Octopus is widely used in Hong Kong for purchases on public transport, and in convenience stores, fast food shops, supermarkets, cake shops, vending machines, schools and parking. Octopus is also used for office and residential premises access control.

Each Octopus has a built-in microchip containing an electronic purse and other applications that can accurately record the holders' transaction details. Users simply wave their Octopus over a reader, and the correct amount will be deducted automatically. There's no longer a need for coins.

Using Your Octopus

· Use of an Octopus is subject to the Conditions of Issue of Octopus.
· If the value of your Octopus is positive (i.e. HK$0.1 or above) but insufficient to cover the full cost of your next transaction, you may incur a negative value of up to HK$35, which will be recovered when your card is reloaded.
· If the value on your Octopus is zero or negative, your Octopus cannot be used until it is reloaded.
· The relevant transportation companies or organisations subject to the terms and conditions issue special offers for Octopus holders, such as concessionary fares for children or the elderly.
· The card will be valid for 3 years from the last add value date.

HOW TO GET YOUR OCTOPUS

There are lots of places to get an On-Loan Octopus or Sold Octopus.

Sold Octopus

Sold Octopus can be purchased at the following outlets:

· MTR Customer Service Centres at Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and Sheung Wan stations
· Airport Express Line Customer Service Centre at the Airport
· KCR East Rail Ticket Offices at Lo Wu, Sheung Shui, Mongkok and Hung Hom stations
· All outlets of 7-Eleven & Circle K Convenience Stores

You can change the language preference encoded on your Octopus for the display language on the Octopus reader at any of these outlets (except 7-11 and Circle K) and City bus Customer Service Centre at Central-Exchange Square Bus Terminus.

On-loan Octopus

On-Loan Octopus (except Personalised Octopus) are available at the following outlets:
· MTR Customer Service Centres
· Airport Express Line Customer Service Centres
· KCR East Rail Ticket Offices
· KCR Light Rail Customer Services Centres
· KCR West Rail Ticket Offices and Customer Services Centres at Tin Siu Wai and Siu Hong Stations
· KMB Customer Service Centre (Sha Tin Central Bus Terminus)
· New World First Ferry Octopus Service Centres (Piers of Cheung Chau, Mui Wo, Peng Chau, Central Piers 5 & 6)
· New World First Bus Customer Service Centre (Admiralty (East) Bus Terminus)