Octopus for Tourists: Your Seamless Digital Gateway to Hong Kong

Skip the queues and explore the city with ease. Add a digital Octopus card to your iPhone or Apple Watch to breeze through transit and shop at thousands of outlets, with instant top-ups using your international credit card.

Mobile Payments ›Travel & Local ›

Publisher

OCTOPUS Cards Ltd.

Experience the Ease

Discover the interface used by 2M+ users.

Welcome screen of Octopus for Tourists app for Hong Kong travelers

Interface for adding a new digital Octopus card or transferring a physical card in the Octopus for Tourists app

A list of international currencies with flags for payment selection in the Octopus for Tourists app

Octopus for Tourists app screen showing easy top up options with Mastercard, UnionPay and Visa credit or debit cards

Digital Octopus card interface showing HKD balance and top up option

Top up screen of the Octopus for Tourists app showing a digital card and an Apple Pay payment button.

Screenshot of the Octopus for Tourists app displaying the remaining value balance and recent spending records.

The refund card screen in the Octopus for Tourists app showing the balance and email fields

Master Hong Kong Like a Local

The tools that make this app stand out, trusted by 2M+ users.

⚡

Skip the Queues

Avoid the 'Customer Service' lines at the airport and stations. Issue your digital Octopus card instantly and start your journey the moment you land.

💳

Seamless International Top-Ups

No local cash? No problem. Reload your balance anytime using your U.S.-issued Mastercard, Visa, or UnionPay card directly within the app.

⌚

Tap-and-Go Convenience

Breeze through turnstiles and pay at retail outlets with just a tap. Works seamlessly with Express Mode—no need to wake your device or open an app.

Loved by users worldwide

Trusted by 2M+ people who love this app.

"A total lifesaver for my business trip. I set up my digital Octopus while waiting for my flight at SFO, and the moment I landed in HK, I just tapped my Apple Watch to hop on the Airport Express. No queues, no physical cash, and topping up with my US-issued Visa was instant. It is the most seamless transit experience I have ever had."

Marcus Thompson

"This app is a must-have for anyone visiting Hong Kong. I loved not having to worry about carrying a physical card or loose change for the bus. I used it everywhere from the MTR to 7-Eleven. Being able to request a refund of my remaining balance directly through the app before flying back to NYC made the whole trip completely friction-less."

Sarah Jenkins

Review Analysis

Insights from user reviews.

Sentiment Score

20%

Negative

Summary

The mobile app receives highly mixed, but predominantly negative, feedback from users. While many praise its convenience, intuitive interface, and seamless Apple Pay integration for travel within Hong Kong's public transport system, a significant number of users report critical issues such as being charged without successful top-ups or card creation, leading to lost funds. Users also frequently cite unhelpful customer service and unfavorable currency exchange rates as major drawbacks. Despite positive claims from some users about recent improvements, these widespread problems heavily overshadow the app's potential benefits.

Common Themes

Convenience & Ease of Use(10)

Perceived Performance Improvement(7)

Apple Pay Integration(5)

Travel Usage Reliability(5)

Refund Process(4)

Fees and Exchange Rates(1)

Card Creation Process(1)

About the app

Everything you need to know about Octopus for Tourists.

Description

Octopus on iPhone or Apple Watch simplifies the way you ride transport and shop in Hong Kong. Breeze through turnstiles or pay at retail outlets just by tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch on Octopus readers. No need to open an app or wake your device. Check your balance and skip queues by topping up using your favourite credit / debit card. It is easy to get an Octopus before or after you arrive in Hong Kong. If you have an iPhone X or later, or Apple Watch Series 3 or later, simply download the Octopus App for Tourists to add a new Octopus. It is a breeze to check your balance and top up using your favourite credit card / debit card. If you already have a physical Octopus card, you can transfer it to your iPhone or Apple Watch easily. With Octopus App for Tourists, you can: - Add an Octopus Card to your iPhone or Apple Watch with just a few steps - Top up anytime, anywhere, with your favourite non-Hong Kong issued Mastercard, UnionPay or Visa credit or debit cards - Check the balance and spending records of your Octopus - Apply for a refund of the deposit and remaining value on your Octopus before departing Hong Kong For more details, please visit www.octopus.com.hk Licence Number: SVF0001

Latest Version

1.5.2

Size

52.2 MB

First Released

Jul 30, 2020

Skip the Queues. Explore Hong Kong Like a Local.

Get your digital Octopus card before you land. Top up with your favorite US credit card and breeze through transit and shops with just your iPhone or Apple Watch.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Octopus for Tourists

How does Octopus for Tourists work for payments?

Octopus for Tourists simplifies payments by allowing users to tap their iPhone or Apple Watch on Octopus readers for transport and shopping in Hong Kong, without opening the app or waking the device.

Which iPhone and Apple Watch models are compatible with Octopus for Tourists?

Yes, Octopus for Tourists is compatible with iPhone X or later models, and Apple Watch Series 3 or later models. These devices are required to add a new Octopus card.

Can I top up Octopus for Tourists with international credit or debit cards?

Yes, you can top up your Octopus for Tourists card using non-Hong Kong issued Mastercard, UnionPay, or Visa credit/debit cards. This feature allows convenient top-ups anytime, anywhere.

How do I check my balance and spending records in the Octopus for Tourists app?

Yes, users can check their balance and review spending records directly within the Octopus for Tourists app. This feature helps manage expenditures and track all transactions.

Is a deposit required for a new Octopus card in the Octopus for Tourists app?

Yes, a refundable deposit of HKD 50 is required when adding a new Adult type Octopus card through the Octopus for Tourists app.

Can I transfer my physical Octopus card to the Octopus for Tourists app?

Yes, you can transfer an existing physical Octopus card to your iPhone or Apple Watch using the Octopus for Tourists app, digitizing your card easily.

How can I get a refund for my Octopus card via the Octopus for Tourists app?

Yes, the Octopus for Tourists app allows you to apply for a refund of your deposit and remaining value before departing Hong Kong. An email address is needed for the refund request.

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