photo by Dick Thomas Johnson
We often see confused foreign tourists at ticket machines at the station. What with the railway maps which look different from company to company and what with the complicated differences between Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway, getting a train ticket can be one of the trickiest things for foreign tourists who do not speak Japanese. When we look closer, many of them seem to purchase their tickets every time they take trains. Suica or PASMO will save a lot of time and trouble. For those who are not familiar with these cards, let me explain the benefit of having one.
What are Suica and PASMO?
Both IC cards, Suica and PASMO, offer cashless payment. If you have either of them, you can ride buses and trains without purchasing tickets as well as enjoying contactless shopping at the registered retailers.
Benefits of having Suica or PASMO
- Save your time and trouble of purchasing tickets.
- No need to pay the balance or to repurchase a ticket when changing trains.
- Available to use almost everywhere in the country.
- Available to use for trains, buses and taxis.
- Make payment in most convenience stores and vending machines.
- Some parking lots, bicycle parking and coin-operated lockers accept these cards.
- The deposit (500 yen) will be refunded when you return the card.
- It can be reissued when you lose one.
How to use Suica and PASMO
Touch the card on the pad on the automatic gate as you enter. It will “Peep” as it recognises the card.
photo by mcha
Do the same as you exit. You will hear the “Peep” sound again.
The train fare will be automatically deducted from the amount you topped up in advance.
How to purchase Suica or PASMO
- Go to the ticket machines near the ticket gates.
- Press “English” button on the screen.
- Follow the instructions for purchasing Suica or PASMO.
- Done!
※ Make sure to select to register your name and personal information. This guarantees that you can have your card reissued with reimbursement in case you lose one.
※ The deposit (500 yen) will be refunded when you return the card.
※ You can also purchase the cards at the staffed ticket offices.
How to top up Suica or PASMO
- Go to the ticket machines near the ticket gates.
- Insert your Suica or PASMO to the machine.
- Press “English” button on the screen.
- Select the amount you wish to top up and insert the money.
- Done!
Conclusion
You can use trains and buses smoothly during your stay in Japan, if you have Suica or PASMO at hand. If you have any problems when purchasing or topping up, ask people around you for assistance. Save your time and trouble by using Suica and PASMO wisely!
