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The Suica Card App is a game-changer for Japan travel. It's a prepaid card that can be used to ride trains, buses, and subways across the country.
With the Suica Card App, you can easily manage your Suica card balance and transaction history. This is especially useful when you're traveling and want to keep track of your expenses.
You can also use the app to add value to your Suica card, which is convenient when you're running low on funds. This way, you can top up your card without having to physically visit a train station.
The Suica Card App is available for both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.
Using the Suica Card App
You can use the Suica or PASMO app for additional services on your card. This includes creating a new card, setting up auto-reload, and buying Shinkansen or Green Car tickets.
To use the mobile versions of Suica, you'll need to change your phone's regional settings to Japan. You can find the digital versions of Suica in the iPhone Wallet app or the E-Money service in Google Wallet.
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To link your credit card and recharge your Mobile Suica, you can install the application and follow the prompts. You can also use the app to either buy a new card or import an existing one using your phone's camera.
Here are some key features of the Suica and PASMO apps:
- Create a new Suica or PASMO card
- Create or change your commute plan
- Buy a Shinkansen or Green Car ticket
- Set up auto-reload (using a View Card only)
- Set or change notifications from JR East
Digital IC Versions
Digital IC Versions are available for use with your smartphone.
If you have an iPhone 8 or later model, you can set it up to serve as a Suica, Pasmo, or ICoca card by adding the cards to Apple Pay. Note that some credit cards issued outside of Japan cannot be used to charge your card.
Android phones can be used as IC cards through the "Mobile Suica", "Mobile Pasmo", and "Mobile Icoca" apps, but they're targeted at residents of Japan and difficult or impossible to use for visitors.
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Use the App
The Suica card app is incredibly useful for managing your card and making travel easier. You can download the Suica app or PASMO app to access additional services on your card.
With the app, you can create a new Suica or PASMO card, which is a convenient option if you're new to using a Suica card. You can also create or change your commute plan, making it easy to plan your daily travel.
One of the most useful features is the ability to buy a Shinkansen or Green Car ticket directly from the app. This is particularly useful for long-distance travel, and you can even buy tickets for specific trains like the Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, Hokkaido, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansens. However, Green Car tickets are only available for JR East trains.
To top up your card, you'll need a supported credit or prepaid card in the Wallet app. This makes it easy to add money to your card whenever you need to.
If you're using an iPhone, you can access the digital versions of Suica by activating the Transit Card feature in the iPhone Wallet app. On Android phones, it's the E-Money service in Google Wallet.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when using the app:
- Change your phone's regional settings to Japan to use the mobile versions of Suica.
- Install the application and link it with your credit card to recharge your Mobile Suica.
- You can either buy a new card or import an existing one using your phone's camera.
- Tap your phone against the card reader as you pass through the train station turnstiles.
To top up your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card on your iPhone, follow these steps:
1. In the Wallet app, tap your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card.
2. Tap Add Money.
3. Choose the amount that you want to add and tap Add.
4. Select the credit or prepaid card that you want to use to pay and confirm the transaction with Face ID or Touch ID.
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Kansai Region's Alternative
If you're visiting the Kansai region of Japan, specifically arriving at the Kansai Airport near Osaka, you can purchase the ICOCA Card as an alternative to Suica.
The ICOCA Card is the go-to payment method for Western Japan, making it a convenient choice for tourists in the area.
You can use the ICOCA Card to make payments in the Kansai region, just like you would with Suica in other parts of Japan.
The ICOCA Card is a great option to consider if you're planning to explore Western Japan.
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Riding Transit
Riding transit with your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card is a breeze. You can use these cards with Apple Pay to ride transit anywhere that accepts physical cards or interoperable IC cards.
To ride transit, make sure your device is turned on, but it doesn't need to be connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network. Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the ticket gate scanner when you enter and exit, and you'll see a checkmark on the screen.
If you're using your Apple Watch, you'll also feel a gentle tap and hear a beep. Alternatively, if you want to use a card that isn't set to Express Mode, you'll need to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode on your iPhone, or double-click the side button and authenticate with your passcode on your Apple Watch.
You can quickly pay for rides with just a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch when your card is set to Express Mode.
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How to Ride Transit
To ride transit with your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card, you can use Apple Pay on your iPhone or Apple Watch. Just make sure your device is turned on, and it doesn't need to be connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network.
