Mastercard and Octopus facilitate more convenient payments for travelers to Hong Kong
February 20, 2024 | Hong KongTop-up Mobile Octopus using any Mastercard card to pay like a local
Mastercard and Octopus Cards Limited (“Octopus”), operator of the ubiquitous Octopus e-money cards and solutions, today introduced a more convenient way for inbound travelers to Hong Kong to enjoy the benefits of Octopus. By leveraging Mastercard as the payment option in the Octopus App for Tourists*, Mastercard cardholders can easily top-up Mobile Octopus in their iPhone or Apple Watch**, and better experience the city with Octopus contactless payments at over 180,000 acceptance points, covering an extensive range of activities including transport, dining, entertainment, shopping and more.
“As a result of this partnership, Mastercard cardholders traveling to Hong Kong can more easily enjoy one of the most iconic local elements of living in Hong Kong, the Octopus,” said Dennis Chang, executive vice president and division president, Greater China, Mastercard. “This collaboration with Octopus also brings local businesses, especially SMEs, greater opportunities to engage with inbound travelers, underscoring Mastercard’s dedication to connecting buyers and sellers across the globe. To capture the burgeoning opportunities returning to the region, Mastercard partners with all stakeholders - large and small, public or private - to facilitate business and enhance experiences.”
“With global travel on track to return to its pre-pandemic high, Octopus welcomes more travelers coming back to Hong Kong. With our roots deep in this dynamic city, we are delighted to offer the same simple, fast, and secure payment experience Hong Kongers are so familiar with to visitors. This partnership enables Mastercard cardholders to shop, dine and travel like locals with Mobile Octopus, and experience the cashless convenience of Hong Kong,” said Tim Ying, Chief Executive Officer of Octopus.
Mastercard is delighted to partner with Octopus to make it even easier for inbound travelers to get around Hong Kong, empowering them with convenient and contactless payments across public transport from the Hong Kong International Airport and beyond,” said Helena Chen, managing director, Hong Kong & Macau, Mastercard. “This partnership not only benefits travelers but also boosts local SMEs, enabling them to access a larger pool of buyers and tap into more opportunities through the power of Mastercard’s expanded features and Octopus’ network. In line with its commitment to rejuvenating Hong Kong’s vibrant travel scene and local economy, Mastercard envisions that the partnership will further attract tourists to Hong Kong, a city that is currently developing as a cashless society and strengthening its position as a favored international travel destination.”
“As a top global destination city, Hong Kong has much to offer visitors. Octopus works closely with our extensive base of merchants to provide travelers with more digital payment options. Mastercard accountholders can also top-up their Mobile Octopus with ease, ensuring a smooth overall travel experience. This partnership is a win-win for travelers, merchants, and communities as inbound spending boosts the local economy,” said Rita Li, Sales and Marketing Director of Octopus.
For international arrivals to Hong Kong, they will be able to use their Mobile Octopus across all MTR (Mass Transit Railway) routes, including Airport Express, Light Rail, MTR Bus, and express travel across 2,400 MTR gates, so visitors no longer need to purchase and top up a physical card or activate a device. Moreover, a Top-Up Rebate Program is now available for inbound travelers from the Chinese Mainland. From February 1, 2024, to May 31, 2024, travelers from the Chinese Mainland who link their Mastercard cards to the Octopus App for Tourists can enjoy HKD30 cashback when they top up the RMB equivalent of HKD300 or more for the first time.
According to the Mastercard Economics Institute’s 2024 Economic Outlook: Balancing Prices & Priorities, while there is no one-size-fits-all story for the Asia Pacific region, the macro picture for the year is expected to be one of modest growth. Against the backdrop of cross-border travel recovery, Mastercard's partnership with Octopus marks a pivotal development in its Pay Like a Local initiative.
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* Link credit or debit card in Octopus App for Tourists is exclusive to Mastercard cardholders and available only for Mastercard cards issued outside the Hong Kong market.
** Currently only available on Apple devices.
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About Octopus
Octopus is a Hong Kong-based financial technology pioneer with a global outlook. Having launched the world’s first multi-modal transit payment card in 1997, it develops and operates Hong Kong’s ubiquitous Octopus e-money cards, as well as world-leading payment solutions for major cities and businesses spanning four continents. Since 2017, Octopus has made the same simple, fast and secure electronic payments associated with our cards available to all major mobile platforms via Octopus App and Mobile Octopus. Our mission is to make everyday life easier whichever ways our customers want to pay.
About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.
