Most modern Japanese vending machines accept cashless payments. You can tap transit IC cards (like Suica or Pasmo) or scan mobile QR codes (PayPay) to buy drinks.
💡 Cultural Context & Science
Following the huge success of tapping IC transit cards at train ticket gates, beverage companies rapidly updated machines to allow commuter tap-to-pay purchases.
💬 Useful Conversation Phrases
First, press the beverage button you want. Then, tap your IC card or mobile wallet on the scanner/reader screen until it beeps.
🔊 Just by tapping your Suica on the vending machine's reader, you can buy cold water in an instant. / Even if you don't carry coins, you can make purchases at machines supporting mobile payments.
❓ Bilingual Vending Quiz
When purchasing a drink using a transit IC card (like Suica) on a cashless vending machine, what is the correct steps?