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Jiang Chuqin

Octopus mobile app users can now make payments at millions of merchants across Japan in a move that will bring convenience to many Hongkongers planning to visit the country.
Users can pay by scanning the PayPay QR code or generating one via the app. Payments are also without fees after Octopus Holdings teamed up with the country’s biggest code-based payment service provider, PayPay.
The Post unpacks what users need to know about the new arrangement.
1. How can you use the Octopus app to pay in Japan?
Before travelling, users need to upgrade their Octopus wallet account to Plus or Pro, which requires several verifications, including an identification document.
Linking an Octopus card to a verified Octopus Wallet and setting up the automatic add value service are also required.
Then, users can either scan the PayPay QR codes available at merchants in Japan using the Octopus app or generate a PayPay QR code through the travel section inside the app.
Once a payment is successful, PayPay’s signature sound will play to confirm the transaction is complete for both customers and merchants.
2. What promotions or deals are available for Octopus payments?
Octopus promised to offer zero transaction fees and a favourable currency exchange rate, which could save 2 to 3 per cent compared with credit card payments and 1 to 1.5 per cent when using other digital wallet payment methods.
Some popular brands among travellers, including the large electronics retailer BicCamera and department stores Seibu and Sogo, also offer special coupons for Octopus users.
Octopus will also launch some promotions to celebrate the breakthrough in its cross-border payment expansion in mid-October, including cash rewards and flight tickets to Japan.

3. How many merchants in Japan support this payment method?
Millions of merchants in Japan, including convenience stores, restaurants, electronics retailers, pharmacies, hotels and taxi services, support payment through PayPay.
The Japanese digital payment provider said it had more than 70 million registered users, taking over two-thirds of the country’s code-based payment market share.
As long as the merchant supports PayPay, Octopus users can settle their payment through the app.
4. What are the payment limits per day or per transaction?
For Octopus Wallet Pro, the limit per transaction and per day is HK$30,000 (US$3,860).
For Octopus Wallet Plus, which is for teenagers aged between 13 and 18, the limit per transaction and per day is HK$6,000.
For the linked mobile Octopus card, the transaction limit is HK$3,000, with a daily cap of HK$10,000.


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The Post unpacks the steps required to make payments through Octopus, along with benefits and limitations


The Post unpacks the steps required to make payments through Octopus, along with benefits and limitations.


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How Hongkongers can use Octopus for payments in Japan and what the perks are

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The Post unpacks the steps required to make payments through Octopus, along with benefits and limitations

1. How can you use the Octopus app to pay in Japan?

The Post unpacks the steps required to make payments through Octopus, along with benefits and limitations