Credit Card Not Working in Japan? Can't Buy eSIM/Shinkansen? Solve Before Your Trip

Are you planning a trip to Japan? There's something we want you to know before you visit Japan. During your stay in Japan, many travelers face the problem of "My credit card doesn't work!" when trying to buy an eSIM online or book Shinkansen (bullet trains) or flights. There are many troubles where cards that worked fine in your home country cannot be used for payment when you try to use them in Japan. We also receive many inquiries from people using our service who cannot make a payment when trying to purchase an additional eSIM in Japan. The cause of this problem is the identity verification system called "3D Secure" introduced by many card companies. Specifically, it's because the One-Time Password (OTP) sent via SMS (Short Message Service) often cannot be received overseas (in Japan). This problem can be prevented with a little preparation before coming to Japan.

Reasons Why Your Credit Card Might Not Work for Payments in Japan

Cause: "3D Secure" and "SMS Authentication"

3D Secure (like Visa Secure, Mastercard ID Check) is an additional security check to prevent fraudulent use of cards online. As an authentication method, a One-Time Password (OTP) is commonly sent via SMS to the mobile phone number registered in your home country. However, when you are in Japan, you often cannot receive this SMS for the following reasons:

Using a Japanese SIM/eSIM: Since your smartphone has a Japanese number, SMS messages sent to your home country number won't arrive.
International Roaming Issues: Even if you keep your home country's SIM, you may not receive SMS if international SMS roaming is not supported, turned off, or due to poor signal.

When It Often Happens! Specific Examples:

• Online purchase of eSIM/SIM cards for travelers (e.g., after arriving at the airport)
• Online booking of Shinkansen tickets (e.g., JR's 'Ekinet', 'Smart EX')
• Online booking of domestic flights (JAL, ANA, LCCs)
• Online booking of highway buses
• Online purchase of popular attraction/event tickets (theme parks, museums, etc.)
• Shopping on Japanese e-commerce sites

Because these services often use 3D Secure, relying on SMS authentication can lead to being unable to pay with your credit card in Japan.

The Best Solution! Prepare Before Departing for Japan

To prevent your credit card from becoming unusable in Japan, preparation before coming is important.

Check Your Card's "3D Secure Authentication Method"

Let's check which authentication method your credit card uses (SMS, dedicated app, email, fixed password, etc.).

【Most Important】Change Authentication Method to "App" or "Email"

If your authentication method is "SMS", be sure to change it to "App Authentication" or "Email Authentication" beforehand.

App Authentication

This method sends an approval notification to the card company's/bank's dedicated smartphone app. It can be used in Japan if you have a Wi-Fi connection.

Email Authentication

This method sends a One-Time Password to your registered email address. This can also be received in Japan if you have Wi-Fi.

Prepare Multiple Credit Cards

If possible, bring multiple cards from different international brands like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or issued by different banks. If one card doesn't work, you can try another.

Check International SMS Roaming

For cards where SMS is the only authentication method, check with your mobile carrier about the availability and cost of international SMS roaming just in case. However, this is just a backup and doesn't guarantee reliable reception overseas. Prioritize changing to app/email authentication.

Inform Your Card Company of Your Overseas Travel Plans

To reduce the risk of your card being suspended due to suspected fraudulent use, it's recommended to inform your card company of your travel dates and destination beforehand. (You can usually do this via their website or phone).

For Those Already Unable to Pay with Credit Card in Japan

"Oops, I couldn't prepare before departure!" For those thinking this, there are things you can try even in Japan.

Check "Right Now" if Non-SMS Authentication Methods Can Be Used!

Open your banking app while connected to Wi-Fi and check if an approval notification arrives during payment. Check the settings screen to see if you can enable app authentication now. Check your registered email inbox and spam folder.

Try Another Credit Card

Try paying with other cards you have (from different brands/banks).

Receive SMS with Your Home Country SIM Card/eSIM

This involves temporarily enabling roaming on your home country SIM (Voice/SMS only ON, Data OFF) on a dual-SIM smartphone, or temporarily swapping back to your physical SIM. However, be aware of the risk of high charges.

Try Alternative Payment Services like PayPal

If the website supports it, try paying with your PayPal account.

Consult Your Home Country Bank via International Call

As a last resort when online payment is absolutely necessary, contact your bank's overseas support. (Be mindful of time differences, language barriers, and call charges).

Preparation Before Departure is Key!

The 3D Secure authentication problem for credit cards often occurs during online payments in Japan. The main cause is the difficulty of receiving SMS One-Time Passwords while overseas. The best way to avoid this trouble is to change your authentication method to "App Authentication" or "Email Authentication" before departing for Japan. This can be considered the most reliable and reassuring measure.