Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card: What It Is & How to Get One
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The Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card is a tap-and-go travel card, designed especially for visitors.
I always recommend the Tourist Octopus Card because it makes getting around Hong Kong simple and easy. The card works on just about every form of transport including the MTR, buses, ferries, even trams, and saves you the hassle of ticket machines, cash, or figuring out local fares. No lines. No coins. Just tap and go.
Bonus: you can also use it at convenience stores, bakeries, Starbucks, and fast food spots all over Hong Kong.
After decades of regularly using every form of Hong Kong transport, I can tell you that having a single tap and go card that works almost everywhere makes a huge difference.
One of the smartest things you can do is order your Octopus card online before your trip starts. Then you just pick it up at the airport before heading into the city.
Who’s the Tourist Octopus Card For?
✅ First-time visitors who want a stress-free experience using Hong Kong transport
✅ Independent travellers who don’t want to deal with cash or language barriers
✅ Anyone staying more than a few hours, whether it’s a stopover or a week
✅ Travellers who like to get the logistics sorted before they land
↳ Get your Tourist Octopus Card Here
1. What Is the Tourist Octopus Card?
The Octopus Card is Hong Kong’s contactless payment system used by local Hong Kongers every day. The tourist version is made for visitors: you buy it once, add credit, and tap to pay across the city.
You can use it on:
- MTR (Hong Kong’s subway)
- Public buses (Double-decker & green mini-buses)
- Trams
- Star Ferry and the outlying ferries (including Macau)
- 7-Eleven, Circle K, Grocery stores like Marks & Spencer and Wellcome, Starbucks, Maxims Cakes, McDonalds, KFC, other chain restaurants, local bakeries and cafes.
- Pharmacies (the local Hong Kong pharmacies are called Mannings & Watsons)
📍 Heads-up: Most taxis don’t take Octopus yet. Keep some HKD cash on hand if you plan to take a cab.
2. Why I Always Recommend The Tourist Octopus Card
There are two main reasons I always recommend getting a Tourist Octopus card for your Hong Kong trip:
- It makes transport dead simple.
- It lets you buy snacks and drinks without fumbling for cash.
It Reduces Your Cognitive Load (and makes getting around super easy)
As a solo traveller myself, I know how important it is to keep things simple, especially when it comes to transport in a new city.
And here’s the thing: one of Hong Kong’s greatest strengths as a destination is how compact and well-connected it is.
You’ve got the MTR (you’ll use this the most), double-decker buses (hello, Stanley and The Peak), trams (both the public trams and the historic Peak Tram), and ferries (including the Star Ferry and outlying island ferries). All fast, cheap, and safe.
But imagine having to figure out separate fares for each of those? No thanks.
And don’t expect change on buses. If the fare’s $4.80 and all you’ve got is a $20 bill… you’re paying $20.
Last time I was in Hong Kong, I saw a guy—clearly a budget traveller—trying to catch the bus to Stanley. He didn’t have an Octopus card and only had a $20. He was asking strangers in line to break it. No one could. He had to eat the full $20 fare for a $7 ride. Brutal.
Don’t be that guy. Tap-and-go makes getting around Hong Kong low-effort and friction-free.
You Can Use It for Snacks, Drinks, and Street Food
You can also use your Tourist Octopus card like a wallet at most convenience stores and bakeries.
When I’m out and about, I grab cold drinks from 7-Eleven (they’re everywhere), jelly babies at M&S Food (I’m obsessed), fish balls at Circle K, or a sausage bun at Maxim’s. I just tap my card and move on.
Even the MTR stations have bakeries and snack shops where you can just grab something quick, tap, and go. No need to grapple with change or the language barrier. And yes, you can even use it at Starbucks when you’re craving something familiar.
It’s really that easy.
ONE TRAVELLER PUT IT LIKE THIS:
Our Klook Octopus card was a lifesaver during our Hong Kong trip. Picking it up was a breeze, letting us skip airport lines. Throughout the week, it was our go-to for everything: MTR, buses, trams, and quick payments at convenience stores and restaurants. The tap-and-go system saved us tons of time. Topping up was easy, and we appreciated being able to refund the unused balance. If you’re visiting Hong Kong, an Octopus card via Klook is an absolute must-have for a stress-free and efficient trip!
— lOUIE (more reviews)
↳ Get your Tourist Octopus Card Here
3. Where to Buy Your Hong Kong Transport Card for Tourists Online
✅ Recommended: Buy Your Tourist Octopus Online Before You Arrive
My advice is to buy your Hong Kong Tourist Octopus transport card online before you arrive. That way, you can skip the cash machines, queues, and kiosk confusion at the airport.
The cost of buying your Tourist Octopus card online is only $12.50 USD.
- You pick it up at the Airport when you land.
- It comes pre-loaded with HKD $50.
- It’s ready to use straight away.
