Wise Virtual Card → Apple Pay Tutorial (ATM cash requires the physical card)
From zero Wise account to Apple Pay tap payments and Suica top-ups, with screenshots for every screen. Works without the physical card. Note: withdrawing cash from a Japanese ATM requires inserting the physical card — a virtual card or Apple Pay QR/tap alone cannot dispense cash.
What you need: a smartphone (iOS 16+ recommended), your passport, 20 minutes.
Sign up for Wise (personal)
Email + phone signup, pick your country of residence. No initial deposit required.
KYC: passport scan
Photograph your passport with no reflection. Avoid overhead fluorescent light; flat on a desk works best.
Selfie verification
Follow on-screen prompts to turn your head. 30 seconds. Usually approved in 3-10 minutes.
Issue the virtual card
Get a card → choose the free Virtual option → set a 4-digit PIN. Instant issue.
Card details revealed
Card number, expiry, CVV all visible. Online purchases work immediately.
Add to Apple Wallet
Tap the "Add to Apple Wallet" button. Apple Wallet opens automatically.
Wallet confirms
Face ID confirms → done. Tap-to-pay works at every convenience store and station gate.
Top up Suica/ICOCA as a cash substitute
Open Suica/ICOCA in Apple Wallet → "+" → choose your added Wise card and top up. Visa-branded virtual cards often error out here — if that happens, use a Mastercard-branded card, or top up with cash at a station ticket machine.
If you need cash, the physical card is required
⚠️ Japanese ATMs (like 7-Bank) do offer a "Smartphone"/QR withdrawal menu, but it's for domestic apps and domestically issued cards only. To withdraw cash from a foreign-issued Wise card, you must insert the physical card into the slot. A virtual card or Apple Pay alone cannot dispense cash from a Japanese ATM.
The virtual card covers Apple Pay tap payments and Suica/ICOCA top-ups — most of your spending on a Japan trip (setup takes about 20 minutes). If you'll need cash, order the physical card 1-2 weeks before departure (it ships in 7-14 business days). Some moments — street stalls, shrine offerings, a few ticket machines — are still cash-only.