If you're visiting Hong Kong, you're likely very familiar with the Octopus Card. This card is extremely useful as it allows you to pay for various transportation options and make purchases at many stores throughout Hong Kong.
Due to its frequent use, it's easy to lose track of how much money is left on the Octopus card. Often, we only realize that our card is out of funds when a transaction is declined.
To avoid this situation, it's a good idea to regularly check your card's balance. In this article, I will share five simple methods to help you keep track of your Octopus card balance.
The simplest way to check your Octopus card balance is by using the Octopus app. This app allows you to view your balance on any Android or iOS smartphone. Follow these steps:
Remember, this method only works if your smartphone has NFC capabilities. Make sure to turn on the NFC feature before trying to check your balance with the Octopus app.
If you don't have a smartphone with NFC or don't want to download a new app, this second method is also quite straightforward. You can check your Octopus card balance using the Enquiry Machine found at each MTR station.
These Enquiry Machines are typically located near the top-up or ticket vending machines. They are usually labeled with "Octopus/Ticket enquiries." The machines are not very large and consist of just a card reader and a screen.
To find out your balance, simply tap your Octopus card on the reader area of the machine. The screen will then instantly show your remaining balance. This method is both easy and convenient.
Another way to check the remaining balance on your Octopus card is through the gates at MTR stations and ferry ports. When you enter these gates, the screen will display your balance as you tap your card on the reader.
Additionally, when you exit an MTR station, the gate's screen will show your remaining balance and include the cost of your recent MTR journey.
You can also check your Octopus card balance when traveling by bus or tram. On a bus, you'll see your balance after you tap your card on the reader when boarding. It shows the fare and how much balance is left after the fare is deducted.
When you're on a tram, you can check your balance as you tap your card on the reader before getting off. Both buses and trams have flat fares, so you only need to tap your card once to pay the fare.
Information about your remaining balance can also be found on receipts. Most shops and eateries in Hong Kong let you pay with the Octopus card. When you do, the receipt you receive often shows the remaining balance on your card.
However, it's important to note that not every purchase will come with a receipt, as this depends on the seller's policy. Also, some receipts might not include information about your remaining balance.
So, these are five easy ways to check the remaining balance on your Octopus card. By keeping track of your balance, you can top it up in time if it's running low. For instructions on how to add money to your Octopus card, please refer to the following article:
