Visit Japan Web is an official browser service for immigration, customs and eligible tax-free workflows, not an app. Use only services.digital.go.jp because Japan's Digital Agency warns about lookalike apps. A JAPAN eVISA is separate and, when required, its issuance notice must be displayed live on a connected device at departure; a screenshot or printout is not accepted. From November 1, 2026, Japan changes tax-free shopping to a refund system: eligible travelers pay tax at purchase, obtain customs confirmation when departing within 90 days, then receive the refund from the participating business. Rail is the default in major destinations. On a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch, adding Suica, PASMO or ICOCA directly in Apple Wallet may be simplest. Welcome Suica Mobile is a separate iOS visitor app with 180-day validity and no balance refund. There is no current version for ordinary overseas Android phones; JR East has announced Samsung Galaxy support for the first half of 2027, not today. Physical Welcome Suica and the new TOURIST PASMO are 28-day alternatives, with current sales locations and no stored-value refunds. Cards are common, but carry yen. PayPay is built around locally verified accounts and is not a sensible arrival install. Google Maps is the best general planner, with Japan Travel by NAVITIME useful for pass filters and complex rail. GO covers all 47 prefectures and supports foreign numbers and cards, but short-term visitors pay an international service charge plus applicable taxi and app fees. Install Safety tips, save police 110, fire and ambulance 119, and keep JNTO's 24-hour visitor hotline available offline.
Visitors do not need a Japanese payment app.
PayPay is a major local QR wallet, but useful funding features depend on a locally verified account. Its official identity process for foreign nationals requires Japanese resident documentation such as a My Number card or residence card, and linked funding uses supported Japanese financial institutions. That is resident onboarding, not a normal short-stay solution. International Visa, Mastercard, JCB and other major cards are accepted widely at hotels, chains, department stores, attractions and many urban restaurants.
Contactless acceptance depends on the card, wallet, terminal and merchant, and a foreign card can work in person while failing on a Japanese website that requires 3D Secure. Carry yen and two physical cards from different issuers. Cash remains important at some family businesses, temples, rural services, clinics, lockers and ticket machines. A compatible IC transit card can also pay at many convenience stores, vending machines and participating retailers, but it is not a replacement for cash or a bank card.
Use ATMs at Japan Post Bank, major banks or established convenience stores, read the fee and limit, shield the PIN and reject unsolicited help. Confirm the yen amount before tapping and normally decline home-currency conversion when offered. Do not scan an unverified payment QR code or transfer money because a host or seller changes details in chat. A home-country travel card may reduce exchange costs, but it is not Japan-specific and total fees vary.
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Guac eSIM covers Japan with plans from $0.58 per GB. Install it before you land and activate instantly.
How to Pay in Japan