Card Usage
The Octopus card was introduced for fare payment on the MTR initially, but the use of the card quickly expanded to other retail businesses in Hong Kong. The card is now commonly used in most, if not all, major public transport, fast food restaurants, supermarkets, vending machines, convenient stores, photo booths, parking meters, car parks and many other retails business where small payment are frequently made by customers. As of 21 November 2004, all parking meters in Hong Kong were converted. They no longer accept coins and Octopus became the only form of payment accepted.
Notable businesses that started accepting Octopus cards at the very early stage include PARKnSHOP, Wellcome, Watsons, 7-Eleven, Starbucks, McDonald's, Circle K, etc.
Octopus cards also double as access control cards in buildings and for school administrative functions. At certain office buildings, residential buildings, and schools, usage of an Octopus card is required for entry.
Read more about this topic: Octopus Card
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