Regular visitors to Hong Kong keep an Octopus card in their travel wallet because this prepaid tap-and-go smartcard is almost like a de facto currency.

It pays for public transport on the MTR metro, buses, trams, ferries and coaches, as well as some taxis. The Octopus card is also accepted at convenience stores, many cafés and fast food outlets as well as Hong Kong’s beloved cake shops.

How to get your Octopus card?

You can pick up an Octopus card at all MTR stations, including at the Airport Express station at Hong Kong Airport. If this is your first visit to Hong Kong, spend those few minutes to grab an Octopus card before you head into the city.

(Don’t worry if a train is already arriving – there’ll be another one along in 12 minutes.)The cards are available in both ‘sold’ and ‘on-loan’ versions.

That HK$100 will cover your ride on the Airport Express to Hong Kong station, although you can also choose to buy a Round Trip Ticket for HK$180 (a massive A$3 saving!) and keep your shiny new Octopus card for use once you get into the city.

Hong Kong’s MTR metro fares are insanely low: to go from the office hubs of Central or Admiralty on Hong Kong Island to the bustle of TsimShaTsui in Kowloon costs just HK$8.80. Yes, that’s A$1.24!

Topping up your Octopus card

So your HK$100 will last quite some time if you’re just hopping on and off the MTR, but if you’re planning more extensive and expensive swipes of the plastic, top up your Octopus card at any MTR station.

The automated machines take cash and credit cards, although to load your Octopus using a credit card not issued in Hong Kong you may need to talk to a real live human being in the ticket office. Either way, putting an extra HK$500 onto your Octopus should be plenty.

Octopus options for quick trips

But the Octopus card isn’t for everybody.

Short-term visitors should consider the Airport Express Travel Pass which for HK$300 gets you a return Airport Express journey plus three days of unlimited travel on the MTR, Light Rail and most MTR bus services.

Getting a refund on your Octopus card

You’ll probably have some money left on your Octopus card at the end of your trip.If you’re planning to come back to Hong Kong, just hang onto the card for your next visit.