Travel Round Hong Kong with an Octopus

Last week I talked about some of Hong Kong’s wider attractions, so I thought it would be useful to tell you about city transport. To navigate around the city, the most useful and convenient type of travel pass is the credit-card style Octopus card.

The ‘Octopus’ is a rechargable and contactless ‘smart card’ used on most forms of public transport (bus, minibus, ferry, peak tram, tram and train), as well as settling payments at all major convenient stores, fast food restaurants, Starbucks, supermarkets, bakeries, self-service vender machines and major photo service outlets.

The card costs $50 (HK), with a stored value of $100 (HK) for adults and $70 (HK)for children and seniors and value can be easily added at train stations and retail outlets that accept Octopus payment. Octopus fares are sometimes between 5% and 10% cheaper than ordinary fares on most trips made on the railway network, while reductions sometimes apply for transits of specific bus services.

One tip when you arrive at Hong Kong airport, is do not buy your Octopus card at one of the vending machines. If you have a foreign passport it is cheaper and easier to purchase it at the special kiosk near the exit to the express train. The staff often speak English well and will refund your unused card value when you depart.

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