Can Tourists Use PayPay in Japan?
Short answer: usually no — PayPay requires a Japanese mobile number that can receive SMS, and its help page says overseas numbers cannot be used. Pay with a credit card, yen cash, Suica in Apple Wallet or a Welcome Suica instead; some overseas wallets (e.g. Alipay, WeChat Pay) also work at PayPay shops.
Why this page: in the Japan Tourism Agency survey of 4,110 visitors leaving Japan (FY2025), card payment was a problem for 10.7% — rising since FY2023 — mostly at restaurants (32%).
What PayPay says
- You need the PayPay app and a smartphone that can receive SMS.
- "Overseas mobile numbers cannot be used. Please prepare a Japanese mobile number." (PayPay Help, translated)
The overseas-wallet route
PayPay says users of 26 overseas cashless services from 14 countries/regions can pay at PayPay merchants, including WeChat Pay since September 2025 (WeChat Pay only where you scan the shop's QR code). This uses your home app — not a PayPay account.
Alternatives for visitors
| Option | What official pages say |
|---|---|
| Suica in Apple Wallet | Wallet → + → Transit Card → Suica. Needs an eligible iPhone, Apple Account with two-factor authentication, and an eligible payment card (Apple). |
| Welcome Suica Mobile | JR East's visitor Suica app; valid 180 days; top-up may be limited from some countries until you arrive (JR East). |
| Welcome Suica (card) | Top up with yen cash only; balance not refundable; valid 28 days (JR East). |
| Credit card + yen cash | See our money guide for ATMs that accept foreign cards. |
Not confirmed by an official source, so left out: other Japanese QR apps (Rakuten Pay, d Payment, au PAY) for visitors, which shops take which overseas wallet.
Quick answers
Can tourists use PayPay in Japan?
Not with a PayPay account in practice: PayPay's help page says you need a Japanese mobile number that can receive SMS and that overseas numbers can't be used. Visitors with supported overseas wallets (e.g. Alipay, WeChat Pay) can pay at many PayPay merchants.
Can I add Suica to my iPhone as a tourist?
Apple says you can add Suica in Wallet (Transit Card) on an eligible iPhone with an Apple Account using two-factor authentication and an eligible card. JR East also offers Welcome Suica Mobile for visitors.
More Japan trip guides: Japan trip checklist (all guides)
Official sources
Checked November 4, 2026 (JST). Apps, fees and rules can change; confirm on the official pages.
- Japan Tourism Agency — FY2025 survey of foreign visitors (official, Japanese): www.mlit.go.jp
- PayPay Help — What you need to use PayPay (official, Japanese): paypay.ne.jp
- PayPay Corp. — Overseas payment services at PayPay merchants (official press release): about.paypay.ne.jp
- Apple Support — Add a transit card to Apple Wallet in Japan (official): support.apple.com
- JR East — Welcome Suica Mobile (official): www.jreast.co.jp
- JR East — Welcome Suica (official): www.jreast.co.jp