Wondering how to pay for metro and bus rides in Hong Kong - cash only, or do cards work too?
I was in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island earlier this year and relied entirely on the Octopus card. You can use it for metro rides, buses, ferries and even to buy snacks at some shops. I kept a little cash on me just in case but almost never needed it. I would definitely recommend getting an Octopus card as soon as you arrive.
I used my Wise card on the MTR gates a couple of times and it worked but not always smoothly. For buses it was more complicated and some did not accept cards at all. I ended up getting an Octopus card from a convenience store and that made things so much easier. You just tap and go everywhere without needing change or asking anyone.
Just finished a week in Hong Kong and paid for every metro and bus ride using my Octopus card. It is super convenient and accepted on almost every form of public transport. I saw some people tapping their Visa or Mastercard directly on the MTR gates but I stuck with Octopus because it was faster and did not require mobile data or card setup.
I used public transport all over Hong Kong last month and the Octopus card was by far the easiest way to pay. You can use it on the MTR, buses, ferries, and even the trams. I bought mine at the airport and topped it up at 7 Eleven stores and MTR stations. No need for cash once you have it. Most locals and tourists use it.