The Octopus card is a rechargeable contact less stored value smart card used to transfer electronic payments in online or off line systems in Hong Kong. There are four types of cards that are On-Loan, Sold, the Airport Express Tourist and the MTR Airport Staff.
On-Loan cards are issued for usage in daily functions, first and foremost for fare payment in transport systems. If an owner loses a card, only the stored value and the deposit of the card are lost and no identification is necessary to buy the card. This type of Octopus card is anonymous; no personal information, bank account or credit card details are stored on the card.
Sold cards are sponsored and branded cards. Octopus Cards Limited only distributes Sold cards as souvenir cards. These cards are sold at a premium, have limited or no initial stored value, and cannot be refunded, but they can otherwise be used as ordinary cards. Mcmug and Mcdull collection are the example of Sold cards.
Octopus Cards Limited also introduced Airport Express Tourist to target tourists in Hong Kong. There are two versions of this card are accessible, a HK$220 card with a free single ride on the Airport Express, the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) train line that runs between the Hong Kong International Airport and the city areas, and also a $300 card with two free single rides included. The airport journeys are valid for 180 days from the date of purchase. These tourist Octopus cards may be used only by tourists staying in Hong Kong for 14 or fewer days.Users might be need to buy a passport showing their arrival date in Hong Kong. Airport Express Tourist Octopus is available for purchase at all MTR stations.
The MTR Airport Staff Octopus is obtainable for the staff of Hong Kong International Airport and Asia World-Expo for commuting at a reduced fare between the airport and MTR stations via the Airport Express. For those staff got the card may use it for a discount of up to 64 percent for Airport Express single journey fares. The MTR Airport Staff Octopus is obtainable upon application via the company for which that a staff member works.
The Octopus card used to pay fares for all public transport in Hong Kong and to make purchases for consumer products at many stores in the city. It is accepted by more than 160 merchants. The card can be used in many soft drink vending machines, photo booths, parking meters, pay phones and car parks
Famous businesses that accept Octopus cards include PARKnSHOP, Watson, 7-Eleven, Starbucks, McDonald's, and Circle K.. Octopus cards can also be used for admission control in buildings and for school administrative functions.In 21 November 2004,all parking meters in Hong Kong had been changed to using the Octopus card as the form of payment.
1 comment:
I have been heard about Octopus card but i'm not really know what is the function and uses of it. After reading your blog, i got it clearly. Although this type of card has not use in Malaysia,but it is increase my knowledge too.
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