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You can use your card in Express Mode, which allows for quick payments with just a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch. To use Express Mode, simply hold the top of your iPhone or Apple Watch display near the ticket gate scanner when you enter and exit.
If you're using your Apple Watch, you'll also feel a gentle tap and hear a beep when you pay with Express Mode. If you're not using Express Mode, you'll need to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode on your iPhone, or double-click the side button to access your cards on your Apple Watch.
To use a card that isn't set to Express Mode on your Apple Watch, swipe down to select your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card, and authenticate with your passcode.
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Shinkansen Travel
You can use a Suica card to travel on the Shinkansen, but you'll need to register it with 'Touch de Go! Shinkansen' first. This is a straightforward process that can be done at the window or using the ticket machines.
To register your Suica card, simply place it on the tray and choose the 'Touch de Go! Shinkansen' button on the ticket machine.
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Setting Up Your iPhone
To set up your iPhone for a Suica card, start by opening the Wallet app. This is where you'll be able to manage your transit card.
You can access your current balance by tapping your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card in the Wallet app. You can also use the Digital Crown to scroll down and see your balance, a feature unique to Apple devices.
To top up your Suica card, tap the card in the Wallet app and then select Add Money. You'll be able to choose the amount you want to add and select a credit or prepaid card to pay with.
Here are the steps to add money to your Suica card:
- Tap your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card in the Wallet app.
- Tap Add Money.
- Choose the amount that you want to add and tap Add.
- Select the credit or prepaid card that you want to use to pay and confirm the transaction with Face ID or Touch ID.
Mobile App Setup Guide
To set up the Suica card app, you'll need to download the Suica or PASMO app on your phone. This will give you access to various services, including creating a new card, setting up auto-reload, and buying Shinkansen or Green Car tickets.
You can create a new Suica or PASMO card using the app, which is convenient if you don't have a physical card yet. The app also allows you to buy Shinkansen tickets for certain routes and Green Car tickets for JR East trains only.
To transfer a Suica card to your phone, you'll need an iPhone device. This method is not available for Android devices, and you won't be able to use your physical card after the transfer.
You can find the digital version of Suica in the iPhone Wallet app or the E-Money service in Google Wallet on Android phones. To use the mobile versions of Suica, you'll need to change your phone's regional settings to Japan.
To set up the Suica app, you'll need to link it with your credit card. This will allow you to recharge your Mobile Suica anytime, anywhere. The app gives you the option to either buy a new card or import an existing one using your phone's camera.
Here are the steps to set up the Suica mobile app:
- Access the digital versions of Suica by activating the Transit Card feature.
- Change your phone's regional settings to Japan.
- Install the application and link it with your credit card.
- You can recharge your Mobile Suica anytime, anywhere.
- The app gives you the option to either buy a new card or import an existing one using your phone's camera.
- Tap your phone against the card reader as you pass through the train station turnstiles.
Note that your phone must be powered on, but it doesn't require unlocking or a WiFi connection.
Beyond Transit: Shopping and Dining
You can use your Suica card for shopping and dining in Japan, not just for public transportation. Many convenience stores, supermarkets, and retailers accept Suica card payments, so just look for the Suica logo or ask the cashier if card payments are accepted.
You might be surprised at how widely accepted Suica cards are, even in smaller local restaurants. For these places, it's a good idea to ask the staff in advance if you can use a Suica card for payment.
To use your Suica card for shopping and dining, you can simply tap your card on the payment terminal, just like you would with a physical card. This makes it easy to pay for your purchases without having to carry cash.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners use the Suica app?
Yes, foreigners can use the Suica app, with the Welcome Suica Mobile app launching in Spring 2025 to allow international travellers to obtain and charge their digital Suica cards before arrival.
Is there an English version of the Suica app?
Unfortunately, the Suica app is only available in Japanese and does not have an English version. Foreigners and travelers may need to use Apple Wallet instead.
How do I get a virtual Suica card?
To get a virtual Suica card, download the Suica app and register to receive a digital card. No physical card is required, making it a convenient option.
What is Suica mobile payment?
Suica is a prepaid electronic money service for Japan, allowing users to pay for trains, buses, shopping, and more. Download the app to start using Suica for a convenient and hassle-free experience.
Can I buy a Suica card before getting to Japan?
Yes, you can buy a Suica card before arriving in Japan. Purchase one in advance to have it ready for use upon your arrival.
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