with a few hundred HKD at an MTR station to travel beyond the free first-3-days.


You can add value to the card at the time of purchase. That's what I usually do. The only catch is that you can use a credit card for the initial Tourist 1- or 2-way card purchase, but must use cash to add value. So, you already have to have HKD. So, after exiting Customs, hit the ATM first, then the Airport Express service counter to pick up your Tourist Octopus and add value to it.

So, you already have to have HKD. So, after exiting Customs, hit the ATM first, then the Airport Express service counter to pick up your Tourist Octopus and add value to it.
Or if you bank with Standard Chartered, before you go through HK immigration! I always forget that and end up paying fees to use the HSBC cash machine. :(

This is a little off the topic but it sounds like that I'm buying a quasi-credit card. I'm planning to be in H.K for 4 days in Feb with my wife; we were there about 13 years ago. We're planning to go to Macau for a day but otherwise just plan to take it easy. I was just planning to convert some USD into HKD and use Visa or AMEX while there. So, why do I want or need an Octopus card? Am I missing something here?

To avoid DCC/being IDed for many small, trivial transactions (HK$18 or so I have seen people ask for ID.)

Thanks to all of you for your quick reply and guidance on the benefits of carrying such a card. I especially appreciate those comments regarding the cultural effect of not having a card -- not holding up others .... I'll reexamine my plans and will probably buy a small denomination card. BTW. do restaurants take the card? Thanks again.

do restaurants take the card?

Some do, such as McDonald's. I'm not sure about coffee shops and the like. From a US perspective, when using the cash payment feature of the Octopus card, think of it as a cash replacement, rather than a credit/debit card replacement. In places where you'd use a credit card back home, you'd probably use a credit card in Hong Kong (such as at a table service restaurant). Octopus payments are for things that you'd normally use cash for, such as McDonald's, 7-11, vending machines, etc. But not every cash business takes them. Typically, it has to be a corporate or chain type of store, so you still need cash for some things.

Some do, such as McDonald's. I'm not sure about coffee shops and the like. From a US perspective, when using the cash payment feature of the Octopus card, think of it as a cash replacement, rather than a credit/debit card replacement. In places where you'd use a credit card back home, you'd probably use a credit card in Hong Kong (such as at a table service restaurant). Octopus payments are for things that you'd normally use cash for, such as McDonald's, 7-11, vending machines, etc. But not every cash business takes them. Typically, it has to be a corporate or chain type of store, so you still need cash for some things.

Steven M: Thanks for the clarification/amplification. As an aside, must one return to the place of Octopus card purchase to get what's left on the card? If I used a credit card for the original purchase, will the credit or what's left be refunded to me in cash or go back on the original credit card?

Steven M: Thanks for the clarification/amplification. As an aside, must one return to the place of Octopus card purchase to get what's left on the card? If I used a credit card for the original purchase, will the credit or what's left be refunded to me in cash or go back on the original credit card?
You can buy and refund standard Octopus cards at pretty much any MTR station at the service counter, including the Airport Station. They'll just give you the $50 in cash, plus whatever money is left on it. If you buy the "special" Octopus cards they sell at 7/11, MTR will not buy your card back and you can only get your stored value refunded, i.e. you have to absorb the cost of the card itself.

You work for Octopus, hey? When can we start using it in Shenzhen on the metro (at least on the line operated by MTR)? I know a few Cafe de Coral that accept it, but other than that...

Also, why would you list a defunct refund location? Did it relocate to another part of Wan Chai?

Last question- it would be great to see individualized add-fare boxes for Octopus, as opposed to having to queue in shops (for example, at the mosh pit of the 7-11 in the arrivals hall of HKG). Pipe dream, maybe.

I am being helpful here just to list some, but I honestly did not research for all those location before replying

And let me stress, they are Fare Saver Station not refund. please find the below link for the refund station list

http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/whatsnew/fare_saver.html

for the venue of reloading Octopus (not renting / purchasing) on Arrival at Hong Kong International Airport, you can do it at following places.

