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Works fine WhatsApp
Local app preferredWorks fine Local app preferred
Asia
Japan
Last verified: July 24, 2026How current is this? Read our accuracy disclaimer
Payments1
Apple Pay
Use instead: Suica (in Apple Wallet)
Apple Pay works, and you can add a Suica transit card to Apple Wallet for trains and convenience stores.
Set up before you land
Last verified: Jul 24, 2026
Still accurate?
Messaging1
Use instead: LINE
WhatsApp works but is rarely used. LINE is the standard messaging app in Japan.
Set up before you land
Last verified: Jul 24, 2026
Still accurate?
Maps & Navigation1
Google Maps
No direct substitute
Google Maps works excellently in Japan, with detailed train and subway routing.
No setup needed
Last verified: Jul 24, 2026
Still accurate?
Ride-hailing1
Uber
Use instead: GO / DiDi
Uber exists but mostly books regular taxis and is limited. The GO taxi app is more widely used.
Set up before you land
Last verified: Jul 24, 2026
Still accurate?