FTO AUSTRALIA

I have just returned from Hong Kong and forgot to cash in my MTR/KCR "Octopus" cards. I remembered just after going through customs which was a little too late! I have two cards with at least $500HKD on them still and I was hoping someone with a relative/friend in Hong Kong may be able to help me in cashing them in as Octopus won't refund cards returned by mail. A small payment for the service will be offered if anyone can assist.

Thanks, Brad.

Do you know which type of Octopus card you got?

I have sent you a personal message about this card.
a friend of mine could buy it at the right price.

Regards Tarkus (Robert)

What is a Octopus card is it a phone card?

Octopus card is like an EFTPOS card but better, where you can use in lots of place in HK, thats including all public transport & services (public phones), 7/11, newsagents, restaurants, & department stores. The beauty of this is like a security tag card, u just place it on top of the scanner, & off you go, no swipping or key code.

There are two type, one with a photo I.D & Pin & the other one is just a general one, which what 90% of the people use.

You can recharge it just about anywhere, funny enough it was invited by an Australia company, but the Australia goverment had rejected the idea.

Sounds pretty good but would be better with the id and pin just incase it gets stolen.

yes & no, because people in HK don't steal Octopus card, as you don't know what amount it got in there, it could be 50c or $50000.

And since the scanner is pretty strong, you don't need to take it out to use it, you can use it when its still in your wallet or handbag. So the chance of losing it are pretty slim.

Well you have to use it to believe how convenient it is.

Yeah the Octopus cards are extremely convenient but that is what caused this problem in the first place. I always kept it in my wallet as the scanner can work through purses/wallets etc. Had I have had it just sitting in my pocket I may have remembered to cash it in when I could! The Octopus is much easier to use than carrying change around all the time and is far quicker than waiting in queues to purchase tickets etc...I believe Brisbane is now using something similar from what I read in a Sydney paper the other day - strange though, given I live in Brisbane and haven't heard anything about it?! But I rarely use public transport so that may be why.

Tarkus: I have replied to your PM thanks.

The cards I have are the "anonymous" kind.