Seamless Payments For Hong Kong Visitors

Tokyo, Japan | Image credit: Yu Kato/Unsplash

Octopus, a payment app, is scheduled to launch in Japan by the third quarter of this year, providing added convenience for travellers from Hong Kong. Soon, visitors can use their Octopus mobile apps to make payments in Japan without relying solely on exchanged currency. The platform is already accepted in South Korea and Thailand.

The Octopus card is a contactless payment method used online and offline in Hong Kong for public transport, cinemas, cafes, convenience stores, and retail shops. Currently, over 20 million Octopus cards are in circulation, and 98 percent of the population uses the card daily. Additionally, the app offers an online wallet with the same benefits as the physical card.

Octopus app in Japan: All you need to know
Kyoto, Japan | Image credit: Su San Lee/Unsplash

Octopus CEO Tim Ying Tien-chi announced that Hong Kong residents will soon be able to use the Octopus app in Japan. The team is in discussions with various payment platforms in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ to collaborate and enhance coverage for seamless travel.

The organisation collaborated with Thailand’s PromptPay in 2023 and South Korea’s Zero Pay in 2024, aiming to replicate this in Japan to facilitate online transactions for Hong Kong travellers.

Under this system, travellers will no longer need to exchange currency. Instead, they will simply top up their e-wallets using the app. The app will handle currency conversion and facilitate payments through QR codes provided by Japanese merchants. Additionally, the Octopus card can be added to Apple Pay, Huawei Pay, and Samsung Pay, and the app is available on the app stores of all major operating systems.

Check the official website to understand how to use the Octopus app and cards.

(Feature image credit: Yu Kato/Unsplash)

Related | The Best New and Upcoming Hotels in Japan

Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

Written By

Priyaja Bakshi

Digital Writer – Growth, Travel

Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read Moreat Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. As a former Food Writer at NDTV, she can help you find the best places to eat in Delhi! Read Less