As announced earlier this year, Octopus has rolled out its Japan payment feature ahead of schedule. From 2 October 2025, verified users can pay Japanese merchants in Hong Kong dollars using the Octopus App, thanks to a new partnership with PayPay.
How does the Octopus x PayPay payment work in Japan?
Hongkongers using Octopus Wallet or Mobile Octopus can now make in-store payments across Japan, without converting yen or paying transaction fees. The feature is built into the Octopus App under the “Travel” tab and uses QR codes that can be scanned by either the merchant or the customer.
The service uses PayPay’s offline payment network, supported by the HIVEX® system from TBCASoft. It enables real-time payments in HKD at competitive exchange rates. Users must have either Octopus Wallet Plus or Pro (Verified) accounts to access the feature. No extra sign-up is required.
Where can Hongkongers use Octopus in Japan?
Octopus now works at millions of offline PayPay merchants across Japan. This includes convenience stores, restaurants, electronics shops, pharmacies, hotels, and taxis.
The partnership brings broad national coverage, as PayPay is Japan’s leading mobile payment provider with over 65 million users. However, the service excludes some merchant types, such as vending machines, ticket machines, or shops that require Japanese ID. Look for the standard PayPay logo (not the PayPay Money icon) to confirm acceptance. Octopus is not available for online purchases.
What should users know before paying with Octopus in Japan?
Users can pay with Octopus in Japan without setting a spending budget in advance.
Still, transaction limits apply based on wallet type.
- Octopus Wallet Pro users have a HK$30,000 daily limit.
- Wallet Plus users can spend up to HK$6,000 per transaction.
- Mobile Octopus linked to a verified wallet is capped at HK$3,000 per payment.
Payments are final once confirmed. Refunds are possible only if the merchant agrees. Disputes must be submitted to Octopus within 60 days, and arbitration is only available for claims over HK$2,400.
Users can track transactions or collect refunds directly via the app’s Japan PayPay section.
Header image credit: vichie81 from Getty Images Pro / Octopus
