Suica vs PASMO: Which IC Card is Best for You? A Complete Comparison! JTI Japan Travel Itinerary

From 10 yen up to 20,000 yen in 10 yen units It can also be used for member shops of railways and buses nationwide where interoperability is offered. The card is rechargeable and can be used over and over. This section provides information about actual or expected delays of 15 minutes or more for train services.
Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy exploring Japan with ease! Both Suica and PASMO make your trip in Japan more convenient, allowing for cashless and hassle-free travel. Mobile Suica works best for international users. Suica (Welcome Suica) is the best choice if you’re traveling across Japan, as it has better nationwide support. Since both work almost the same way, one card is enough.
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.
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.

Japanese

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.

Pasmo

• In addition, the “Welcome Suica Mobile” app is available for Iphones.
• The cards differ mainly on where they can be purchased and refunded.
• Bring your card to the ticket counter of the issuing operator in order to get back your 500 yen deposit.
• You can also use them to make purchases at convenience stores, vending machines, and many restaurants.
• 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.
• The card is rechargeable and can be used over and over.

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 tenobet casino 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?
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.

Fare adjustment done automatically at the ticket gate, making traveling further easy

But which one should you choose? If you're traveling to Japan, navigating public transportation efficiently is key to a smooth and stress-free experience. Unused credit can also be refunded; however, most companies will subtract a 220 yen handling fee from the remaining balance. They can also be recharged at stations of companies other than the issuing company, e.g. Therefore, most people will want to purchase the card available in the first city they visit, e.g. In addition, the "Welcome Suica Mobile" app is available for Iphones.

• The amount charged onto the PASMO card and the initial 500 yen deposit is returned.
• In 2013, interoperation was extended country-wide, and Pasmo became usable across Japan as part of the Nationwide Mutual Usage Service.
• From 10 yen up to 20,000 yen in 10 yen units
• These communities can provide more personalized advice and up-to-date information on where to watch “Love.”
• 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.
• But in Greater Tokyo, Niigata and Sendai, train fares can differ by a few yen depending on whether an IC card or a paper ticket is used.

📱 Mobile Suica & PASMO – No Physical Card Needed!

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 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.

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.

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.