Turn your iPhone into a Suica or Pasmo card in Japan

Travelling to Japan is an unforgettable experience, and having a digital transport card like Suica or Pasmo on your iPhone can greatly facilitate your travel. With Apple Pay, it is possible to add these cards directly to your digital wallet and use them for public transport as well as for numerous payments in shops. Here is a detailed guide to configure and use your iPhone as a Suica or Pasmo card.

Why use a Suica or Pasmo card on iPhone?

Suica and Pasmo are rechargeable transport cards used to pay for journeys by train, metro and bus throughout Japan. They are also accepted in many shops, vending machines and taxis. By adding your Suica or Pasmo card to Apple Pay, you benefit from several advantages:

• No more need to buy a physical card or manage a cash refill.
• Fast and contactless payment in transport and shops.
• Possibility to charge the balance directly from your iPhone with a credit card.
• Express mode that allows you to use your card without unlocking the device.

Setting up a Suica or Pasmo card on iPhone

Requirements

Before adding Suica or Pasmo to Apple Pay, make sure you meet the following conditions:

• Own an iPhone 8 or newer, or Apple Watch Series 3 or newer.
• Update iOS or watchOS to the latest version available.
• Have an Apple ID with two factor authentication enabled.
• Have a stable internet connection.
• Add an Apple Pay credit card to recharge your transport card.

Add a new Suica or Pasmo card

If you don’t have a Suica or Physical Pasmo card yet, you can create one directly in Apple Wallet.

1. Open ApplicationWalleton your iPhone.
2. Press the buttonto add a new card.
3. SelectTransport card, then chooseSuicaorPasmo.
4. Indicate the initial amount of the card and confirm the addition.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the addition.

Transfer a Suica or Physical Pasmo card

If you already have a Suica or Pasmo physical card, you can transfer it to your iPhone. Attention, once the card is transferred, the physical card will become invalid.

1. OpenWalletand press the button.
2. SelectTransport card, then chooseSuicaorPasmo.
3. PressTransfer an existing card.
4. Enter the last four digits of your physical card number.
5. Follow the instructions and place your card on the back of the iPhone until the transfer is completed.

Once the transfer is successful, the initial 500 yen physical card deposit will be added to your balance.

Using your iPhone as a transport card

Once your card has been added to Apple Wallet, you can use it immediately in transport and shops accepting Suica or Pasmo.

Enable Express Mode

One of the great advantages of Apple Pay Suica and Pasmo is theExpress Mode, which allows you to use your card without having to unlock your iPhone.

1. Go toSettings > Wallet and Apple Pay.
2. Select your Suica or Pasmo card.
3. PressExpress Modeand activate it.

Now you can simply put your iPhone or Apple Watch on a player without needing authentication.

Reload your Suica or Pasmo card

It is possible to charge your digital card directly from Apple Pay, which is very convenient if you lack credit on the move.

1. OpenWalletand select your Suica or Pasmo card.
2. PressAdd money.
3. Select the amount and confirm with Apple Pay (Face ID, Touch ID or code).
4. The sum will be instantly added to your card.

If you prefer to reload your card with cash, you can do so incompatible shops, stations and vending machines.

Payments and compatibility

Use Suica or Pasmo to pay in stores

In addition to transportation, your Suica or Pasmo card can be used as an electronic means of payment in many establishments:

• Supers (konbini):7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, etc.
• ATMsandfast restaurants.
• Taxis and some shops accepting NFC payment.

In stores, just indicate that you pay with Suica or Pasmo before placing your iPhone on the terminal.

Compatibility with other transport

Your Suica or Pasmo card is compatible withall major transport companies in Japan, including those using regional maps such asICOCA, TOICA and SUGOCA. However, it does not cover high-speed train ticketsShinkansen, unless you buy specific e-tickets.

Common problems and solutions

Point reading problem

If your iPhone does not correctly detect payment terminals:

• Make sure that theExpress Modeis activated.
• Keep your iPhone flat on the player.
• Restart your device and try again.

Deleted card after disconnection

If you log out of iCloud, your Suica or Pasmo card is removed from Wallet. You can recover it by reconnecting to iCloud and adding it fromprevious mapsWallet.

Lack of battery

Recent iPhones (XS and later models) feature aEnergy Reserve Mode, which allows to use Suica or Pasmo even when the battery is low, up to5 hours after extinctionThe phone.

Adding a Suica or Pasmo card to your iPhone is a great way to simplify your travel and payments in Japan. With Apple Pay, charging management becomes more fluid, and Express Mode allows ultra-fast passage to portals. Whether you’re a passing traveller or a resident in Japan, turning your iPhone into a transport card will offer you a more convenient and hassle-free experience.

Si cet article vous a apporté des informations utiles et peut aider d’autres voyageurs à préparer leur séjour, un avis Google en cliquant sur l’image suivante sera toujours apprécié.

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