Hongkongers' next trip to Japan just got simpler, with Octopus officially integrating Japan's PayPay QR code payment into its app–now covering thousands of stores across the country.
This follows the company's launch of Thailand's PromptPay QR code payment and South Korea's Zero Pay in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
The new feature allows users to pay via QR code using their mobile Octopus App balance or Octopus Wallet at any of the merchants that accept PayPay.
Users can top up their accounts through bank apps, the Faster Payment System (FPS), or cash. The service also boasts zero transaction fees, favorable exchange rates, and merchant discounts.
Notably, the new service is available for both iOS and Android users, making spending in Japan hassle-free.
"The profit for the new service is limited but our main goal is to serve Hongkongers who love traveling to Japan," said Jeny Yeung Mei-chun, non-executive chairman of Octopus Holdings Limited.
According to reports, Hong Kong was Japan's fourth-largest source of tourists in 2024, totaling 2.68 million visitors.
To use the service, users simply need to navigate to the "Travel" section in the latest version of the mobile app and generate a PayPay QR code at checkout.
The Octopus app updates exchange rates every 180 seconds, automatically converting the yen amount at the time of the transaction.
Tips from online community
The launch was warmly received online, with many users praising the "decent rates".
Some users noted that the exchange rate was approximately HK$5.26 for every 100 yen on Monday (Sep 30)–which many users found better than credit card rates.
However, the community pointed out that the phone's location must be set to Japan to display the PayPay QR code; otherwise, it will be automatically hidden outside the country.
Moreover, it is found that the service is exclusive to physical stores and cannot be used for online shopping.
While some users praised the practicality of the service for traveling in Japan, others argued that existing tools are sufficient.
"Octopus needs to be topped up, but AlipayHK has linked credit cards to make it more convenient," one user noted.
Nevertheless, several commenters stated that the new service provides additional channels that benefit those without access to other payment systems.