1. Airport Express Customer Service Centers (They are immediate after baggage collection, each side of the arrival hall, and on the middle of the train platform)
2. 7-11
3. Mannings (or known as Guardian outside HK)
4. Starbucks at Arrival Hall A

Just a friendly reminder you can leave your Octopus related operation on your arrival station of AEX - that you go to Customer Service Center in the Paid-Zone to settle it, unless you are taking other transportation into town that is


Steven M: Thanks for the clarification/amplification. As an aside, must one return to the place of Octopus card purchase to get what's left on the card? If I used a credit card for the original purchase, will the credit or what's left be refunded to me in cash or go back on the original credit card?
You can buy and refund standard Octopus cards at pretty much any MTR station at the service counter, including the Airport Station. They'll just give you the $50 in cash, plus whatever money is left on it. If you buy the "special" Octopus cards they sell at 7/11, MTR will not buy your card back and you can only get your stored value refunded, i.e. you have to absorb the cost of the card itself.

In addition to what Stantander mentioned, please note that there's a HKD 9 fee if you refund the Octopus within 3 months of issuance.

http://www.octopus.com.hk/customer-service/getting-a-refund/en/index.html


The comment I made here makes no representation of my company and is of my own opinion.

Some do, such as McDonald's. I'm not sure about coffee shops and the like. From a US perspective, when using the cash payment feature of the Octopus card, think of it as a cash replacement, rather than a credit/debit card replacement. In places where you'd use a credit card back home, you'd probably use a credit card in Hong Kong (such as at a table service restaurant). Octopus payments are for things that you'd normally use cash for, such as McDonald's, 7-11, vending machines, etc. But not every cash business takes them. Typically, it has to be a corporate or chain type of store, so you still need cash for some things.

Pacific Coffee Co and Starbucks definitely accept them.

Some do, such as McDonald's. I'm not sure about coffee shops and the like. From a US perspective, when using the cash payment feature of the Octopus card, think of it as a cash replacement, rather than a credit/debit card replacement. In places where you'd use a credit card back home, you'd probably use a credit card in Hong Kong (such as at a table service restaurant). Octopus payments are for things that you'd normally use cash for, such as McDonald's, 7-11, vending machines, etc. But not every cash business takes them. Typically, it has to be a corporate or chain type of store, so you still need cash for some things.

Basically, for public transportation, only Red Minibus and taxis do not accept Octopus.

For retail, the store will show a sign outside (like Visa/MasterCard) so that you will know they accept or not.

For food, most major chains accept Octopus (Rule of Thumb - you have to show up physically in front of a register to do so. If someone gives you the check, then it is no brainer to think they accept Octopus.)

You can buy and refund standard Octopus cards at pretty much any MTR station at the service counter, including the Airport Station. They'll just give you the $50 in cash, plus whatever money is left on it. If you buy the "special" Octopus cards they sell at 7/11, MTR will not buy your card back and you can only get your stored value refunded, i.e. you have to absorb the cost of the card itself.

Santander: This may seem like a silly question but do my wife and I have to get separate cards for use on the local MTR system or can I use one card and therefore, pay for her and my admission?

Santander: This may seem like a silly question but do my wife and I have to get separate cards for use on the local MTR system or can I use one card and therefore, pay for her and my admission?

You will need one card per person for travel

Santander: This may seem like a silly question but do my wife and I have to get separate cards for use on the local MTR system or can I use one card and therefore, pay for her and my admission?
Technically, you could probably "double-tap" on a bus but you cannot do that with the MTR. The system calculates your fares based on distance (i.e. stations you tap in/out) so you must tap out before you can tap in again.

You may be able to tap out (without exiting) immediately after entering the paid area and then pass the card to your wife to enter, but even if it worked it'd be fare evasion and discourteous to other passengers and probably not what you were looking to hear anyway. Trust me, once you get there you will see why Octopus is so ubiquitous in HK.

