Guest Author - Taisha Turner

The Airport Express Tourist Octopus card is a great bargain for the Hong Kong visitor. Go to the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) Customer Service Centre. Present passport and pay for the Octopus card.

The HK$220 Octopus card allows one-way express train service, three-day (72 hours) unlimited travel and HK$20 to use on other modes of public transportation. The HK$300 allows the same but instead of one one-way express train service there are two one-way express train services.

The Octopus card is convenient because the HK$20 included in the purchase price may be used on all forms of public transportation. There is no need to carry coins. The fare is calculated and deducted at the entrance and exit gates. Hold the card to the monitor and the fare is deducted.

The Octopus card is rechargeable like a telephone card. There are Add Value Machines in all Mass Transit Railway stations. Locate a machine in the MTR station. Take the card from its protective pouch. Slip the card in the slot. Recharge the card for an HK$50 or HK$100 bank note. Press the machine’s button. Take the card from the slot and replace it in the pouch. Of course, the friendly MTR Customer Service Centre staff will help recharge it.

The Airport Express Tourist Octopus Card may be kept as a Hong Kong souvenir. If the visitor wants a refund, then go to the airport MTR Customer Service Centre and return it. The refund of the HK$50 deposit will be given.

Hong Kong Local Travel

The Lonely Planet Guidebook is helpful. There many budget accommodations listed.



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