What’s an Octopus Card?
An Octopus card is like a convenient prepaid debit card. You load money onto it and then simply tap it against terminals (microchip) to pay. This form of payment is accepted for travel on the MTR or buses, purchases at 7-11 or vending machines, and at a few other locations. When buying an Octopus card, you typically have to put down a 50HKD deposit. The system will also allow you go negative once (adding money will allow you to go negative again) up to -35HKD. Before you leave HK and go through the security gate of the airport, you can redeem the remaining funds on your Octopus card net of a 7HKD handling fee (fee waived if your card is held for at least three months).
