OctopusPrint
Octopus Card
Octopus Card is a rechargeable stored value card which is used to transfer electronic payments in online or offline systems in Hong Kong. It was launched in September 1997. It gained popularity from its very beginning as three million cards were issued in first three months of its launch. Currently octopus cards in circulation are more than population of Hong Kong. All this is because of its easy use.
Logo
In Cantonese octopus card is called “Baat Daaht Tùng” which is literally translated as “eight-arrived pass” it is often that number 8 is used for “many” in Chinese.
So “Baat Daaht Tùng” can be loosely translated as “reachable in all directions”.
The English name “octopus” has also same meaning. The logo used on the card is like number 8 which also resembles mathematical sign infinity “∞”, to indicate infinite possibilities.
Where to purchase
Octopus card can be purchased from MTR’s or any other public transportation company’s customer service centre.
Price
The price of octopus card varies for children, adults and senior citizens and it is
HK$ 70, HK$ 150 and HK$70 respectively. For all HK$ 50 is as refundable deposit and remaining value stored in card.
Remember to recharge when balance drops to zero or negative otherwise you can not use card. You can also recharge it from customer service centre or mainstream stores like 7-11, Circle K, Welcome and PARK n SHOP etc.
Usage
Octopus card is usable in almost all public transports like MTR, KCR, Light Rail and Buses etc.
It is also usable in stores like Welcome, 7-11,Park n Shop, Circle K and fast food outlets.
How to use
It is very easy to use just wave it over the reading machine, payments will be deducted and reading machine will also show you remaining balance.
Reference:
Octopus Holdings Limited
