Hong Kong's Octopus Card is a rewards card that may be used for making purchases at retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, city transit, parking metres, convenience stores and can even be used as a room key to your flat. It was initially implemented in September 1997 with the purpose of serving as a replacement for the Mass Transit Railway's (MTR) pre-existing paper ticket system. DYWIDAG Systems International, Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited, and Matheson & Company Limited worked together as part of a partnership to develop the Octopus Card system.
Over ninety percent of people living in Hong Kong currently have at least one Octopus Card in their possession.The Octopus Card system has been expanded to include additional businesses, restaurants, supermarkets, public transit, parking metres, convenience stores and you can even use it as a room key to get into your flat. Over 18,000 establishments in Hong Kong are now willing to accept payments made with an Octopus Card.