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Travel Basics

Octopus Card

The must-have smart card for all public transit, convenience stores, and local dining. There are multiple types of Octopus, but we've handpicked the best options for your stay.

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FULL GUIDE (Octopus.com.hk)

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Other devices

Where to purchase 

1) Octopus App: download the Octopus App for Tourists to add a new Octopus (iPhone users).

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2) Physical card 

Visit either of these shops:

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3) Tourist Card (sold version)  HK$39

  • Card type: Adult and Child

  • Without initial stored value and no deposit is required

  • Remaining value can be refunded but the Octopus will be deactivated

  • reload with cash with transport providers or retailers

  • Buy at: Hung Fook Tong - Store Locator 

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4) Rental Octopus card:

At any MTR station, you can obtain a temporary Octopus card with HK$50 deposit, topped up with cash.

Initial stored value HK$150: For Standard Octopus cards purchased at "Citybus Ticketing Office at Bus Terminus at Hong Kong Port of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge"

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Simply tap your card, or digital / mobile wallet NFC, at fare gates and registers for instant, cashless payments. (Look for the orange logo!)

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  • Transport: MTR trains, Ferry, Tram (Ding Ding!), most Taxis

  • Shops: Convenience stores (7-eleven, Circle K), selected retailers

  • Restaurants: Most local eateries accept Octopus, but otherwise accept Cash or Credit Card

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TRANSPORT

MTR: Octopus Credit cards (tap)

Ferries: Octopus (city ferries, Star Ferry

Taxis: Cash, Octopus, AliPay

Buses (Big city bus): Octopus, Credit Cards

Mini-buses: Octopus only

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Getting around

Accepted Payments

TRANSPORT

✅MTR: Octopus Credit cards (tap)

✅Ferries: Octopus (city ferries, Star Ferry)

✅Taxis: Cash, Octopus, AliPay

✅Buses (Big city bus): Octopus, Credit Cards

✅Mini-buses: Octopus only

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FOOD, DRINK & RETAIL

✅LOCAL RESTAURANTS will often take Octopus or Cash

✅INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS / BARS will accept credit card

✅VENDING MACHINES accept Octopus, AliPay or other digital payments

✅SHOPPING MALLS accept Octopus, most common Credit Cards

✅Currency accepted: HKD 

Payments otherwise converted to your default currency. Please check exchange rates incurred by your bank or financial service provider.

Quick City Info

Use Maps (iOS, Android), Citymapper or HKeMobility for the fastest routes across the city.

Emergency: 999

Emergency Services

Core Emergency Hotlines

  • Police, Fire, and Ambulance (Emergency): 999

  • Emergency SMS (Hearing/Speech Impaired): 992

  • Fire Services Communication Centre (Direct Ambulance Dispatch): 2735 3355

  • Police Non-Emergency Hotline: 2527 7177

SIM Cards
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Navigate the streets with ease using reliable 4G, 5G mobile data. Pick up a SIM at a convenience store or download an eSIM before arrival. Available at 7-Eleven, Circle K

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Power: Type G Plugs 

Pack a three-prong adapter (Voltage: 220V) and carry cash for local markets. 

Lingo Basics (Cantonese)

Ngoi (Ngo) [N-gaw-ee]

I / Me. Use this to start sentences about yourself.

Nei (Nee) [Nay]

You. Used naturally in most greetings and questions.

Nei Hou [Nay-Ho]

Hello. The standard greeting for all situations.

Mm Goi [Mm-Goy]

Thank you / Excuse me. Use for small favors or getting attention.

Do Ze [Daw-Tseh]

Thank you. Used specifically for receiving gifts or formal service.

Dui Mm Jyu [Dou-Mm-Jyu]

Sorry. A formal apology for larger mistakes.

Gei Do Cin? [Gey-Daw-Tsin]

How much? Essential for shopping at local street markets.

Mai Dan [My-Dan]

Check, please. Signal this to a waiter when you're finished eating.

Chi So Hai Bin? [Tse-Sor-Hi-Been]

Where is the toilet?

Ho Ho Sik [Ho-Ho-Sik]

Very delicious. Great for complimenting street food vendors.

Zoi Gin [Joy-Geen]

Goodbye. The standard way to bid farewell.

FAQ

Hong Kong is generally very safe for visitors, with low street crime and a strong police presence. Call 999 for all emergency services.

Tap water in Hong Kong is treated and safe at the source, but most visitors drink bottled or boiled water when exploring the city, or going hiking.

Use iOS / Google Maps, or Citymapper to see real‑time bus routes and numbers from your location to your destination.

There are 3 types of buses:

  • City bus

  • mini-bus (Red for Northern/Kowloon, Green for HK Island)

  • tour bus​​

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FULL GUIDE TO BUSES >

Marco Polo HongKong Hotel

Located in: Harbour City

Address: Harbour City, 3 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui

Phone: 2113 0088

website:  www.marcopolohotels.com

Contact Andrew Brown (HKCR) for queries.

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