Wise Virtual Card → Apple Pay → 7-Bank ATM Tutorial
From zero Wise account to cash in hand at a Japanese ATM, with screenshots for every screen. Works without the physical card.
What you need: a smartphone (iOS 16+ recommended), your passport, 20-30 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.
At the 7-Bank ATM, pick language
Choose English (or 12 other languages) on the language screen.
Tap "Smartphone" instead of card
Choose Smartphone, not Card. The ATM displays a QR code.
Scan the QR with your phone
In Wise: Card → Withdraw → scan the ATM's QR code with your phone camera.
Confirm amount in the Wise app
Enter amount (¥1,000-¥100,000 in ¥1,000 increments) → confirm.
Cash dispenses from the ATM
Mixed 1,000 / 5,000 / 10,000-yen bills come out. Grab the receipt too.
Once you've done it once, the whole flow takes about 5 minutes. First time, count on 20. This single flow covers ~95% of payment moments on a Japan trip — even if your physical Wise card never arrives.