South Korea's 'Travel Wallet' foreign currency exchange app, with 9 million cards issued, launches in Japan. Offers prepaid card supporting 46 currencies + transport IC for Korean subways/buses.

Smooth foreign currency exchange and payments for overseas travel.

Travel Wallet Japan Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Yudai Ueda) officially launched the Japanese version of the foreign currency exchange app 'Travel Wallet,' which has issued a cumulative 9 million cards in South Korea, starting April 27, 2026. This service provides a complete payment experience with a single card, the 'Travel Pay Card,' linked to a smartphone app, offering foreign currency exchange for 46 currencies, payments at Visa merchants worldwide, and even transport IC use on Korean subways and city buses.

■ Social Background: Increase in Japanese travelers to Korea and expansion of the overseas cashless payment market.

According to an announcement by the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of Japanese travelers to Korea in 2025 is expected to significantly exceed pre-COVID levels, reaching an all-time high. Furthermore, Korea is one of the countries with a high cashless payment ratio globally, with card payments and mobile payments widely adopted in numerous stores. For travelers from Japan, the choice of payment method now significantly impacts the quality of their travel experience.

Traditionally, travelers had to combine multiple options such as cash exchange at airports/banks, overseas credit card payments, local prepaid cards, and currency exchange apps. However, each option had differences in fees, convenience, and risk. In particular, the need to manage 'payments' and 'transportation' with separate cards/services was a burden for travelers.

'Travel Wallet' addresses these challenges by integrating foreign currency exchange, payments, and transport IC use into a single card and app.

■ Main Features of Travel Wallet

1. Foreign currency exchange function supporting 46 currencies

On the app, you can exchange Japanese Yen to 46 currencies worldwide, including Korean Won, US Dollar, Euro, New Taiwan Dollar, and Thai Baht, at real-time rates. You can choose the best exchange rate timing, allowing for planned preparation before your trip.

2. Payments at Visa merchants worldwide

The prepaid 'Travel Pay Card' can be used not only in Korea but also worldwide wherever Visa is accepted. It can be used for shopping, dining, accommodation, and online payments, just like a credit card.

3. Transport IC function compatible with Korean subways and city buses

'Travel Wallet' is the first prepaid card issued in Japan with linked balance to feature Korean transport IC functionality. It allows touch-and-go boarding on Korean subways and city buses in major cities like Seoul and Busan, similar to Suica (no separate T-money card required). This eliminates the need to use separate cards for transportation and payments, as was traditionally the case.

*Outside of Korea, it can also be used on public transportation that supports Visa contactless payments domestically and internationally (※availability may vary depending on region, operator, and route).

4. No bank account opening required, card issuance in as few as 3 steps

No bank account opening is necessary. Card issuance, from app download to identity verification (eKYC), can be completed in as few as 3 steps. The direct-linked account type allows deposits and charges before departure, while the dedicated transfer account type allows deposits and charges even while traveling overseas.

5. Exchange back to Japanese Yen after returning home

Any leftover foreign currency balance after your trip can be exchanged back to Japanese Yen or other foreign currencies via the app. It can also be held as foreign currency points domestically and reused for future trips to other countries, addressing the traditional travel exchange problem of 'leftover foreign currency that can't be spent.'

■ Specific Use Cases

For example, a day trip to Seoul──

In the morning, leave the hotel and tap the 'Travel Pay Card' at the subway gate to board (transport IC function).

Pay for coffee at a cafe in Myeongdong (prepaid payment at a Visa merchant).

Many stores at Dongdaemun market and food stalls also accept 'Travel Pay Card' payments.

If the balance runs low while on the move, charge by depositing into the dedicated transfer account (※direct-linked account charging overseas is under development).

In the evening, pay for dinner at a restaurant in Hongdae and return to the hotel.

The biggest difference from traditional payment methods is the ability to complete all of these with 'one card + one app'.

■ Achievements of the Korean Headquarters

The Korean headquarters (Travel Wallet Co., Ltd.) operating 'Travel Wallet' has been offering prepaid foreign currency exchange services since 2018 and has issued a cumulative 9 million cards by March 2026. It is widely used as a foreign currency exchange app in Korea. This establishment of a Japanese subsidiary and service expansion marks its first full-scale overseas expansion, driven by the growing demand for overseas travel payments in the Japanese market.