Many visitors ask whether to buy a plastic IC card or put Suica on their phone. The answer depends mostly on which phone you have. Here is what Apple and Google say.

Quick comparison

iPhone: add Suica in Wallet

1. Open Wallet, tap the Add (+) button, tap Transit Card.
2. Choose Suica, PASMO or ICOCA, then Add New Card.
3. Choose an amount and confirm with a payment card in Wallet.

The first transit card you add becomes the Express Mode card, so you just hold the top of the iPhone to the gate without unlocking it. Apple does not list which foreign-issued cards can pay for the top-up; if your card is refused, a physical card topped up with cash at a station machine is the fallback.

Android: usually a physical card

Google says e-money such as Suica and PASMO needs an Osaifu-Keitai compatible device. Phones made for other markets generally lack it even if they have NFC. If in doubt, buy a physical card.

If adding the card fails

• Try again after 5 a.m. Japan time (Apple pauses many functions 12–5 a.m.).
• Update iOS, then restart the phone.
• When transferring a plastic card: put it on a flat, non-metal surface, rest the top of the iPhone on the middle and don't move it (up to about a minute). The balance should be ¥19,500 or less.

Related: Welcome Suica for tourists · Is the JR Pass worth it? · Cards, cash and ATMs

Quick answers

Can I add Suica to my iPhone if I bought the iPhone outside Japan?

Apple lists the requirements as an iPhone 8 or later on the latest iOS, an Apple Account with two-factor authentication, and an eligible payment card in Wallet. Apple's Suica requirement page does not say the iPhone must be bought in Japan, except for older models (iPhone 7 / Apple Watch Series 2).

Can I add Suica to an Android phone from my country?

Google says Suica in Google Wallet needs an Android phone that supports Osaifu-Keitai. Most phones sold outside Japan do not, so plan on a physical card such as Welcome Suica instead.

Do I need mobile data at the ticket gate?

No. Apple says the device must be on, but it does not need a cellular or Wi-Fi connection to tap through the gate.

Why can't I add or top up the card at night?

Apple says many functions, such as adding a transit card or topping it up, are unavailable every day from 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Japan time.

Can I move my physical Suica onto my iPhone?

Yes, Apple supports transferring a physical card and its balance. After the transfer the physical card no longer works. Apple says the balance should be ¥19,500 or less.

More Japan trip guides: Japan trip checklist (all guides)