Use IC Cards such as Suica
Suica types, iPhone and Android requirements, top-ups, gates, and low-balance basics.
Official information checked: 2026-07
How to use Suica and IC cards
Check whether your phone works, which card to buy, and how to use it at stations. Start by choosing a tab above.
Not sure? Start here
On iPhone, check Welcome Suica Mobile first. On Android, an unsupported phone, or when setup takes too long, buy Welcome Suica or TOURIST PASMO at an airport or station.
Mobile IC
For visitors with iPhone, the English-language Welcome Suica Mobile app is usually the smoothest option. Android and unsupported-phone users should choose a physical card.
What to check
1Will it work on my phone?The visitor app supports iPhone. Many overseas Android models cannot use Japanese mobile IC cards.
- 1On iPhone, download Welcome Suica Mobile for visitors from the App Store. You must be 13 or older and use an Apple Pay-compatible device with a supported iOS version.
- 2A Suica issued in the app is valid for 180 days. No membership registration is needed, but the balance is non-refundable and expires with the card.
- 3To add a regular Suica in Apple Wallet, you need two-factor authentication on your Apple Account, a supported device, and an eligible payment card in Wallet. Changing only the region setting does not guarantee access.
- 4Welcome Suica Mobile does not support Android. Many overseas Android phones also lack FeliCa/Osaifu-Keitai, so a physical card is the reliable choice.
- iPhone / Apple Pay support
- Age 13 or older
- Supported current iOS
- Payment card in Apple Pay
- Physical card for Android
- If setup gets stuck during your trip, save time by switching to a physical Welcome Suica or TOURIST PASMO.
2From download to top-upInstall the app, issue Suica, then top up with a payment card in Apple Pay.
- 1Download Welcome Suica Mobile from the official page or App Store. The app is available in English.
- 2Agree to the terms and follow the app to issue Suica. No membership registration is required.
- 3Add a credit or debit card to Apple Pay, then top up the amount you need in the app or Wallet.
- 4An overseas-issued card may fail issuer authentication. If another card also fails, switch to a physical IC card and top it up with cash.
- The card is valid for 180 days and the remaining balance is non-refundable, so top up small amounts you can use during the trip.
Useful Japanese phrases
Buying a card
Welcome Suicaはどこで買えますか。
Welcome Suica wa doko de kaemasu ka.
Where can I buy a Welcome Suica?
Topping up
Suicaにチャージしたいです。
Suica ni chaji shitai desu.
I would like to top up my Suica.
Low balance
残高が足りないようです。どうすればいいですか。
Zandaka ga tarinai yo desu. Do sureba ii desu ka.
It seems my balance is not enough. What should I do?
Paying in a shop
Suicaで払えますか。
Suica de haraemasu ka.
Can I pay with Suica?
Mobile setup
このスマートフォンでSuicaは使えますか。
Kono sumato fon de Suica wa tsukaemasu ka.
Can I use Suica on this smartphone?
Official sources
Useful next guides
Arriving in and Leaving Japan
Use Visit Japan Web, navigate arrival procedures, choose an IC card, and prepare tax-free goods and security for departure.
Tax-Free Shopping Procedures
Check eligibility, passport presentation, and sealed-bag rules.
Use ATMs with Foreign Cards
Find foreign-card ATMs and check fees and withdrawal limits.
When You Need Cash
Places where cash can still be helpful, including small shops and rural areas.