Hong Kong boasts one of the world’s most efficient public transportation systems. Public transport is safe, reliable and inexpensive. Taxis and buses run around the clock, and there is virtually no corner of Hong Kong that is inaccessible by public transportation, though some areas of the New Territories have yet to get the extensive transport links that the central areas of Hong Kong have.
With so many affordable options – from the subway to buses, trams and ferries – it is no surprise that over 90 percent of the population depend on public transport, the highest percentage in the world.
For those who do choose to use public transportation on a regular basis, the Octopus card will almost certainly become an indispensable part of everyday life. The Octopus card is a credit card-sized smart card payment system that is preloaded with money and can be used to pay for fares on practically the entire public transport network in Hong Kong. In addition to its primary purpose, it can also be used to pay for purchases at supermarkets, convenience stores, vending machines and various fast-food chains. The Octopus card costs HK$150, including a refundable deposit of HK$50, and can be purchased from any 7/11 shop or subway station. For more information, visit http://www.octopus.com.hk/.
