If you’ve ever had to scrounge up cash from friends to get a cab or grappled with handfuls of loose change in a taxi with a surly, impatient driver, then you’ll know how annoying it can be that Hong Kong’s cabs still mostly only accept cash. In a city where contactless payments have been in use since the Octopus card launched in the late 90s, it’s pretty ridiculous that cabbies have insisted on only taking cash payments all these years. Luckily, our taxis will soon catch up with the times, as they will all be required to accept e-payments next year.
The Hong Kong government confirmed last week that all taxi drivers will have to offer at least two forms of electronic payment options from as early as April 1, 2026. The Transport Department is currently coordinating with various e-payment platforms, but one of the options is likely to be Hong Kong’s ubiquitous Octopus card.
In addition to e-payment arrangements, taxi drivers will also be required to install in-car recording systems to capture videos with sound inside taxi compartments, dash cams to show clear front and rear views, as well as capture location data via a global navigation satellite system. According to the Transport Department, these systems will ‘help deter taxi drivers’ malpractices, enhance driving safety…and safeguard the interest of drivers and passengers in the event of disputes’. For those concerned about personal privacy and security, the government says that recorded videos and data will be encrypted, and the information will only be accessed for specific purposes, such as investigating traffic-related offences.
Hong Kong’s newest taxi fleets already offer electronic payment from the get go, and a portion of older, original taxis also accept Octopus or PayMe already, but we’re excited for the whole fleet of our classic Toyota Comfort cabs to finally join the digital age.
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