Octopus is the "touch and go" electronic payment system that offers users an easy and hassle-free 
way to travel around Hong Kong. Each Octopus card contains a built-in microchip which stores its 
owner's payment information. There's no longer a need for coins. Users simply "beep" their Octopus card 
on a fare processing machine which automatically deducts the correct amount from the card. 

Octopus Technology

A major breakthrough in smart card payment systems in Hong Kong, the Octopus is the 
brainchild of advanced digital technology. It has taken over five years from initial preparations, 
to complete this complex system. Since then, the Octopus system has gone through many stages of 
enhancements while integrating the central system with numerous service 
providers' management information systems. 
Manufactured by Sony, the Octopus Smart Card embraces the following 
features: 
Fast transactions - applicable in different services like public transport, convenience stores and vending machines etc. 
High stability - the remote contactless feature allows the Smart Card tooperate with more stability. This feature is particularly advantageous to services with high transaction volumes. 
Flexibility in applications - the Card contains many features which takes care of everyday needs, ranging from travel on various public transport, door access to electronic cash. 
Recycle usage - the card is reloadable, so there is no need for disposal, and the PET material used to fabricate the card is also environmentally 
friendly.

Octopus cards can be used on: 

MTR 
MTR Airport Express 
KCRC East Rail 
KCRC Light Rail (Including KCRC buses) 
KMB 
Citybus and Cityflyer routes (except Ocean Park Network)
New World First Bus 
New Lantao Bus 
Discovery Bay Bus 
Selected green mini-bus routes 
Selected red mini-bus routes 
Shuttle bus services at selected housing estate 
Hong Kong University of Science & Technology and Hong Kong University Campus Bus 
Lok Ma Chau - Huanggang Shuttle Bus 
Fanling - Sha Tau Kok Cross Border Shuttle 
All outlying island routes of New World First Ferry 
Airport Ferry (Tuen Mun - Airport) 
Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry 
Star Ferry 
Discovery Bay Ferry 
Peak Tramways 
Hong Kong Tramways 
MTRC Car Parks, Housing Authority Car Parks, Wilson Parkings, and car parks at Ocean Park, Ocean Terminal, Kornhill and Clovelly Court 
Infra Telephone (PowerPhone) and HK Telephone, and photobooth services in selected  MTR stations 
7-Eleven Convenience Stores 
Circle K Convenience Stores (Add Value) 
Daily Stop (Newsstands) 
Maxim's fast food stores and cakes shops, Starbucks Coffee Shops 
Bread Boutique 
Lucky Bakery House 
Hoixe Catering 
Cherikoff Bakery 
North District Hosiptal Staff Canteen 
Canteen of HKUST 
St. Teresa Hospital - Canteen 
Tsui Wah & Hop Fat Restaurants 
Access control for some private housing estates 
School campus (using Octopus for Vitaland school tuck shops, Murray Catering, Sandwich  Club (HKUST), Kiosks, attendance taking, miscellaneous payment,library, acess control etc) 
Vending machines of Swire Coca Cola, Vitasoy, and Jidou Vending 
Public swimming pools, tennis courts, and squash courts managed by Leisure & Cultural  Services Department 
Photocopier services of Minolta Hong Kong Limited and Ricoh at selected schools 
Selected entry gates of Happy Valley and Shatin Racecourses of the Hong Kong Jockey Club 
Ocean Park Game Booths and Gift Shops 
Broadway Cinema (Kiosk Ticketing)