Understanding the different payment methods in Hong Kong can make your stay much more convenient. Here’s an overview of the most commonly used payment options:

1.Octopus Card
Where can you use it?
Transportation: MTR, buses, minibuses, taxis, street trams, Star Ferry, Airport Express, ferries to outlying islands
Shopping and Dining: Convenience stores, restaurants, cafes, vending machines
Attraction: Museums, cinemas, shows, tourist spots like the Peak Tram

Where to get one?
Digital: Download the Octopus app for iPhone, Android, or Huawei. Check balance and top-up with your preferred credit or debit card
Physical: Available at all MTR Customer Service Centers, 7-11, Circle-K stores, and the Airport Express service counter at Hong Kong Airport
A Standard Octopus Card costs HKD 200 (HKD 150 initial stored value + HKD 50 deposit).

Useful Tips
Balance Checking: Check at card readers, dedicated balance checkers in MTR stations, or on the Octopus app.
Top-up locations: MTR service counters, Octopus Add-Value machines, convenience stores, supermarkets, McDonald’s, Starbucks.

2. Cash
Always carry some cash, as some small shops and restaurants near HKU only accept cash. Taxis primarily take cash, though some accept Octopus card payments.

3. Credit and Debit Cards
Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay, and American Express are commonly used in retail stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and online shopping.

4. Mobile Wallets
Alipay, PayMe, Octopus Card, FPS, Apple Pay, WeChat Pay, and PayPal are widely accepted in many stores, restaurants, and for online purchases. Locals usually use mobile wallets like PayMe for splitting bills among friends.

5. Faster Payment System (FPS)
It connects over 36 banks and 10 Stored Value Facilities (SVF) and offers real-time multi-currency payments (RMB and HKD). You can use phone number or email for secure transactions. It is good for P2P transfers, topping up e-wallets, paying University tuition and fees, online shopping, and direct debit payments.