Do Hong Kong Taxis Accept Credit Cards and Other Payment Methods

Hong Kong taxis generally don't accept credit cards, so it's best to have cash handy.

Most taxis in Hong Kong still operate on a cash-only basis, which means you'll need to pay the fare in Hong Kong dollars.

You can exchange your currency at a bank or currency exchange office before your trip to get some local cash.

Cash is the most widely accepted payment method in Hong Kong taxis, so it's a good idea to have some on hand.

For more insights, see: City Cash Card

Hong Kong Taxis have started to accept cashless payments, with the introduction of CabCab smart taxi meters in April. These meters accept payments via Octopus, credit cards from various digital merchants, Alipay, FPS, and other electronic platforms.

Initially, 100 Urban and New Territories taxis will be equipped with CabCab meters, with a goal of 1,000 taxis by the third quarter of this year.

CabCab offers electronic receipts and simplifies fare calculations, including tolls and additional charges. This is a welcome change for tourists who may not have enough cash in Hong Kong dollars.

E-payments can also avoid problems of currency exchange, as noted by Wong Yu-ting, Managing Director of CabCab. This is a significant advantage for tourists and locals alike.

In addition to CabCab, another digital payment platform, Taxi Pay x Wonder, has been approved for Hong Kong taxis. This system allows users to choose from 18 types of digital payment, including QR code scanning and card tapping.

Taxi Pay x Wonder will be rolled out gradually, with the first 2,000 taxis to sign up receiving free installation of smart taximeters and payment terminals. The plan is for 8,000 cabs to be equipped with Taxi Pay by December.

Hong Kong taxis will soon offer a range of digital payment options, including UnionPay, Alipay, Visa, MasterCard, JCB, WeChat Pay, Discover, Diners, and FPS.

A different take: Do Car Dealers Accept Credit Cards for down Payment

Hong Kong taxis are finally catching up with the times, with many now accepting digital payments.

In April, the introduction of CabCab, a new smart taxi meter system, brought cashless payments to more Hong Kong taxis.

Initially, 100 Urban and New Territories taxis adopted the CabCab system, with plans to equip 1,000 taxis by the third quarter of the year.

Taxi Pay x Wonder, another digital payment platform, was approved by the Transport Department and aims to install its system in 8,000 taxis by December.

This means passengers can expect to see digital payment options become more widespread in the coming months.

Users of UnionPay can enjoy a 10 percent discount on their fare, while those using Alipay will have to pay a 3.5 percent handling fee.

Visa, MasterCard, JCB, WeChat Pay, Discover, Diners, and FPS users can enjoy a waived handling fee until June 30, with a possibility of extension to the end of the year.

The free installation of the e-platform for the first 2,000 taxis is a great incentive for taxi operators to adopt the digital payment system.

Taxi drivers will also benefit from electronic receipts and simplified fare calculations when calculating tolls and additional charges.

Here's an interesting read: Digital Suica Card