Both cards are interchangeable, meaning you can use Suica on PASMO routes and vice versa. Two of the most popular IC cards in Japan—Suica and PASMO—make getting around Tokyo and beyond incredibly easy. Besides regular cards, there are personalized cards which can be replaced if lost (handling fee applies), commuter cards which also serve as a commuter pass, and cards for children. Note that IC cards can be returned only to the issuing company, e.g. it is not possible to return a Suica card in Osaka or an Icoca card in Tokyo. Furthermore, the balance can be checked at ticket machines together with a usage history.
The cards differ mainly on where they can be purchased and refunded. Specifically, they require Osaifu Keitai compatibility, which is not provided by most phones sold outside of Japan, come in Japanese only, and require an address in Japan and possibly a credit card that has been issued in Japan. When riding buses, card readers are placed at the entrance and/or exit of the bus. Dozens of train and bus operators across Japan have started issuing their own IC cards since 2001. Both registered PASMO cards and PASMO card passes can be reissued if lost. It can also be used at other shops and vending machines where interoperability with PASMO is available.
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You can also use them to make purchases at convenience stores, vending machines, and many restaurants. The current credit balance is shown on a small display whenever you pass a ticket gate or make a payment at a store. Furthermore, many convenience stores allow IC cards to be recharged at the cashier.
Suica and PASMO are contactless IC cards that allow you to pay for trains, buses, and even taxis in Japan. IC cards can be recharged at ticket machines and special re-charging machines found in strategically meaningful locations. IC cards can be purchased at ticket machines and ticket counters of the issuing railway companies.
- The initial cost consists of a refundable deposit of 500 yen plus an initial amount (typically 1500 yen) to be charged onto the card.
- Please note that unregistered PASMO cards cannot be reissued.
- If you load a digital card onto your mobile phone, then you have the choice of Suica, Pasmo or Icoca regardless of your geographical location.
- Valid on most public transportation within the Tokyo metropolitan area
- The current credit balance is shown on a small display whenever you pass a ticket gate or make a payment at a store.
- But which one should you choose?
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Bring your card to the ticket counter of the issuing operator in order to get back your 500 yen deposit. Iphone 8 and later models can be set up to serve as Suica, Pasmo and Icoca cards by adding the cards to Apple Pay, but note that some credit cards issued outside of Japan cannot be used to charge your card. Around central Tokyo, payment by IC card is always cheaper than payment by paper ticket (by up to nine yen), but outside of central Tokyo, either ticket type can be up to five yen cheaper than the other. But in Greater Tokyo, Niigata and Sendai, train fares tenobet casino can differ by a few yen depending on whether an IC card or a paper ticket is used. IC cards generally do not provide any discounts over regular tickets.
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Last but not least, Iphone users can add Suica, Pasmo and Icoca cards to Apple Pay. For a surcharge, Suica and Pasmo cards can also be purchased and sent to you before the start of your trip through Japan Experience. The initial cost consists of a refundable deposit of 500 yen plus an initial amount (typically 1500 yen) to be charged onto the card. The applicable fare will be automatically deducted when you exit through the ticket gate at your destination station.
📱 Mobile Suica & PASMO – No Physical Card Needed!
You can use a PASMO card by simply touching the sensor area of the ticket gate without even taking the card out of a card case, etc. Not applicable (PASMO cards not used for a 10-year period will become voided) It was originally predicted that approximately 2 million Pasmo cards would be sold in the first month, but actual sales numbers totaled approximately about 3 million. Pasmo can also be used as a payment card for vending machines and stores. ✅ Suica & PASMO work on iPhone & Android✅ Register with Apple Pay or Google Pay✅ Recharge instantly via a credit card✅ No need for a ¥500 deposit! Want to avoid carrying a physical IC card?
IC Cards
The ten cards are valid on virtually all trains, subways and buses in most of Japan's major cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Instead of physical IC cards, it is possible to use digital versions of some of the cards on mobile phones; however, at present, oversea tourists can do this only if they own an Iphone. The amount charged onto a PASMO card can also be used in shops and vending machines located in station areas. Ticket vending machines, station offices and pass offices at all Tokyo Metro stations In addition to using your charged PASMO card to ride the subway or buses, you can use it to pay for items purchased at stores and vending machines. Yes, you can refund your card at ticket offices, but a ¥220 handling fee applies.
- Pasmo can also be used as a payment card for vending machines and stores.
- ✅ Use Suica if you mainly ride JR trains or plan to visit multiple cities.✅ Use PASMO if you frequently take Tokyo Metro, private railways, or buses.✅ Prefer a mobile option?
- Android phones can be used as IC cards through the “Mobile Suica”, “Mobile Pasmo” and “Mobile Icoca” apps; however, the apps are targeted at residents of Japan and difficult or impossible to use for visitors to Japan.
- The ten cards are valid on virtually all trains, subways and buses in most of Japan’s major cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and Fukuoka.
- On April 11, 2007, it was announced that sales of Pasmo fare cards would be limited to commuter rail pass purchases until August due to extremely high demand.
- In July 22, 2014, Nintendo added support for Suica and Pasmo in the Nintendo eShop through the NFC function of the Wii U GamePad and the New Nintendo 3DS.
- In this guide, we’ll compare Suica vs. PASMO, covering their differences, benefits, and how to use them during your trip.
How to get back the 500 yen refundable deposit?
When passing automatic ticket gates, touch the card onto the card reader for about one second (rather than inserting it into the ticket slot). Please note that unregistered PASMO cards cannot be reissued. When traveling further than your fare allows, if your PASMO card is charged, the exceeding amount shall be deducted automatically when you touch the ticket gate.