In Japan, you can use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards to ride public transportation and make purchases at stores through the “Wallet” app on your iPhone or Apple Watch.
To use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards with Apple Pay, you’ll need:
- An iPhone 8 or later model or an Apple Watch Series 3 or later model with the latest version of iOS or watchOS installed.
- For Suica only: You can also use a Suica card on an iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, or Apple Watch Series 2 purchased in Japan.
- For ICOCA only: An iPhone 8 or later model with iOS 16 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 3 or later model with watchOS 8.7 or later.
- You must have added your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card to the “Wallet” app.
When you add the first Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card to the “Wallet” app, it will automatically enable “Express Transit” mode. “Express Transit” mode allows you to use your payment card without waking or unlocking your device or going through Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode authentication.
If you add more Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards, you can change which card is set for “Express Transit” mode.
Learn more about “Express Transit” mode.
Note: To add PASMO or ICOCA cards to the “Wallet” app, you need to set up two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.
Using Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA Cards for Public Transportation
You can use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards with Apple Pay to ride public transportation wherever physical Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards are accepted, or where IC cards or prepaid cards are supported.
How to Use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA Cards for Riding Trains and Buses
After setting your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card for “Express Transit” mode, simply tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to quickly pay for the fare.
- Ensure your device is powered on, and it doesn’t need to be connected to a mobile or Wi-Fi network.
- When entering or exiting, hold the top of your iPhone or the display of your Apple Watch near the card reader at the ticket gate.
- The screen will display “Completed” and a checkmark. If you’re using an Apple Watch, you’ll also feel a tap and hear a sound.
- Depending on your iPhone model, you might be able to use the “Express Transit” card even when your iPhone needs charging.
If you want to use a payment card that’s not set for “Express Transit” mode:
On iPhone: Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
On Apple Watch: Double-press the side button to access your payment cards, swipe down to select Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card, then enter your passcode for authentication.
Setting Suica Card to Service Mode
If you encounter any issues with your Suica card and need station staff assistance, set your device to “Service Mode” before handing it to station staff.
How to Set Suica Card to “Service Mode” on iPhone:
- Open the “Wallet” app.
- Select your Suica card.
- Tap the “More” button, then tap the “Card Details” icon.
- Enable “Service Mode.”
How to Set Suica Card to “Service Mode” on Apple Watch:
- Remove the Apple Watch from your wrist.
- Unlock the watch with your passcode.
- Double-press the side button.
- Scroll down to select your payment card.
- Scroll with the digital crown and tap “Enable Service Mode.”
Hand your Watch (display side down) to the station staff.
Using Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA Cards for In-Store Purchases
You can use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards at places with the following symbols:
Suica Payment Symbol PASMO Payment Symbol
When making a payment, you may need to select the Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card option on the terminal or tell the salesperson which card you’d like to use.
When Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards are set for “Express Transit” mode, you can make Apple Pay payments without waking or unlocking your device, authentication, or opening the app. You can even complete purchases when your iPhone needs charging.
- Hold the top of your iPhone or the display of your Apple Watch near the contactless reader.
- After the transaction is complete, the screen will display “Completed” and a checkmark. If you’re using an Apple Watch, you’ll also feel a tap and hear a sound.
- If your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card is not set for “Express Transit” mode, learn how to shop with Apple Pay.
Checking Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA Card Balances
You can check the balance of your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards on your iPhone or Apple Watch.
On iPhone:
- Open the “Wallet” app.
- Tap your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card to view the current balance.
On Apple Watch:
- Open the “Wallet” app.
- Tap your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card.
- Scroll down using the digital crown to view the current balance.
If the Balance of Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA Card Is Not Updating
On iPhone:
- Open the “Wallet” app.
- Tap your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card.
- Tap the “More” button, then tap the “Card Details” icon.
- Enable “Service Mode” and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
- To disable “Service Mode,” tap the card. Learn what to do when the balance still doesn’t update.
Adding Value to Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA Cards
To add value to your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards, you need to set up supported credit cards or prepaid cards in the “Wallet” app.
How to Add Value to Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA Cards on iPhone:
- In the “Wallet” app, tap your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card.
- Tap “Add Money.”
- Choose the value to add and tap “Add.”
- Select the credit card or prepaid card you want to use for payment and confirm the transaction with Face ID or Touch ID.
How to Add Value to Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA Cards on Apple Watch:
- In the “Wallet” app, tap your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card.
- Tap “Add Money.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Applying for Refunds for Transactions Made with Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA Cards Using Apple Pay
If you make a payment using Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards through Apple Pay and want a refund, return the item to the same terminal you used when making the purchase before using Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards with Apple Pay again.
Learn more about applying for refunds for transactions made with Apple