Here’s how to order your Tourist Octopus card online
- Pre-order on Klook before your trip. It takes less than two minutes (select a date, pay via credit card).
- After you land, head to Arrival Hall Counter A13 in Terminal 1. It’s marked “OBS” (see the image above).
- Show your confirmation and passport. You’ll get your card on the spot. No need to queue.
- Then you’re good to go.
❗ Important: Check Pick-Up Counter Hours
If you’re arriving outside of OBS Counter A13’s opening hours: 08:00～21:00, don’t buy online. You’ll need to buy one from one of the locations below.
Other Places to Buy Your Tourist Octopus Card in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Tourism Board – Kowloon Visitor Centre
Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui
HK$139 (includes HK$100 value + HK$39 card cost)
Relay – Hong Kong International Airport (T1, restricted area)
HK$139 (same as above)
Travelex – Airport Meeters & Greeters Hall & Pre-Immigration Hall
Adult: HK$139 | Child: HK$100 (includes HK$61 stored value)
You also have the option of buying the general Octopus Card from any MTR station. I explain how the Tourist Octopus card and the general Octopus card are different in this post.
4. How to Use The Tourist Octopus Card
To pay for your fare or purchase, simply hold the card over the card reader. The amount is deducted from the balance.
There’s no minimum spend.
5. Adding Money to Your Tourist Octopus Card
If you buy your card online, it comes with HKD $50. Even though that’s usually enough to get you into the city and cover your first few rides or snacks, I recommend topping it up straight away when you get into your first MTR station, just so you don’t have to think about it again for a few days.
You can load in increments (HKD $50–500). Personally, I load HKD $500 (approx. USD $60) on it. That keeps me going for about a week, even when I’m zipping all over Hong Kong on the MTR, ferries, buses, trams, plus grabbing drinks and snacks along the way.
You can always get a refund at the end, so you won’t lose any money. Or just carry the balance forward to your next trip. And don’t worry, every time you tap in, your remaining balance shows up on the reader. So you’ll always get a heads-up when you’re running low.
Here’s how to add money onto your Tourist Octopus card:
- 7-Eleven or Circle K: Just say “Octopus top-up” and hand over cash.
- MTR Customer Service Counters: The glass booths near the turnstiles. Easy to find and helpful. The last time I was there, they only accepted cash. You’ll find most MTR stations have ATMs.
- Add Value Machines: Located near most MTR entrances. Some accept cash, others take cards or mobile payment.
6. Do you need to return your card at the end of your trip?
No. You keep it or dispose it. Refund your unused card balance at any MTR station Service Counter.
The card lasts for 7 years. I recommend holding onto it if you are a frequent traveller. You never know when you might be stopping in Hong Kong on a layover. Speaking of which…
7. Getting a Tourist Octopus Card Is Even Worth It for a Short Layover
In fact, I think it’s your layover secret weapon. Even if you’ve only got 6–10 hours, the Tourist Octopus is worth it because you can:
- Leave the airport without needing to change currency or get cash out
- Explore Hong Kong by MTR, ferry, tram, and bus
- Pick up lunch, cold drinks, or snacks
✅ If you grab an Airport Express ticket online before you arrive at the same time as buying a Tourist Octopus card, your entire layover can be cash free. The Airport Express ticket is a QR code that you scan directly at the Airport Express payment gate, so there’s no need to pick up physical tickets for this. There is a discount if you bundle a Airport Express Ticket and a Tourist Octopus card together.
I have written a detailed post with step-by-step instructions on how to use the Hong Kong Airport Express if you want to learn more.
8. Still not sure if the Tourist Octopus Card is right for you?
Here’s exactly what the Tourist Octopus card offers, and why it makes such a difference when you’re exploring Hong Kong solo.
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Tap-and-go access to all public transport | No fumbling with coins, no figuring out fares. Just tap and go. |
| Works on MTR, buses, trams, and ferries. | You can explore the whole city (and even the outlying islands) without needing multiple tickets. |
| Accepted at 7-Eleven, Circle K, bakeries, and more | Buy snacks, drinks, or lunch without pulling out your card or changing cash. Great for quick lunches, snacks and bottled water. |
| No minimum spend required | Tap to buy a bottle of water, a pack of gum, or even just a $2 tram ride. No awkward “card declined” moment. |
| Top up with cash or credit card | Use cash at convenience stores, or your card at MTR service counters and newer machines. |
| Pick-up at the airport | You land, grab your card at the OBS counter, and start your trip, no stress, no extra steps. |
| No deposit or account setup | It’s ready to use immediately. No admin, no sign-ups, no app required. |
| Keeps your travel budget flexible | Load only what you need. You can top up anytime, and the balance is visible every time you tap in. |
| Get a refund on the money you don’t use | If you have money left on the card at the end of your trip, you can get a cash refund from any MTR Service Counter. |
| Keep the card for next time or dispose of it | Good for 7 years. If you think you’ll be back, keep it for an easy top up next time you’re in Hong Kong. Perfect layover secret weapon. |
↳ Get your Tourist Octopus Card Here
My Honest Take
If you’re visiting Hong Kong and want to avoid the usual arrival chaos, the Tourist Octopus card is the card to get.
