What the Octopus pays for
Octopus calls itself an essential purchase in Hong Kong: a smart payment tool for travelling and paying cash-free at over 180,000 acceptance points. That covers public transport, dining, entertainment and shopping.
- TransportMTR, buses, ferries, public light buses, coaches and trams.
- Everyday spendingBakeries, fast food chains, cafés, convenience stores, supermarkets and department stores.
Where to buy the Tourist Octopus
The Octopus site lists these places for the Tourist Octopus, China T-Union Card (sold version) when you arrive by air:
- 7-Eleven, Unit 5T058 in the Arrivals Meeters and Greeters Hall, or any other 7-Eleven outlet.
- Hung Fook Tong, Shop 7T087 in the Departures Check-in Hall, Level 7, Terminal 1.
- MTR Customer Service Centre at Airport Station, except the one on Platform 1.
- Kowloon Visitor Centre, Star Ferry Concourse in Tsim Sha Tsui, in town.
Sales points and card versions can change. The Octopus page for arrivals by air is the one to check before you fly.
Online before the platform
The card gets you through the gate, your phone gets you to the right exit. Maps, a translation app and messages to your hotel need data from the arrivals hall on. An eSIM installed at home is ready when you land. See also our Hong Kong and Macao eSIM guide.
Questions and answers
Where can I buy a Tourist Octopus at Hong Kong Airport?
According to Octopus, at 7-Eleven in the Arrivals Meeters and Greeters Hall, at Hung Fook Tong in the Departures Check-in Hall, and at the MTR Customer Service Centre at Airport Station, except the one on Platform 1.
What can I pay with an Octopus?
MTR, buses, ferries, public light buses, coaches and trams, plus dining, entertainment and shopping at over 180,000 acceptance points.
Do I need mobile data on the MTR?
The card works at the gate without data. Maps, translation and messages need a connection, so install an eSIM before you fly.
Updated 24 Oct 2026 · checked against our live catalogue
How we check our data · Prices and plans come live from our catalogue; facts come from official sources, listed where we use them.
Sources: Octopus Hong Kong: What is Octopus? · Octopus Hong Kong: Arriving by air
