Press Release

Chinese New Year Holiday saw record growth in the number of tourists using Mobile Octopus
· Hong Kong’s first: Mainland visitors can top-up with digital renminbi, enhancing mobile payment experience

(Hong Kong, 18 February 2025) — Usage of Tourist version of Mobile Octopus surged by 80% year-on-year¹ thanks to Mainland visitors during Chinese New Year holiday, reinforcing Octopus’ position as the preferred payment experience for visitors to Hong Kong.

To enhance the overall travel experience and make exploring Hong Kong easier than ever for mainland visitors, starting today, the Octopus App for Tourists (iOS) allows users to top up their Mobile Octopus using digital renminbi (e-CNY), China’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), providing seamless access to nearly 190,000 Octopus acceptance points citywide. This marks a first for the market; making Octopus the first payment platform in Hong Kong to offer this convenient e-CNY top-up service.

Chinese New Year Drives Tourist Mobile Octopus to New Heights

During the Chinese New Year holiday period, from 29 January to 7 February 2025, total Octopus’ spending by tourists in retail, dining, and transportation recorded $100 million transaction value. Compared to the same period last year, the total spending of tourists increased by over 10%, with retail spending experienced significant growth. The number of Tourist Mobile Octopus users increased by 80% year-on-year, demonstrating the growing popularity of this convenient payment solution.

Tourist Mobile Octopus First to Offer e-CNY Top-up

As demand for immersive travel experiences and cross-border payment solutions grows, this initiative empowers Mainland visitors to enjoy Hong Kong like locals. It also benefits local businesses by expanding their customer base and contributes to Hong Kong's burgeoning digital economy.

This launch builds upon Octopus's ongoing efforts to enhance digital payment adoption. In February 2023, Octopus collaborated with the Bank of China Shenzhen Branch to introduce the first e-CNY Hard Wallet Self-service Card Issuing Machine in Lo Wu. Following the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and People's Bank of China's announcement to expand the e-CNY pilot programme in Hong Kong, Octopus remains committed to advancing the future of digital payments.

Topping Up with e-CNY is Easy:

1. On the Octopus App for Tourists top-up page, enter the desired amount, select "e-CNY App" as the payment method (the currency will automatically display as e-CNY), and confirm.
2. The app will redirect you to your chosen e-CNY app to complete the top-up. Simply verify the details and authenticate the transaction.

You can also use e-CNY to pay deposits and top up when adding a new Mobile Octopus via the app.

"The number of Tourist Mobile Octopus reached a record high during the Chinese New Year period. Coupled with our extensive network of 190,000 Octopus acceptance points throughout Hong Kong, this allows tourists to enjoy a seamless and convenient payment experience, just like locals," said Tim Ying, CEO of Octopus.

Enjoy Seamless Payments Across Hong Kong

Add a new Mobile Octopus or transfer your existing Octopus card to Mobile Octopus through the Octopus App for Tourists. Enjoy convenient payments at nearly 190,000 Octopus acceptance points—from transport and restaurants to entertainment and retail—without even opening the app or turning on your phone screen. Experience Hong Kong like a local! The app also allows you to check your balance and top up on the go, skipping queues. When you're ready to depart, easily apply for a refund through the app.

Octopus is at the forefront of e-CNY development and application in Hong Kong. Our focus is on creating seamless, intuitive payment experiences for Mainland visitors. Topping up their Tourist Octopus with e-CNY directly through the app is a natural extension of this commitment. This initiative aligns with our broader strategy to expand cashless payment options, including opening our taxi payment network to other QR code platforms and launching Octopus China T-Union Cards. We're dedicated to making payments effortless for our customers, whether they're in Hong Kong, Mainland China, or beyond."

 

How to top-up with eCNY

Step 1: On the Octopus App for Tourists top-up page, enter the amount, select “e-CNY App” (the currency will automatically show as e-CNY), and confirm.

Step 2: You will be redirected to your chosen e-CNY app to complete the top-up. Verify the details and authenticate the transaction. You can also use e-CNY to pay deposits and top up when adding a new Mobile Octopus through the app.

 

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