How to Use Your Wise Card in Japan

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Japan is a popular destination for Singaporeans, whether you're travelling for holidays, shopping, or longer stays. If you're planning a trip, you might be wondering how to use your Wise card in Japan to spend Japanese yen (JPY) conveniently, with transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate.

So, does Wise work in Japan for payments and ATM withdrawals? Yes, and you can also use Wise to pay supported QR codes in Japan. Here's what you need to know.

If you're still planning your trip, you can also check out our guides on the best time to visit Japan and brands that are cheaper in Japan to make the most of your trip.

Can I use Wise in Japan?

Yes. If you have a Wise account issued in Singapore, you can use it when travelling to Japan to:

• Spend using your Wise card
• Convert SGD to Japanese yen (JPY) and other supported currencies
• Send money internationally
• Pay supported QR codes in Japan through the Wise app

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, which is the one you see on Google, with fees shown upfront. This means no hidden markups when you spend or transfer money overseas.

To get started, simply add money to your Wise account and convert to JPY, or let Wise automatically convert at the point of payment.

Can I use the Wise card in Japan?

Yes. Both physical and digital Wise cards are accepted anywhere Visa or Mastercard payments are supported.

In practice, your card will work at:

• Major retailers and shopping malls
• Hotels and larger restaurants
• Convenience stores and chain outlets

Some smaller shops, local eateries, and rural areas may not accept cards, so it's a good idea to carry some cash with you.

The Wise card can be used in 40+ currencies and in 150+ countries, which makes it a convenient option if Japan is just one stop on a wider trip.

How to use Wise in Japan

You can use your Wise card in Japan in a few different ways:

• Pay in-store where cards are accepted
• Pay supported QR codes in the Wise app
• Withdraw cash from ATMs across Japan
• Pay for transport and services

How to pay with QR codes in Japan

Besides card payments and ATM withdrawals, you can also use Wise for supported QR payments in Japan. If a merchant shows a supported QR code, you may be able to pay through the Wise app.

For now, supported QR payments in Japan include Alipay+ QR. Depending on the checkout flow, you may either scan the merchant's QR code in the Wise app, or show your payment QR code for the merchant to scan.

To scan a supported QR code with Wise:

1. Tap Scan on the home screen, or go to the Card tab and swipe left on your card
2. Scan the QR code or import one from your photo gallery
3. Follow the steps to confirm your payment

Where to withdraw cash in Japan

ATMs in Japan are widely available, but not all accept foreign-issued cards. The most reliable options include:

• 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) ATMs, found in convenience stores across Japan¹
• Japan Post Bank ATMs, located in post offices and some convenience stores²

These ATMs usually offer English-language options and are tourist-friendly.

Do note that ATM operators may charge a fee per withdrawal, and fees and limits can vary depending on the ATM provider.

With a Singapore-issued Wise card, you can withdraw up to 100 SGD each month for free. After that, low fees apply.

💡 Tip: Always choose to withdraw in JPY and decline any currency conversion offered at the ATM to avoid extra charges.

Using your Wise digital card in Japan

Wise also lets you create digital cards, which can be useful for travel.

With a digital card, you can:

• Pay online or in apps
• Add it to mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, depending on your card region
• Freeze or replace your card instantly if needed

Each digital card has its own details, which adds an extra layer of security. If anything looks suspicious, you can replace a digital card instantly without waiting for a new physical card.

How to order a Wise card in Singapore

Order your Wise card before you travel so you can spend easily as soon as you arrive. You can start using a Wise digital card immediately after ordering, while your physical card is on its way.

You can order a Wise card in Singapore by following these steps:³

1. Download the Wise app or sign up on the Wise website
2. Create an account using your email, or sign in with Google, Apple, or Facebook
3. Verify your identity using Singpass (Myinfo), or upload your documents manually — if you're using Singpass, your details can be confirmed in about a minute
4. Once verified, add money to your account in SGD
5. Go to the Cards tab and choose a digital or physical card
6. Pay the one-time fee of 8.50 SGD for a physical card (digital cards are free)

Your physical card will be delivered to your registered address, usually within 3 working days. Once you've ordered your physical card, you can create and start using a digital card immediately while you wait for it to arrive.

Before you can spend, you'll need to add money to your Wise balance in the app.

🚀 Order your Wise Card now

Before you travel

Before heading to Japan, it's a good idea to prepare your balance. You can:

• Add SGD to your Wise account
• Convert SGD to JPY in advance
• Spend in SGD and let Wise automatically convert at the point of payment

If you hold a JPY balance, payments will be deducted from it first. Otherwise, Wise will automatically convert from your other balances, using the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent conversion fees from 0.26%.

It's also worth knowing that public transport in Japan runs largely on IC cards like Suica or PASMO, rather than bank cards. You can read more about how to get started with a Suica card in Japan. For taxis and ride-hailing, card payments may be available in cities, but it's wise to have some cash on hand just in case.

Finally, set your card PIN before you go, in case contactless payment is not accepted somewhere.

Summary: using Wise in Japan

Wise is a convenient option for travel spending in Japan, allowing you to spend easily with automatic currency conversion and transparent fees.

You can pay in several ways:

• Card payments at supported merchants
• Supported QR payments through the Wise app
• ATM withdrawals for cash
• Mobile wallet payments where available

With Wise, you can hold and convert 40+ currencies, spend in 150+ countries, and make ATM withdrawals fee-free up to 100 SGD each month before low fees apply.

💳 Get your Wise card

1. Seven Bank – International card ATM services
2. Japan Post Bank – International ATM service
3. Getting verified in Singapore | Wise Help Centre