Kim

How reliable is public transporation in Hong Kong? Can I use the MTR card on all public transporation in Hong Kong?

Joe

Hong Kong has one of the most efficient transport systems in the world. Get an Octopus card and it can be used on almost all major transportation except taxis and some minibuses. MTR will be the best way of transport, however, taking the double-decker bus, tram or ferry can allow you to see more of the city.

Kime

Thanks for the response. Where can I pick up an Octopus card? Can I use this card to go to all the little islands?

Mel

Hi Kim. I can't answer your Octopus card question, but I think I remember my Frommer's guide mentioning it. Try looking at www.frommers.com in the guide section of Hong Kong.<BR><BR>I can confirm that the subway system was excellent. Also, when traveling between Kowloon and Hong Kong, the ferry is definitely preferrable, and affordable at $0.35 if you're not in a hurry. We took it every chance we got.

vt

You can buy Octopus card at the airport,It costs 50HK for the card(I think) plus the amount you want to put in the card.Don't worry about putting too much money in because both the card and left over money can be redeemed at the airport.

John G

You absolutely must take the Starr Ferry. It is one of the best experiences of HK. It is so interesting because you see all sorts of people on the boats. Tourists with cameras around their necks, socialites with Hermes bags, businessmen with laptops, barefoot laborers, etc.. There is no class system on the Starr Ferry. Everyone is equal!!

Joe

Most ferry also accept Octopus card. So you should be able to use that to get to the outlying Islands.

Veronica

Hong Kong's public transport is one of the best in the world.It is fast, reliable and safe. Octopus Card can be used in MTR (the subway), KCR (the train), the tram, peak tram, ferry as well as Air bus and airport express. It is a contactless smart card and one of the most advaned in the world. If this stored value card runs out of value, you can add money into it at any 7-11 convenient store. Check their web site at http://www.octopuscards.com/e_index.html<BR>

maria

The Octopus card can be bought at the customer service counter of any MTR station. It costs 150 HKD ($100 worth of rides and $50 is deposit which is refunded when you return the card). Nowadays, Octopus cards can be used for MTR, KCR, buses, ferries,light buses, public maxicab buses, trams, light rail - in fact I think almost any public transport mode in HK!. And even you can use them to pay for your shopping in 7-eleven stores and in my most recent visit in Feb, even at some Park in Shop supermarket stores as well!. If you use up all the $100 worth on your card, you can add more credit/value to the card at any MTR station or I think also 7-eleven stores. So as you can see, with an octopus card in credit with you, you can eliminate looking around for coins for public transport fares. Public transport is so extensive in HK and there are so many choices that getting around is very easy.