It’s not about saving big money. It’s about moving through the city like you’ve already been here. Tapping into a tram. Grabbing a drink without wondering if they’ll take card. Avoiding ticket machines when your brain’s still in another time zone.
For a few bucks and a one-time pick-up, it takes a dozen small hassles off your plate.
It’s the first thing I recommend to friends who want to keep their energy for exploring, not logistics.
If you want to dig deeper, here’s where to head next:
🔗 Instructions for how to use the Hong Kong Trams
A full step-by-step guide to using the public trams in Hong Kong.
🔗 Which Hong Kong double-decker bus rides are worth your time
Stanley Village, The Peak, or just a scenic joyride: here’s where the views (and the fun) are worth the fare.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can you use the Tourist Octopus card for the Airport Express?
Technically yes, but it’s not the smoothest option. The card only comes with HK$50 credit, and a one-way ride on the Airport Express costs around HK$120. You’d have to top it up right away, and while there are machines at the airport, they’re occasionally out of order or cash-only.
Here’s what I do instead: buy your Airport Express ticket online before you fly. You’ll get a QR code that you scan directly at the Airport Express payment gate. That way you’re not fumbling with top-ups or waiting in line or picking up Airport Express hardcopy tickets. Much easier after a long flight.
Can tourists get an Octopus card?
Yes, absolutely. Tourists can get an Octopus card just like locals do. In fact, there’s a version made specifically for visitors called the Tourist Octopus Card, which is designed to be even easier to use.
You don’t need a Hong Kong address, ID, or any kind of setup, just pick one up at the airport or pre-order it online and collect it when you land.
✓ No deposit
✓ Pre-loaded with HK$50
✓ Ready to use immediately
Which Octopus card is best for tourists?
The Tourist Octopus Card is usually the best option for visitors, especially first-timers or anyone on a short trip.
Here’s why it works so well:
✓ You can order it before your trip and pick it up at the airport
✓ No deposit required
✓ Comes pre-loaded with credit
✓ Works on all major forms of transport + shops and cafes
✓ You don’t need to return it or deal with account setup
If you’re only in Hong Kong for a few days (or even a short layover), the Tourist Octopus Card makes getting around Hong Kong so much easier.
What is the difference between Octopus and Tourist Octopus?
Both type of Octopus cards work the same way when it comes to paying. You tap either one on the MTR, a tram, at 7-Eleven, or wherever else it’s accepted. They’ll both get you through the gate or let you buy your drink.
But the difference is in how they’re set up, and which one makes more sense depending on your trip.
The Tourist Octopus Card is designed for visitors. You don’t pay a deposit, there’s no registration, and you can pre-order it online and pick it up at the airport when you land. It comes ready to go with HK$50 of stored value. It’s simple, quick, and there’s nothing to return or cancel at the end.
The Regular Octopus Card—sometimes called the On Loan card—is what locals use. It requires a HK$50 deposit (which you get back if you return the card), and it doesn’t come with any stored value by default. You have to buy it and then top it up right away. You can’t get this version online before your trip; it’s something you’d buy once you’re already in Hong Kong.
So: if you’re a first-time visitor, stopping over for a few days, or just want something sorted before you land, the Tourist Octopus is the way to go.
If you’re staying for a month, moving to Hong Kong, or want a refundable deposit, go for the regular card once you arrive.
But for most travellers, especially if it’s your first trip, the Tourist version is faster, easier, and one less thing to think about.
Where to buy Tourist Octopus card in Hong Kong airport?
If you pre-order online (recommended), pick it up at:
📍 OBS Counter A13
📍 Terminal 1, Arrivals Hall, Level 5 (just after you exit customs)
You’ll show your confirmation and passport, then get your card right away. No queueing at machines, no cash needed, and you can use it immediately.
Tip: Check the OBS counter hours before booking. If you’re landing late, consider other in-city options.
How much money do I need on my Octopus card?
It depends on how much you plan to use it, but here’s a practical breakdown:
HK$50 comes preloaded when you buy the Tourist Octopus on Klook. That’s usually enough to get you into the city and cover a few short rides or small snacks.
For 3–4 days of transport and convenience store stops, HK$300–500 is typical.
I usually load HK$500 at the start. That covers me for about a week when I’m out all day using the MTR, ferries, trams, buses, and picking up the occasional drink or bite to eat.
You’ll see your balance displayed every time you tap into a station or shop, so you won’t be caught off guard. And if you run low, you can top up at 7-Eleven, Circle K, MTR service counters, or Add Value Machines in most stations.
If you don’t use all the credit, no stress. You can get a cash refund at any MTR station or carry it forward for your next trip. The card stays valid for 7 years.
