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🤖PASMO Card Guide
Prepaid smart card configuration, Apple Wallet steps, and Android compatibilities.
PASMO Card Overview
PASMO is Tokyo's secondary major contactless smart card system. While issued by private subways, buses, and railways (instead of JR East), it is fully integrated across the country. A PASMO card can be used on all transit systems in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and elsewhere.
National Mutual Compatibility
Because of the national IC card compatibility network, PASMO can be used on JR trains, subways in Kansai, buses in Kyoto, and at millions of convenience stores and vending machines nationwide.
How to Add PASMO to Apple Wallet
Launch the built-in Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the + (plus) sign in the top right corner of the screen.
Foreign Visa Load Warnings
Attention: Foreign-issued Visa cards will fail to fund transit cards in Apple Wallet due to transaction validation errors. Always use a Mastercard or American Express to process loads.
FAQs
âž• Is PASMO better than Suica?
They are functionally 100% identical. They work on the exact same trains, subways, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines. Choose whichever is quicker to add to your Apple Wallet.
âž• Can I use digital PASMO on Android phones?
Only if the Android device was purchased inside Japan. Standard global Android models lack the required FeliCa chip (Osaifu-Keitai) circuitry, making digital transit cards incompatible. Android users should purchase a physical Welcome Suica or PASMO Passport card.
âž• What is the PASMO Passport?
The PASMO Passport is a physical card designed specifically for tourists. It features a cute Sanrio character design (Hello Kitty), requires no ¥500 deposit, and is valid for exactly 28 days. It is non-refundable.
âž• Can I recharge PASMO with a Visa card in Apple Wallet?
Usually no. International Visa cards often block transaction approvals for Japanese transit cards in Apple Wallet due to 3D Secure mismatches. To ensure success, fund your PASMO using a Mastercard or American Express.
âž• Does it require cell service or Wi-Fi to tap gates?
No. The card stores all balance details and encryption on your device's NFC chip, which communicates instantly with the turnstile. It works without signal, in Airplane Mode, and on newer iPhones even if your battery is dead.