🇯🇵 How to Pay in Japan

Japan has a cash-friendly culture in transition. QR code payments like PayPay are everywhere for locals, but tourists generally cannot register (it requires a Japanese phone number and ID). Stick to IC cards and credit cards instead. Rural areas still prefer cash. Get a Suica card immediately upon arrival as it works on virtually all transit and at convenience stores nationwide.

Payment & Finance Apps

PayPay

Nice to have

Japan's most widely used QR code payment app, accepted at convenience stores, restaurants, taxis, and small shops across the country.

Pro tip: PayPay requires a Japanese phone number to register, so most tourists cannot use it. Rely on Suica and your foreign card instead. If you have a Japan-based number, foreign Visa/Mastercard linking is possible but with low spending caps.