How to Buy an Octopus Card in Hong Kong: Where to Get One and How to Use It

If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong, you’ll probably hear about the Octopus Card before you arrive.

It’s one of the easiest ways to pay for public transportation and small everyday purchases around the city.

On my own trips to Hong Kong, I’ve mainly used the physical Octopus Card rather than the mobile version, so this guide focuses on my experience buying and using a physical card, especially when arriving at Hong Kong International Airport.

What Is an Octopus Card and Why Is It Useful?

The Octopus Card is a contactless stored-value card that can be used for many everyday payments in Hong Kong.

You can use it for things such as:

• MTR trains
• Public buses
• Airport transportation
• Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven
• Vending machines
• Selected restaurants and shops

Instead of buying individual tickets or repeatedly taking out cash, you simply tap your Octopus Card when entering or paying.

That makes it especially convenient if you plan to use public transportation frequently during your trip.

Do You Really Need an Octopus Card in Hong Kong?

Not necessarily.

If you’re comfortable using a contactless credit or debit card wherever it is accepted, you may be able to travel around Hong Kong without relying heavily on an Octopus Card.

However, I still find Octopus very convenient.

There are many situations where tapping an Octopus Card is faster and easier than using cash or another payment method, especially when using public transportation or making small purchases.

For first-time visitors, I personally think having one is worth considering simply because of how widely it is used in Hong Kong.

Where Can You Buy an Octopus Card?

There are several places where tourists can get an Octopus Card.

1. Hong Kong International Airport

This is probably the easiest option for most travelers.

When I arrived at Hong Kong International Airport, I bought my card shortly after passing through immigration.

You can find Octopus-related sales points and MTR service facilities around the airport transportation area.

Buying the card as soon as you arrive means you can start using it immediately for your onward journey into the city.

2. MTR Customer Service Centres

Octopus Cards are also available through MTR customer service facilities.

If you don’t buy one at the airport, you can usually get one after reaching the city.

3. Convenience Stores

Selected Octopus products are also available from retailers such as 7-Eleven.

Some stores may sell special designs or different versions of the card.

The exact card types, prices and availability can change, so it’s worth checking before purchasing.

Official Octopus information confirms that Sold Octopus products may be offered at selected locations and do not carry a refundable deposit.

4. Buy Before Your Trip

Travel platforms such as Klook may also offer Octopus Cards that can be collected after arriving in Hong Kong.

This can be convenient if you prefer to organize everything before travelling.

However, always check exactly what is included because the card type, stored value and collection conditions may differ depending on the product.

Sold Octopus vs On-Loan Octopus: What’s the Difference?

This is something worth understanding because the two types work slightly differently.

On-Loan Octopus

An On-Loan Octopus includes a refundable deposit.

According to the official Octopus user guide, the standard adult On-Loan Octopus has traditionally included a HK$50 deposit plus stored value.

Because the card is technically loaned to the user, it can generally be returned under the applicable refund conditions.

Sold Octopus

A Sold Octopus is purchased outright.

There is no refundable deposit, and the physical card itself generally cannot be returned simply because you no longer need it.

Many special-edition Octopus Cards also fall into this category.

This is the type I personally like because you can simply keep the card as a souvenir after the trip.

How Do You Add Money to an Octopus Card?

Once you have your card, you can add value at various locations around Hong Kong.

Depending on the location and card type, top-up options may include:

• MTR stations
• Convenience stores
• Octopus service machines
• Other authorized locations

I recommend keeping enough balance on the card for transportation plus a little extra for convenience-store purchases.

If you’re travelling around Hong Kong all day, it’s surprisingly easy to use Octopus for many small transactions without realizing how quickly the balance goes down.

Can You Get a Refund?

This depends on the type of Octopus you bought.

An On-Loan Octopus can generally be returned and refunded subject to Octopus’ applicable terms and fees.

A Sold Octopus, however, is different. Because you purchase the card itself and there is no deposit, it generally cannot be returned for a normal card refund.

So before buying, check whether the product you’re purchasing is a Sold Octopus or On-Loan Octopus.

Can You Buy an Octopus Card at 7-Eleven?

Yes, some Octopus products are available through 7-Eleven locations.

You may also come across cards with special designs, which can be fun if you want to keep one as a souvenir.

Availability varies between stores, though, so if you’re travelling with children or need a specific card type, buying one at the airport or an MTR service point may be easier.

My Octopus Card

Adult Octopus Card

For adults, the standard fare category applies from age 12 and above.

Child Octopus Card

Child fare eligibility generally applies to children aged 3–11 years old.

If you’re travelling as a family, make sure you purchase the correct card type for each traveler.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can tourists buy an Octopus Card in Hong Kong?

Tourists can buy or obtain Octopus products from places such as Hong Kong International Airport, MTR service locations, selected convenience stores and authorized retailers.

Some travel booking platforms also sell tourist Octopus Cards for airport collection.

Can I use Octopus on the Hong Kong MTR?

Yes.

The Octopus Card is widely used across Hong Kong’s public transportation network, including the MTR and many bus services.

Can I use an Octopus Card at 7-Eleven?

Yes.

Octopus is accepted at many convenience stores and other retailers throughout Hong Kong.

Is an Octopus Card worth getting for tourists?

For most travelers who plan to use public transportation regularly, I think it is very convenient.

You can travel and make many small purchases without constantly dealing with cash or purchasing individual tickets.

What currency does Hong Kong use?

Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong dollar (HKD).

Exchange rates change constantly, so I recommend checking the current rate before your trip rather than relying on a fixed THB-to-HKD conversion.

What is Hong Kong’s main airport?

The main international airport is Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

How much money should I prepare for a Hong Kong trip?

This varies considerably depending on your travel style, accommodation, restaurants and shopping.

For everyday meals and transportation, I prefer setting a separate daily budget and keeping shopping expenses outside that amount.

If you want a more detailed estimate, you can read my guide on how much money to prepare for a Hong Kong trip.

Final Thoughts

An Octopus Card is one of those small things that can make travelling around Hong Kong much easier.

You don’t absolutely need one, particularly if you prefer using other contactless payment methods, but I personally find it convenient enough that I usually get one when visiting Hong Kong.

If it’s your first trip, buying one shortly after arriving at Hong Kong International Airport is probably the simplest option.

After that, just add value when needed and tap your way around the city.

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