Revolut Japan-Trip Signup: Complete Walkthrough
Start 5 days before departure. Full flow from zero account to a virtual card in Apple Wallet, end-to-end in 10 minutes. Standard plan is free and covers the entire tourist journey.
Why Revolut for a Japan trip
- 0% FX on weekdays (vs Wise's 0.40-0.65% 24/7)
- Up to ¥32,000/month in ATM withdrawals fee-free
- Disposable virtual cards: best-in-class anti-phishing
- Group bill / split function — handy for family/couple trips
- Standard plan runs at ¥0/month — enough for tourism
Signup steps
Download the Revolut app
Search "Revolut" on the App Store or Google Play. Blue R logo.
Phone number + SMS verification
Phone number → 6-digit SMS code. Unlike Wise (email-first), Revolut starts with phone.
Pick a plan (Standard is enough)
Standard covers tourism. Plus/Premium/Metal cost monthly and only widen the free allowances.
KYC with passport
Photograph passport + auto-selfie. Usually approved in 5-15 minutes.
Issue the virtual card
Cards → + Add new → regular Virtual (NOT Disposable — those can't be added to Apple Pay).
Add to Apple Wallet
"Add to Apple Wallet" → Face ID → a tutorial video plays → done.
Enable overseas usage
Cards → Settings → ensure "Online transactions," "Contactless," and "ATM withdrawals" are all ON. Default state can be OFF.
After signup
Convert to USD (or other home currency) on a weekday to lock in 0% FX. **Weekend conversions or ATM withdrawals carry a +1% surcharge** — front-load on Friday. At a 7-Bank ATM, use the "Smartphone" QR option; full walkthrough at [the Revolut ATM tutorial](/tutorial/revolut-virtual-card-atm).