Mastercard and Octopus Cards Limited, the operator of the widely used Octopus e-money cards and solutions, have introduced a more convenient way for inbound travellers to Hong Kong to benefit from Octopus services. Leveraging Mastercard as the payment option in the Octopus App for Tourists, Mastercard cardholders can easily top-up Mobile Octopus on their iPhone or Apple Watch. This collaboration aims to provide a seamless experience for travellers, allowing them to explore the city with Octopus contactless payments at over 180,000 acceptance points, covering various activities such as transport, dining, entertainment, shopping, and more.

Dennis Chang, Executive Vice President and Division President, of Greater China, Mastercard, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Octopus also brings local businesses, especially SMEs, greater opportunities to engage with inbound travellers, 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.”

Tim Ying, Chief Executive Officer of Octopus, expressed enthusiasm about extending the familiar payment experience to visitors, saying, “This partnership enables Mastercard cardholders to shop, dine, and travel like locals with Mobile Octopus, and experience the cashless convenience of Hong Kong.”

Helena Chen, Managing Director, Hong Kong & Macau, Mastercard, emphasized the benefits for travellers and local businesses, stating, “This partnership not only benefits travellers 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.”

Rita Li, Sales and Marketing Director of Octopus, emphasized the collaborative efforts to provide travellers with more digital payment options, saying, “This partnership is a win-win for travellers, merchants, and communities as inbound spending boosts the local economy.”

International arrivals to Hong Kong can 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, eliminating the need for a physical card or device activation. To enhance the traveller experience, a Top-Up Rebate Program is available for inbound travellers from the Chinese Mainland, offering HKD30 cashback for the first top-up of the RMB equivalent of HKD300 or more from February 1, 2024, to May 31, 2024.

The partnership between Mastercard and Octopus aligns with the efforts to revitalize Hong Kong’s vibrant travel scene and local economy. As global travel recovers, this collaboration stands as a pivotal development in Mastercard’s Pay Like a Local initiative, aiming to provide seamless payment experiences for travellers worldwide.