Octopus Card Hong Kong

The Octopus card is the single most useful thing you can pick up in Hong Kong. It is a contactless stored-value card that pays for the MTR, buses, trams, the Star Ferry, most taxis, and a huge share of shops, convenience stores and vending machines. One tap and you are through the gate. If you do one thing before you arrive, sort out your Octopus.

This page pulls together every Octopus guide we have written, so whatever you need — buying, topping up, going digital, or working out which card suits you — there is a step-by-step answer below.

What it is and whether you need one

Start with the basics: what the Octopus card actually is and whether you really need one for a short trip. Short answer: yes, almost everyone does, because paying cash for single MTR tickets is slower and usually more expensive.

Where to buy one and what it costs

You can buy an Octopus card at Hong Kong airport the moment you land, or pick one up around the city at any MTR station. We break down how much an Octopus card costs, including the refundable deposit and the stored value you start with.

Put it on your phone instead

You do not need a physical card at all. Add a digital Octopus to Apple Wallet on iPhone or set it up on Android, then top up straight from your phone. It is the easiest option if your handset supports it.

What you can pay for

The card goes far beyond the metro. See how to use your Octopus across the whole city, whether you can pay for taxis with Octopus, and whether your Hong Kong Octopus works in Macau.

Tourist, senior and discount cards

There is more than one version. Compare the tourist Octopus card, read the guide for senior tourists, check whether tourists can buy the Elder card, and learn how to find a discount Octopus card to save on transport.

Browse all of our Octopus card guides below.