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

[mathew5000]

Just curious, does this have any security measures? Mainly, I'm wondering how easy it is for the retailer to cheat you (or more naive customers) by charging a larger amount or double-charging.

[terrencechan]

The charge, and remaining balance, are always displayed on the screen. Here's a display terminal:

[mathew5000]

Okay, that makes sense. (It looks like it could still be hacked, but not in a way that would ultimately be profitable for the hackers.)

But I'd also wonder if your card could get charged without your knowledge, for example by someone brushing a reading-device against you when the card was in your pocket (e.g. on a crowded subway train).

[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.

[cynthizzle]

terence,
why carry a smart card vs a visa debit? forgive me for not seeing the obvious, and thanks in advance for pointing it out

[andrewhime]

That wasted balance? It's called "breakage".