When visiting a strange city on holiday or business, travel cards are a useful, convenient and economical way to get around unfamiliar cities. In many cities the cards allow travel on all forms of transport, from buses to trains to trams and even ferries, so eliminating the need to buy separate ticket for each method. Some even allow free or reduced entry fees to public attractions. Here are a few of the better deals.
Hong Kong “Octopus Card”: Where to Buy
The Octopus card is available through a number of outlets in Hong Kong, from convenience stores like 7-11 or newsagents but the simplest way to buy an Octopus card is from any MRT customer service counter at MRT stations. The card can also be bought at New World First Ferry piers.
Price of the Hong Kong Octopus Card
The price of an Octopus Card for an adult is HK$150 (US$20 €14 £12) that includes a refundable deposit of HK$50 (US$6.50, €4.60 £4.00). Any remaining credit will be refunded along with the deposit at the MRT customer service points.
Where to Use the Octopus Card
Besides fare payment on Hong Kong’s underground trains, ferries, buses and trams the card has expended into being a multi-purpose stored value card and can be used at convenience stores, supermarkets, fast food restaurants and at cinemas. Macau’s Sands Casino also accepts the Octopus Card in payment as does the city’s KFC restaurants.
Website: Hong Kong Octopus
Seoul, Korea “T-money” Card: Where to Buy
Seoul’s T-money Card can be purchased at convenience shops like GS25, and at metro ticket offices where it is possible to top up the card’s value too.
Price of Seoul's T-money Card
The T-money Card costs KRW2,500 (US$2.20, €1.50, £1.40) the card’s stored value can be refunded at the metro stations less a handling fee of KRW500 (USD0.50, €0.30, £0.30)
Website: Seoul travel card
Singapore “EZ Link” Tourist Pass: Where to Buy
The Singapore Tourist Pass is available from the Singapore MRT station ticket machines, at ferry terminals, Chiangi Airport, at Transit Link ticket booths outside the MRT stations.
Price of Singapore's EZ Link Tourist Pass
The basic card costs S$8 (US$6.30, €4.50, £4.00) per day. There is an option to buy a one, two or three day pass for which there is a S$10 (US$8.00 €5.60, £5.00) refundable deposit if presented within five days of its purchase.
Where May it be Used
Where ever Singapore’s ubiquitous EZ-Link and can be used for unlimited travel on the MRT, LRT and buses throughout the city state. The Singapore Tourist Pass also gives discounts to entry to the world famous Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Jarong Bird Park and many more attractions.
Website: Singapore ezlink
Tokyo Suica Card: where to buy the Suica Card
The Tokyo Suica Card is only available from the JR East travel centres in terminals one and two of Narita airport
Price
A deposit of 500 Yen (US$6.30, €4, £4) is charged for the card but it is pre-loaded with 1,500 Yen of value (USD19, €14, .£12).
Where May it be Used
The Suica Card can be used on all Japan Railways East trains in Tokyo, on the underground railway and on buses.
Website: Tokyo Suica Card
Sidney, MyZone MultiZone1 and MyMulti Day Pass: Where to Buy
The Sidney MyZone MultiZone1 and MyMulti Day Pass is available at all the city’s railway stations, ticket machines, ferry terminals and some shops.
Price
A weekly pass costs AU$41 (USD42.50, €3, £26.50) and a MultiDay pass is AU$20 (USD21, € 15, £13)
Where May it be Used
The passes allow unlimited bus, ferry, and inner city train rides.
Website: Sidney MyZone
London Oyster Card: Where to Buy
The Oyster card is can be bought at any underground station, mainline train stations, and at some convenience shops. Overseas visitors to London can pre-order a card before arrival in London and it is delivered by regular mail services. It can take up to 12 days to arrive from the UK.
Price
The basic cost is GBP 12 (USD19, €14), the pre-ordered card costs a little more for postage and packing. The value can be topped up in increments of GBP 5 (€5.80 USD8). A deposit of GBP 3 (USD4.80, €3.50) is refundable upon surrender of the card.
Where May it be Used
On buses, the Underground, Dockland’s Light Railway, Thames Clipper Riverboats, and all overland trains within the Oyster Card area. The card cannot be used on the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station.
Website: Oyster Card website
Travel cards are available in many other cities around the world and are a convenient and economical means of travelling around an unfamiliar city.
John Howe - John Howe is a qualified nurse, lecturer and journalist, he has written extensively on health, travel and lifestyle in Asia and Europe.