Technically, you could probably "double-tap" on a bus

Probably not. There's probably a mechanism built into the bus/tram/ferry Octopus terminals to prevent reuse of the same card within a certain period of time, if for no other reason than to prevent inadvertent or accidental double-charges in the normal use situation.

In addition to what Stantander mentioned, please note that there's a HKD 9 fee if you refund the Octopus within 3 months of issuance.

This fee is waived for the Airport Express Tourist Octopus, since it's designed up-front for use only by short-term tourists.

Probably not. There's probably a mechanism built into the bus/tram/ferry Octopus terminals to prevent reuse of the same card within a certain period of time, if for no other reason than to prevent inadvertent or accidental double-charges in the normal use situation.

The time is 2-5 minutes. I've had to do that a few times. Just get a separate Octopus Card for each person.

Santander: This may seem like a silly question but do my wife and I have to get separate cards for use on the local MTR system or can I use one card and therefore, pay for her and my admission?

Just curious about why someone would think this.

Actually I have used one system where this is possible (Seville) and I was really confused at first when the attendant told me to tap on the entry gate several times while each person went through... anywhere else in the world where multiple people can use the same card?

Also, it's not advisable to double tap on a bus in HK if you're unfamiliar with it, because it might be a route with cheaper fares for short journeys. (Though I once got a driver to refund us in coins!)

This is a little off the topic but it sounds like that I'm buying a quasi-credit card. I'm planning to be in H.K for 4 days in Feb with my wife; we were there about 13 years ago. We're planning to go to Macau for a day but otherwise just plan to take it easy. I was just planning to convert some USD into HKD and use Visa or AMEX while there. So, why do I want or need an Octopus card? Am I missing something here?

Technically, you could probably "double-tap" on a bus but you cannot do that with the MTR. The system calculates your fares based on distance (i.e. stations you tap in/out) so you must tap out before you can tap in again.

You may be able to tap out (without exiting) immediately after entering the paid area and then pass the card to your wife to enter, but even if it worked it'd be fare evasion and discourteous to other passengers and probably not what you were looking to hear anyway. Trust me, once you get there you will see why Octopus is so ubiquitous in HK.

Probably not. There's probably a mechanism built into the bus/tram/ferry Octopus terminals to prevent reuse of the same card within a certain period of time, if for no other reason than to prevent inadvertent or accidental double-charges in the normal use situation.

Just curious about why someone would think this.

Actually I have used one system where this is possible (Seville) and I was really confused at first when the attendant told me to tap on the entry gate several times while each person went through... anywhere else in the world where multiple people can use the same card?

Also, it's not advisable to double tap on a bus in HK if you're unfamiliar with it, because it might be a route with cheaper fares for short journeys. (Though I once got a driver to refund us in coins!)

On certain bus route with zone fare (6, 15 on HK side that I am familiar with) You tap to get on and when you get off you tap again to get the fare difference between a full trip and your portion refunded.

On certain bus route with zone fare (6, 15 on HK side that I am familiar with) You tap to get on and when you get off you tap again to get the fare difference between a full trip and your portion refunded.

Yes this is what I am talking about. If you double tap (waiting 2 mins in between) to pay for 2 people then it will screw up the refunding.

Thinking about it, I should have probably paid extra as I paid for one short journey instead of 2 long journeys, but somehow the driver decided to give me more money :D

Basically, for public transportation, only Red Minibus and taxis do not accept Octopus.

There are a handful of taxis that do.

For red minibuses, those that run set routes do have them. For example, between Mong Kok and Kennedy Town - all of them take Octopus.

Just curious about why someone would think this.

Actually I have used one system where this is possible (Seville) and I was really confused at first when the attendant told me to tap on the entry gate several times while each person went through... anywhere else in the world where multiple people can use the same card?
Well, in Paris one person pays and four people use the ticket! :D

There are a handful of taxis that do.

For red minibuses, those that run set routes do have them. For example, between Mong Kok and Kennedy Town - all of them take Octopus.

I meant complete implementation.

