Complete PayPay Guide for Foreigners in Japan【2026】
📋 Contents
① What is PayPay?
PayPay is Japan's largest QR-code payment service, run by SoftBank and Yahoo. As of 2026 it has 65+ million users and 5+ million merchant locations — Japan's most widespread cashless payment. Accepted at nearly all convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and drugstores.
Foreigners can register with just a Japanese phone number. No residence card needed, and you can top up and pay without a credit card.
② How to Register (Phone Number Only)
- Install the free PayPay app (supports Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese)
- Tap "Sign up" and enter your Japanese mobile number (090/080/070)
- Enter the 6-digit SMS verification code
- Set a password — done! You can now top up and pay
③ Top-up Methods Available to Foreigners
- 🏦 Bank account ○: Yucho, MUFG, Rakuten, SBI Sumishin etc. — instant top-up once linked
- 🏪 Seven Bank ATM ○: cash top-up at 7-Eleven ATMs
- 💳 Japanese credit card ○: Visa/Mastercard/JCB; auto top-up available
- 🌏 Overseas credit card ×: foreign-issued cards cannot be registered per the terms
- 🎁 PayPay gift card ○: buy prepaid gift cards at convenience stores
④ How to Pay
- Open the app and tap "Pay"
- Choose "barcode" (the clerk scans you) or "scan" (you scan the store's QR and enter the amount)
- Confirm the amount and tap "Pay" — done!
Accepted at: convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, drugstores, clothing stores, gas stations, hospitals, taxis, Amazon, Yahoo! Shopping and more.
⑤ FAQ
A. For basic use (top-up and payments), no residence card is needed. Completing identity verification unlocks money transfers (requires residence card or My Number Card).
A. PayPay balance is limited to domestic payments and transfers. For international remittance, use Wise or SBI Remit.
A. Yes — regular payments earn 0.5–1.5% in points.