The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announces the coin carts can provide top up service with e-wallets for the exchange of coins under the Coin Collection Programme from today (April 10).

     Since the launch of the Coin Carts in October 2014, the service has been well received by the public and is considered an innovative and environmental-friendly scheme to enhance the circulation of coins.  With the growing popularity in the usage of e-wallets in Hong Kong, the two Coin Carts have been upgraded and are now able to use QR Code to top up e-wallets when members of public choose to use e-wallets for accepting value for the exchange of their spare coins.  The participating e-wallet schemes include AlipayHK, Octopus O! ePay, Tap&Go, TNG Wallet and WeChat Pay.  This provides more choices for members of the public.

     The two Coin Carts will continue to collect coins from members of public in the 18 districts of Hong Kong on a rotation basis and free of charge.  Each Coin Cart will stay at a location for a week from 10am to 7pm, subject to availability of the parking space.

     The two Coin Carts have so far served 406 000 people, collecting 340 million coins with a total face value of $453 million.

     The coin collection schedule and other details about the Programme are available on the HKMA website (coincollection.hkma.gov.hk).  The HKMA will update the schedule from time to time to give advance notice to the public.

Ends/Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Issued at HKT 12:15

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