The Octopus Card in Hong Kong - A Must Have When Visiting the City

The first thing we were highly recommended to do after arriving to Hong Kong was purchasing an Octopus Card for Hong Kong's fantastic public transit network - It is a must have for tourists visiting this city.

The Octopus Card was so convenient for us! As hotel guests at one of the hotels, we could take the hotel shuttle bus from 7a.m. - 7p.m. which took us to either the Tsuen Wan Station or the Tsuen Wan West Station. Once at the station, we could connect to wherever we wanted to go in Hong Kong. With the Octopus card loaded, the Hong Kong 1- stop public transportation card, we could use it on all of its transportation network such as the subway trains, buses, trams and ferry boats to and from the many islands in Hong Kong. With just 1 tap on the fare box and no fumbling in my purse for money and no money changes back and forth, we could get on HK's vast network of public transit system.

When our Octopus Card was running low, we simply loaded it up at any subway stations or at the closest convenient store. The minimum amount for reloading the Octopus Card is HK$50.00 per card. You can even use this card to buy things such as beverages, cakes and pastry at most of the convenient stores and in many retail stores in Hong Kong.

We have used the Octopus Card during our entire stay in Hong Kong. It was extremely convenient and it took us all over the city including its many islands! O yes, a bonus for seniors, if you are over 65, there is a Senior Octopus Card that would give you 50% off on the city's transit system. How about that! R.T. Hong Kong