The Octopus Card
If you're going to be spending any time in Hong Kong, the Octopus Card is something that will almost certainly become a part of your everyday life. It is a credit card sized rechargeable payment card used for a variety of things but is primarily used for public transport. It does not have to be inserted into a card reader like an ATM card, in fact you don't even have to take it out of your wallet. It is simply waved over a sensor and the correct amount is either deducted or added to your balance immediately. First time visitors to Hong Kong are often confused and amused to see people waving their wallets or handbags etc over the card readers as they board buses etc but it soon becomes obvious how convenient the system is.
Since its introduction in 1997, it has grown to become a versatile system. Its uses include buses, trains (in fact almost the entire public transport network of Hong Kong), convenience stores such as 7-11, parking meters, fast food restaurants and is now being used for access control to office buildings, residential complexes, even tracking the attendance of school children.
In fact, it has been so successful other locations around the world are adopting the system.
Advertisement: Coming to Hong Kong? Take a look at our hotel rates: Hong Kong Hotels
For many people, it has almost completely taken away the need to carry loose change. Even short term visitors comment on the usefulness of the card (the cards are very easy to obtain and set up) so as an expat in Hong Kong, the card is indispensable.
The English name of the card is an adaptation of the Chinese name. The number 8 has significance in the Chinese language in that it can mean 'many' and is also considered to be lucky. Either the English and Chinese names for the card can be interpreted as 'many' or 'infinite possible uses' (hence the symbol for infinity in the cards logo).
Octopus cards can be purchased at any rail station and no identification is required. This means that if you lose your card, you have no way of recovering any credit you had left on your card. However, as some people prefer anonymity, no personal information is stored about you with this type of card. A maximum credit balance of 1000 Hong Kong Dollars is possible. You may also go slightly into debit as an emergency 'get home' feature. A 50 HKD deposit is required.
Personalised Octopus card are also available with the cardholders name and picture (the picture is optional) and this card has extra functionality (such as building access features).
Other options include watches and cell phone covers with the Octopus chip embedded.
Need advice? Got a question? Go to our Hong Kong Forum