Anyone who has lived in Hong Kong long enough knows that it is almost impossible to survive in this city without two things: your mobile phone, and your Octopus card.
But for those with certain types of Samsung mobile devices, this kit of essentials is about to get cut in half, thanks to “Smart Octopus”, a partnership between the Korean electronics giant and the company behind Hong Kong’s handy travel passes.
According to Apple Daily, starting Thursday, some Samsung devices will be able to everything an Octopus Card can do — from paying for the MTR, to buying groceries — so long as the users’ Octopus card is registered with the Samsung Pay system.
The feature even works when the phone is low on battery. The first phase of Smart Octopus will be available for people with an adult or elderly citizen Octopus card who own either a Samsung Note8, S8, or S8+. Octopus will also charge a 2.5% handling fee.
The launch of the new Smart Octopus joins the plethora of smart or contactless payment options available in Hong Kong that can be used to pay for a number of services, from groceries to shoe-shining.
Last month it was announced that Hong Kong commuters will be allowed to pay for MTR fares using WeChat Pay, as part of a trial scheme. WeChat Pay terminals will be installed at a number of ticket machines at two stations this month, and according to the SCMP, rival mobile payment provider Alipay said it would follow suit in “the near future”.
Earlier this month, Octopus also launched a QR code service for Hong Kong’s small merchants and taxi drivers.
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