All Hong Kong taxis must now accept at least 2 forms of e-payment

All Hong Kong taxis must accept at least two forms of e-payment from Wednesday.

The acceptance of e-payments became mandatory for Hong Kong taxis on April 1, 2026. Photo: GovHK.

The methods must include one QR code e-payment option, such as WeChat Pay HK, and at least one non-QR code e-payment method, such as a credit card or Octopus card.

Last month, the Transport Department said in a press release that it had been stepping up publicity and public education to familiarise taxi drivers with the mandatory requirement.

“The new requirement aims to leverage the use of electronic technology to further enhance the overall quality of taxi services. Different types of e-payment means can provide convenience to passengers, especially tourists, in settling fares, cater for their different needs, and improve the operational efficiency of the taxi trade at the same time,” it said.

The department added that it had hosted over 20 workshops at community halls and centres across the city and 11 outreach activities at taxi stands to proactively engage drivers.

Assistant Commissioner for Transport Louisa Fung told RTHK on Tuesday that 47,000 drivers had already installed systems that support multiple e-payment methods: “There will also be stickers on the car window listing which electronic payment methods are accepted. It’s not just passengers who benefit – e-payments also help drivers improve their operations.”

An Octopus payment machine in a taxi. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The government said in July that the issue of cash-only taxis “attracts much public criticism” and causes “great inconvenience” to passengers, especially tourists.

All Hong Kong taxis will also be required to install in-car cameras with audio recording capabilities by early next year, a move the government said is aimed at enhancing taxi services.