Can tourists buy on-loan Octopus card?

Tourists: Opt for a Purchased Octopus Card for Enhanced Convenience

When exploring Hong Kong, using the Octopus card is essential for seamless navigation of the city’s transportation and retail systems. While tourists may purchase a visitor-specific Octopus card as a convenient pre-loaded payment solution, they should opt for a purchased card rather than an on-loan version to avoid return requirements and enjoy greater flexibility.

Benefits of a Purchased Octopus Card

• Ownership: Unlike the loaner version, a purchased Octopus card remains the property of the owner.
• No Return Hassle: Tourists don’t have to worry about returning the card upon departure, eliminating any last-minute hassles when leaving the city.
• Greater Flexibility: A purchased Octopus card can be used for the entire duration of the trip, allowing tourists to explore at their own pace without worrying about card expiration.

Obtaining a Purchased Octopus Card

Purchased Octopus cards can be obtained at designated points of sale, including:

• Customer Service Centres of the MTR
• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Circle K)
• Authorized retail outlets

When purchasing the card, tourists need to provide a refundable deposit of HK$50, which is returned upon card return. The card can be loaded with a desired amount of funds using cash, credit card, or WeChat Pay.

Convenience of the Octopus Card

The Octopus card is widely accepted in Hong Kong for:

• Transportation: Public buses, trains, ferries, and trams
• Retail: Convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and most retail establishments

Tourists can enjoy the convenience of tapping the card to make payments, eliminating the need to carry cash or multiple payment cards.

Conclusion

For tourists seeking a convenient and hassle-free payment solution in Hong Kong, a purchased Octopus card is the ideal choice. Its ownership, lack of return requirements, and greater flexibility make it the superior option compared to on-loan cards. Opting for a purchased Octopus card enhances the overall travel experience, allowing tourists to navigate the city seamlessly without any concerns.