Suica Pre-paid Transport pass

A Pasmo Card or Suica Card is a rechargeable smart card used throughout Japan for travel on trains, buses, and subways.



Similar to the Navigo pass in Paris or the Oyster card in London, the Pasmo or Suica card is very easy to use: simply tap it against the automated gates in train stations or on the readed on the bus, and the cost of your journey is automatically deducted.



The card is rechargeable at any time.The Pasmo or Suica card also functions as an electronic wallet to make small purchases or to pay for services, such as parking spots.



New : The Pasmo passport is a new Pasmo dedicated for visitors. It has a nice design but is not refundable after 28 days. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PASMO CARD AND SUICA CARD?

The Pasmo card and Suica card are sold by different companies. However, they work the same way and can be used in the same places. They are for example comparable with Mastercard and Visa credit cards, which belong to different companies but can be used in the same way.



The only small difference is the location where you can give your card back and receive your deposit.If you would like to return your Pasmo card at the end of your trip, you can only return it within the Tokyo area. Head to a station of a non JR subway line (for instance : the Keihin or Keisei lines), or the stations at Narita or Haneda Airports. Your remaining balance and ¥500 deposit will be returned to you.If you want to return your Suica card at the end of your stay, you can only do this in the Tokyo region. In order to get a refund, go into any other JR East station. You will then be able to recover the 500 yen deposit.

You can have your Pasmo or Suica card delivered to your home before your departure, or directly in Japan (for example at your hotel). Your card will be sent at the same time as your rail pass, if applicable.

You can also come and collect your Pasmo card or Suica card directly in one of our agencies.

The suica / pasmo cards can be purchased before your trip to Japan, without any impact on their use.

CAN THE PASMO OR SUICA CARDS BE USED IN ALL OF JAPAN?

Although originally created only for use in Tokyo, since March 2013, the Pasmo card can be used on virtually all rail networks in Japan, as well as many bus lines.



Similarly, the Suica card, founded in 2001 by the JR East company, provides access to virtually all rail networks in Japan as well as many subway lines and buses.



Look for the special logo below in train stations or on buses to see if they accept IC cards.

WHICH TRAINS CAN I TAKE WITH THE PASMO OR SUICA CARD?

Train stations that accept Pasmo or Suica cards will display the logo shown to the left. 

Pasmo or Suica cards can be used to travel on:

• JR train lines 
• Privately owned train lines 
• On the Tokyo subway system 

Please note that Pasmo or Suica cards cannot be used on limited express trains or shinkansen. Suica cards are not valid on long distance buses (highway bus) or airport shuttles.

CAN I TAKE THE BUS WITH A PASMO OR SUICA CARD?

You can use a Pasmo and Suica card on most buses in the Tokyo area, as well as in other Japanese cities, and even a few inter-city and overnight buses.



Buses accepting Pasmo and / or Suica cards will always display the Pasmo logo and / or Suica logo shown below.

IN WHICH STORES CAN I USE A PASMO OR SUICA CARD?

Pasmo and Suica cards can be used as electronic wallets in stores that display the symbol shown here as an example:

• Combini (Japanese convenience stores) 
• In trains 
• Shops inside train stations 
• Vending machines 
• Certain restaurants 

You can also use the Pasmo and Suica cards to pay for certain services such as lockers, parking and taxis.

IS MY PASMO OR SUICA CARD REGISTERED TO MY NAME? CAN I GIVE IT AWAY?

All our Pasmo and Suica cards are non-registered. It is therefore possible to give your Pasmo card or Suica card to a family member or friend if you no longer require it.

CAN I KEEP MY CARD FOR MY NEXT TRIP TO JAPAN?

Yes, you can. Pasmo and Suica cards do not expire for 10 years.

IS MY PASMO OR SUICA CARD ALREADY CHARGED?

Yes, your Pasmo or Suica card is already charged and has ¥2000 on it (including the ¥500 deposit).

HOW CAN I TOP UP A PASMO OR SUICA CARD?

You can top up a Pasmo or Suica card in stations at ticket machines, or on buses that accept Pasmo and/or Suica cards. You can only use cash to top up your card. Instructions will be in both Japanese and English.

Quick guide of how to use the machines : 

It is really easy to recharge your suica transport card. You can recharge it on the automatic machine provided for this purpose, in any station. Moreover, the terminals are available in several languages and you will always find English.

Step 1: Select the load button on the main screen and insert your card.

Step 2: You can then choose to recharge your card, view the remaining amount on your account and print it. 

Step 3: Select the amount of money you want to insert. You can choose between 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, or 10 000 yens. Usually you will have to pay in cash. Still few machines accept card or contactless. Also, it often do not take small change or coins.

Step 4: Take your change if you have some and get your card back!

IS THERE A MINIMUM OR MAXIMUM AMOUNT?

You can add between ¥1,000 and ¥20,000 to your card at one time.

HOW DO I CHECK HOW MUCH MONEY IS LEFT ON MY CARD?

The remaining credit is displayed when you place your Pasmo or Suica card vending terminals in stations or on the reader in the bus.You can also check the amount by placing your Pasmo or Suica card into a ticket machine, which can also print a history of your trips.

IF I MAKE A MISTAKE WHILE CHARGING MY CARD, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Please take your card to a station attendant immediately. You can be reimbursed if you have not used your card since topping it up.

If you would like to return your Pasmo card at the end of your trip, you can only return it within the Tokyo area. Head to a station of a non JR subway line (for instance : the Keihin or Keisei lines), or the stations at Narita or Haneda Airports. Your remaining balance and ¥500 deposit will be returned to you.

If you want to return your Suica card at the end of your stay, you can only do this in the Tokyo region. In order to get a refund, go into any other JR East station. You will then be able to recover the 500 yen deposit.

Because the Pasmo and Suica cards sold on our website are not registered to an individual, unfortunately they are not eligible for a refund or a replacement.

Because the Pasmo and Suica cards sold on our website are not registered to an individual, unfortunately they are not eligible for a refund or a replacement.

There is indeed an application for the suica card, however, you should know that :

For Apple users, the app is only available for Iphone 8 and above and the latest IOS. It can also be downloaded and used on applewatch. It takes the form of a credit card and facilitates contactless purchases.

For Android users, for the moment the app is only available in Japan.