The Hong Kong Octopus Card is a wonderful kind of smart card where you can put money on the card (and the money is stored on the card itself, not on some central server) and use it like a debit card.  The nice thing about the card it that it works via radio signals or something, similar to the security systems in lots of corporate buildings where you hold a card up to a plate to get through a door.  So you don’t even have to take it out of your wallet or purse.  This payment system is the de facto method of paying for the subway system here, but tons of merchants accept it too.  There are even vending machines that accept it!  All I have to do is press my butt up against the vending machine and I get a soda!  Pretty darn cool!

I know that this kind of thing exists in other places, but I doubt it is as well integrated into the culture as the Octopus Card is integrated into Hong Kong.  The thing is pretty much everywhere, and I love it.  I see that in the US some of the movie theaters are starting this up with a MasterCard type of smart card.  I’ve seen them at Regal Cinemas.  The problem is, in Atlanta, I don’t know where to buy a card and recharge it.  However, it is a great way to give money to someone (I’m thinking of children here) and them not being able to use it for anything other than what you intend them to do with it.  I’m hopeful that this takes off in the US as it’s really really convenient.

— Matt Ranlett

posted with BlogJet