e-money in Hong Kong

[terrencechan]

Those of you who have been to Hong Kong in the last decade certainly know of the Octopus card. For those who haven't, it is an e-money smart card that you can use for many, many transactions in Hong Kong. It operates like most touchless smart cards in most modern cities for subway and transit systems, but you can use it for way more things in

Comments

[terrencechan]

Gift cards typically come with some value ($10/$20/$100, whatever) automatically. A e-cash card is refillable and you can put any amount on it. Also the convenience of swiping yourself and the cashier scanning the card, or punching in a code, cannot be overstated (it really sounds like a minor distinction, but it's a big deal).

What is your excuse for not coming to HK, anyway?

[terrencechan]

Uniqueness of the experience. I was discussing this with Mike Fong earlier today; if you grew up in a Western city and you mostly know Western cities, Hong Kong is so incredibly different from your concept of a big city.

Plus, you are a foodie, and food is both diverse and awesome here.

HK is a foodie paradise

[kvom01]

I've been a couple of times, and the food is the main reason I'd consider returning.