How much is a Suica or Pasmo card?

The Suica card initially costs ¥ 1 ( US$ 0), of which 500 is credit and the other 500 goes as a deposit. This deposit is returned when you return the card to the Japan Rail (Suica). The Pasmo card costs ¥ 500 ( US$ 3.30), which is non-refundable, as well as the money you want to charge it with.



In 2026, a physical Suica or Pasmo card typically costs 2,000 yen to purchase initially. This price includes a 500 yen refundable deposit and 1,500 yen of pre-loaded travel credit. You can buy them at major train stations (JR stations for Suica, non-JR stations/subways for Pasmo) via "black" multifunctional vending machines. For tourists, the "Welcome Suica" or "Pasmo PASSPORT" versions often have no deposit fee but expire after 28 days. A high-value "pro" tip for 2026: adding a Suica or Pasmo to your iPhone or Android digital wallet is free (no deposit required), and you can load it with any amount using Apple Pay or Google Pay. This allows you to skip the physical card altogether. If you do get a physical card, you can return it to a ticket office at the end of your trip to get your 500 yen deposit back, though a small "handling fee" of 220 yen is usually deducted from any remaining balance before the refund is issued.

People Also Ask

They work exactly the same, and in my time of living in Tokyo and using a Pasmo I never had any limitation. The only limitation you might encounter, but not public transportation related, is that some vending machines may accept one and not the other, but that would be relevant only if you are out of cash.

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Will a Suica card save me money over regular train tickets? Yes, but only a very little at a time. Within Tokyo, the fare for Suica (or any IC card) users is a couple of yen cheaper than the full fare price.

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a PASMO PASSPORT. This is a special IC card with privileges only available to overseas travelers who are visiting Japan. It can be used for train and bus travel in the Kanto area and all across the country where IC cards are accepted, and for electronic payments when shopping.

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The Suica card initially costs ¥ 1 ( US$ 0), of which 500 is credit and the other 500 goes as a deposit. This deposit is returned when you return the card to the Japan Rail (Suica). The Pasmo card costs ¥ 500 ( US$ 3.30), which is non-refundable, as well as the money you want to charge it with.

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Each person needs one. Pasmo/Suica is read when touching the IC card reader upon entering and exiting a gate, and the correct fare is deducted from the card. The same card cannot be read entering twice at the same station. Thank you for the quick response.

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In addition to the Tokyo area, the Suica can be used for certain transportation systems in the Sendai and Niigata, Hokkaido, Tokai, West Japan and Kyushu areas.

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You can buy the Welcome Suica card through Vending Machines located at the Haneda Terminal 3 station, Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station, and Narita Terminal 1,2, and 3 Stations. For official information please visit the Welcome Suica Card official website.

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You can keep your Suica card for your next trip. It will remain valid for 10 years. The Suica cards we offer are non-personal and are reserved for adult travellers.

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The only difference between PASMO and SUICA is who sells them. SUICA is from JR East, and PASMO is from Tokyo-area non-JR rail operators, including Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. Wherever you can use SUICA, you can use PASMO, and vice versa. Same with charging with new amounts.

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You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica for all trains, subways and buses in Osaka. You can also use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica at many shops, especially convenience stores. You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica in other parts of Japan as well. Buy Icoca cards from vending machines at JR stations in Osaka.

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You cannot use the Suica to travel between Tokyo and Osaka, but you can use it to travel within cities such as Osaka and Kyoto. However, please note that not all areas of Japan have adopted IC cards. In areas where IC cards are not used, it's necessary to purchase paper tickets.

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A Suica card is a card you load up for transport, you can use this card for all forms of transport and even at vending machines and lockers. It covers all lines and you just pay however much you want to load up into the card. YA JR Pass is a one off pass for tourists that you purchase.

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

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You can also keep your Pasmo card for your next trip to Japan. It will remain valid for 10 years from the time you last used it.

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