Contactless payment (NFC/Google Pay/Apple Pay) in Japan is inconsistent
Contactless payment (NFC/Google Pay/Apple Pay) in Japan is inconsistent. Many terminals only accept physical cards. Virtual cards are unreliable for retail purchases or Tax Free claims. Always carry a physical card and sufficient cash.
The Altyn crypto-wallet from South Ossetia now offers virtual Visa cards
The Altyn crypto-wallet from South Ossetia now offers virtual Visa cards. They allow account opening with a Russian passport, issue 'Mir' cards, and accept rubles via SBP. Users can register with a foreign passport, get a virtual Visa (Singapore BIN), fund it with rubles, and use it for online payments. Android users can add it to G-Pay. Drawbacks include a suboptimal USD conversion rate, no Apple Pay support, and no physical card option. While not recommended for storing funds, it's suitable for quick transactions. Card issuance fee is 999 RUB.
Alipay is generally not accepted for payments in Japan
Alipay is generally not accepted for payments in Japan. Travelers should be aware of this limitation and prepare alternative payment methods.
Explain the limitations of using Apple Pay in Japan, particularly in certain stores and with specific terminals
Explain the limitations of using Apple Pay in Japan, particularly in certain stores and with specific terminals. Advise on how to withdraw cash using Apple Pay or alternative methods for converting funds from Russian cards, such as P2P platforms or specific exchange services available in Osaka. Mention the importance of having physical cards as a backup.
Apple Pay can be used for public transport in Osaka and some Tokyo metro stations where card scanners are available
Apple Pay can be used for public transport in Osaka and some Tokyo metro stations where card scanners are available. If you have a Suica card linked, payment will be debited from it. If the Suica balance is insufficient, the payment will be processed directly from your linked Apple Pay card.
A traveler is planning to use Apple Pay and cash for their trip to Japan, as their bank (Freedom Bank) has delayed the…
A traveler is planning to use Apple Pay and cash for their trip to Japan, as their bank (Freedom Bank) has delayed the delivery of a plastic card for two weeks.
Advise on payment methods in Japan for travelers relying on Apple Pay
Advise on payment methods in Japan for travelers relying on Apple Pay. Explain that not all terminals accept it and physical cards are often required. Provide information on potential solutions for withdrawing cash using Apple Pay in Osaka or exchanging money from Russian cards, including the feasibility of P2P transactions or alternative services.
For non-Russian issued bank cards in Japan, NFC payments via Apple Pay or Google Pay are widely accepted at convenience…
For non-Russian issued bank cards in Japan, NFC payments via Apple Pay or Google Pay are widely accepted at convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven) and retail chains. When paying, use the term 'Touch' to indicate NFC intent. Some small retail boutiques may still be cash-only. Note that while digital wallets are effective, carrying yen remains necessary for small shops or specific vendors.