HKMA Announces New Coin Cart Schedule for October 2024 to January 2025

Coin Collection Programme

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

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (October 8) announced a new service schedule of the two Coin Carts under the Coin Collection Programme, for the period of October 28, 2024, up to January 5, 2025. The schedule and other details of the Programme are shown on the HKMA webpage (coincollection.hkma.gov.hk).

Since the launch of the Programme in October 2014 up to September 30, 2024, the two Coin Carts had carried out 1 273 000 transactions, collecting 987 million coins with a total face value of HK$1,570 million during the period. The collected coins are re-circulated to meet demand.

The Coin Carts provide service at locations that are convenient to the public without affecting the normal flow of traffic and pedestrians. Locations that have suitable power supply facilities, such as the Leisure and Cultural Services Department mobile library service locations, are preferred so as to reduce the need for using the Coin Carts' own stand-by generators. This makes the Programme more environmentally friendly. In selecting the service locations, the HKMA has taken into consideration comments and suggestions given by district councils and members of public; and has consulted the Transport Department and the Hong Kong Police Force as necessary.

The two Coin Carts collect coins from members of public in the 18 districts of Hong Kong on a rotating basis. Under normal circumstances each Coin Cart will stay at a location for a week, subject to availability of the parking space and the maintenance schedule of the Cart. Service hours are from 10am to 7pm. Each vehicle is equipped with two coin counting machines and operational staff will be present to provide assistance. An electrical wheelchair lift is available for use. Users can choose to exchange coins for banknotes or adding value to their stored value facilities, such as Octopus Cards or e-wallets (including AlipayHK, Octopus Wallet, Tap&Go, TNG Wallet and WeChat Pay). There is also a Community Chest donation box inside each vehicle. The coin collection service is free of charge.

The HKMA will review the Programme from time to time; and will regularly update the service schedule to give advance notice to the public.

LegCo delegation begins duty visit to Japan

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation (the delegation), led by the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, began a four-day duty visit in Japan today (December 21) to strengthen ties with Japan and gain a deeper understanding of the latest situations and opportunities of the country in the areas of trade, culture and tourism, fisheries and agriculture, and food safety.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, the delegation had dinner and exchanged views with representatives of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo. Members and the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Miss Winsome Au, discussed issues such as fostering the bilateral economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and Japan, attracting investment, and promoting Hong Kong tourism. Members also gained insight into the latest developments of Japanese culture, and explored the opportunities for collaboration between Hong Kong and Japan’s cultural industries. Mr Leung expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo for their assistance in facilitating this duty visit.

The delegation will continue their duty visit in Japan tomorrow (December 22).

The delegation is led by Mr Leung. The Deputy delegation leader is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Liaison Subcommittee, Mr Tommy Cheung. Other participating Subcommittee members are Mr Jeffrey Lam, Mr Dominic Lee, Ms Nixie Lam, Ms Joephy Chan, Mr Tang Fei and Mr Yim Kong.

LegCo delegation begins duty visit to Japan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases