Binance Pay enables foreign visitors in Japan to spend USDT at PayPay merchants
Starting Wednesday, overseas Binance Pay users visiting Japan will be able to pay with the stablecoin Tether (USDT) at most merchants accepting PayPay. This service operates via HIVEX, a payment interoperability framework connecting international QR code payment providers to PayPay's merchant network. Merchants continue to settle transactions in yen. Binance Pay is the first crypto payment service to integrate with PayPay through HIVEX.
Binance Pay Integration with HIVEX and PayPay
Binance Pay enables eligible overseas users visiting Japan to spend USDT through HIVEX, a payment interoperability framework that links various QR code payment services to PayPay’s extensive merchant network. Binance confirmed that merchants do not need separate opt-in for this integration. Merchants continue to receive settlements in Japanese yen, simplifying local financial processes.
Japanese Tourism and PayPay’s Market Reach
PayPay is a widely used cashless payment system across Japan, accepted at millions of outlets including major chains, smaller retailers, taxis, vending machines, and public transportation. Through HIVEX, PayPay already supports nine other overseas payment services mainly from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Japan recorded a record 42.7 million international visitors in 2025, ranking ninth globally and first in Asia. Although visitor arrivals declined by 9.6% in August 2026 year-over-year, tourism remains a crucial part of the Japanese economy.
Why it matters
Binance Pay’s expansion into the Japanese market via HIVEX marks a significant milestone in integrating cryptocurrency payments with established national payment systems and infrastructure. For Japan, with its high volume of international tourists and sophisticated digital payment ecosystem, this creates new opportunities to enhance payment convenience and options, potentially boosting tourism activity and broader crypto adoption.
Prepared from the source material with AI-assisted editing and checked against the supplied facts.
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