Hong Kong subway supports smartphone QR code boarding, foreign passengers can also use it

From January 23, 2021, the Hong Kong subway (MTR) will support QR code payment using Alipay Hong Kong, so I tried it out immediately.

Hong Kong's subway can now be ridden with a QR code

　Many mobile payments using smartphones used in various countries are compatible with public transportation. However, there are many restrictions, such as the number of models that can be used is limited, a credit card is required, and only residents of the country can use it.

　In Hong Kong, where the author lives, the "Octopus Card", which uses Sony's FeliCa, has become more popular than in Japan. So cashless when riding subways and buses has been advanced for a long time. However, as mobile payment became more popular at convenience stores and other places, support for Octopus cards also progressed. Samsung Pay from October 2019, Apple Pay from June 2020, and Huawei Pay from October 2020 are now compatible with Octopus, allowing you to ride public transportation with compatible smartphones.

However, each service requires a compatible model. In addition, banks and credit cards that can charge money are limited. Last year, I had a Samsung Pay-enabled Galaxy Note10+ 5G, but since it was the UK version, I couldn't use Samsung Pay in Hong Kong. Also, right after I bought the mainland version of Huawei's Mate 40 Pro, Huawei Pay supported Octopus.

　Well, we are not in a situation like this where you can do anything with a smartphone. However, in January 2021, QR code payments that do not use NFC will support Octopus cards. Now you can ride the subway with various smartphones. Alipay Hong Kong's QR code ticket service "EasyGo" now supports Octopus.

Subway station advertisement for Alipay Hong Kong

Many people may have heard of the name Alipay. Along with WeChat Pay, it is a mobile payment service that everyone uses in China. However, it was difficult to charge money and it was difficult for foreigners to use.

　This time in Hong Kong, "Alipay Hong Kong" was supported. Please note that Alipay and Alipay Hong Kong are completely different apps. WeChat Pay allows you to switch between accounts in China and Hong Kong within one app, but Alipay has a separate app for Hong Kong.

Alipay Hong Kong (left) and Alipay (right) are separate apps

　This Alipay Hong Kong is easier to use than mainland Alipay. After inserting Alipay Hong Kong into your smartphone, you can top up with cash at convenience stores in Hong Kong. You can also register a credit card, so you can use it without charging money. I have registered and used Hong Kong and Japanese credit cards on Alipay Hong Kong. In other words, Japanese people can put Alipay Hong Kong on their smartphones and use their usual Japanese credit cards (I haven't tried debit cards).

When you open Alipay Hong Kong, you will see the "EasyGo" menu. This is Alipay Hong Kong's QR code mobile ticketing system, which comes as a mini-program.

Alipay Hong Kong startup screen. The balance is HK$0.00 on the upper left, but you don't have to put cash in it because your credit card is registered. You can see "EasyGo" under it

I actually tried using it. First of all, at the entrance of the subway, there is a large purple guide on the floor from the front of the ticket gate where EasyGo can be used. It is a good idea to start Alipay Hong Kong and start EasyGo while walking. You can also put EasyGo on your smartphone's shortcut on the main screen of your smartphone.

Subway entrance. There is a conspicuous guide

　There is not only one QR code reader compatible ticket gate, but there are more than two, so it seems that it will not be crowded. The existing Octopus card reader is on top, and the QR code reader is on the front side. The angle makes it easy to hold your smartphone over.

The reader that reads the QR code is facing diagonally upward

When you start EasyGo, you can see "Adult" under the QR code. Line first class) can be switched. Furthermore, you can see "MASTERCARD" under it, but if you tap here you can switch to another registered card, or you can switch to cash if you have charged cash.

When you start EasyGo, a QR code will be displayed

　People who have used a QR code to get on the subway in China always thought that it took 1-2 seconds to read it and that it was slow. maybe. I tried to read the QR code on my smartphone in front of the reader for about 2 seconds, but the moment I held it over, a beep sounded and the reading was completed. If you leave it as it is, an error message appears on the display at the top of the ticket gate, probably because it was recognized to read it again. In other words, don't think that it's slow because it's a QR code.

Scan the QR code on your smartphone. The reading time is faster than expected

　Afterwards, take the subway. When you get off at your destination station, there is a large purple guide in front of the exit ticket gate, which is the same as the entrance.

This is the exit. It's also clearly displayed

　And similarly, start EasyGo and tap on the reader. The QR code changes periodically, so if you leave the same screen on while riding the subway, you will need to reload it. Well, you will use other apps while riding, so you should start it again before the exit. If the QR code is successfully read, you can exit the ticket gate. At the same time, the fact that you took the subway using Alipay Hong Kong and the fare will be displayed from the notification bar.

When you get off the train, you will be notified of the usage time and fee. Although it is necessary to start the app, it is convenient to use it even if you only have a bank account, credit card, or smartphone that does not support Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Huawei Pay. If you don't like registering a credit card, you can just put cash at a convenience store.

　At the moment, the means of transportation that are supported are the subway and some buses. Hong Kong's buses and ferries only pay when boarding (no need to touch the IC card again when getting off), so all transportation will eventually support QR code payments. I have seen a bus in the city preparing to install a QR code reader.

　Well, I think it will be a long time before the day when we can go abroad freely returns, but if you have the opportunity to come to Hong Kong, please use Alipay Hong Kong to enjoy your stay in Hong Kong cashless.