Actually I have used one system where this is possible (Seville) and I was really confused at first when the attendant told me to tap on the entry gate several times while each person went through... anywhere else in the world where multiple people can use the same card?

This can work in practice only if there is a flat fare regardless of distance traveled. The NYC fare cards probably allow for this, if you were to swipe once, go through the gate, and hand the card back through the gate to the next passenger.

This can work in practice only if there is a flat fare regardless of distance traveled. The NYC fare cards probably allow for this, if you were to swipe once, go through the gate, and hand the card back through the gate to the next passenger.

No, it just requires the card to have an extra field for "number of passengers" whcih is incremented by touching an entry reader and decremented when touching an exit reader (with deduction of maximum fares or whatever). I assume that the card and all passengers make the same journey, otherwise it gets too complicated.

Does anyone know a way to liquidate or cash-out an octopus card? Can you transfer to a HK checking account for example? thanks

You can just go to a MTR station and cash it out at the counter. They'll give you your money back, along with the deposit, minus I think $8 or $9 HKD if you are returning it within 3 months of purchase.

You can just go to a MTR station and cash it out at the counter. They'll give you your money back, along with the deposit, minus I think $8 or $9 HKD if you are returning it within 3 months of purchase.

very interesting. So you can load with a credit card, wait 3 months and then cash it out at an MTR station for free or $9 if done within three months of loading? Is there a limit to how much you can either load and/or cash out?

No, you can't load it up with a credit card directly, but you *can* link it with a credit card for automatic reloads once the balance is low. The limit is $1000 at any given time.

Try http://www.octopus.com.hk/easy-reloading/other-ways-to-reload/en/index.html

No, you can't load it up with a credit card directly, but you *can* link it with a credit card for automatic reloads once the balance is low. The limit is $1000 at any given time.

Try http://www.octopus.com.hk/easy-reloading/other-ways-to-reload/en/index.html

Thanks. Is there a limit for how much cash I can have on my octopus or how many time I can load it in a month?

Also do you know if there is a limit on how much I can cash it out?

The balance limit is $1000 at any given time. You can reload as often as you wish. *Shrug* And no, there is no limit on how much you can cash it out. When you return the Octopus card, you just give it back to them and they'll give you back the balance + $50 deposit.. nothing more, nothing less.

The balance limit is $1000 at any given time. You can reload as often as you wish. *Shrug* And no, there is no limit on how much you can cash it out. When you return the Octopus card, you just give it back to them and they'll give you back the balance + $50 deposit.. nothing more, nothing less.

So to cash it out you have to give back your card? Thereby necessitating a new one if you want to manufacture spend using the octopus. That may be an issue.

Yes. You have to return the card to get money back. I don't believe using credit cards and octopus cards is a good point generating scheme.

Yes. You have to return the card to get money back. I don't believe using credit cards and octopus cards is a good point generating scheme.

Unless you can have more than one, is that possible?

Sure, you can buy as many as you want. I have a handful for out of town guests all the time. You just have to front up the $150 HKD for each at the MTR station per card.

Sure, you can buy as many as you want. I have a handful for out of town guests all the time. You just have to front up the $150 HKD for each at the MTR station per card.

Ok so:

Step 1: Get Octopus Card with $150HKD @ MTR

Step 2: sign up for AAVS and choose $1000HKD reload using CC

Step 3: Cash out and give card back

Step 4: Rinse repeat.

Doable, but complete pain, as application and activation process isn't very easy. And there are limits to it. And there is only no fee the first time you apply for AAVS. Subsequent times will cost money.

7 million others will be doing it daily if it were easy.

A quick note - only cards issued in Hong Kong (participating banks only) can be used for AAVS.

Wirelessly posted (Xperia Z: Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; Android 4.1.2; C6603 Build/10.1.A.1.434) AppleWebKit/537.31 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/26.0.1410.58 Mobile Safari/537.31)

And a supplement note that if refund is > 500 HKD you well be receiving a cheque refund instead of cash, and frankly my company has some mechanism to work against all sort of cheating