Nice video guide, hope VISA lifts their stupid foreign issue VISA block on Apple Pay Suica and PASMO recharge, at least we have Mastercard and AMEX to keep things moving😊
I've posted a new way to recharge via the VISA card in a new video here: ua-cam.com/video/xQ_lNxAm5i8/v-deo.html Please check it out and let me know how you go!
I did not know you can have 1 suica on the iphone and 1 suica (with different card #) on apple watch that is paired with iphone under the same account! very handy for family members
How do I use the digital suica on my iphone? Do I just hold it near the IC card reader or do I need to tap some button on the phone to use the suica? No one mentions how to actually use it.
Yes, you can hold it up to the IC reader. If you want to speed this up (and not need to unlock it) you can go into the card from the wallet and find the "Express Travel" option and turn this on. Express travel will then work automatically when you hold it to the reader without requiring face id/passcode. Apple also notes the card may also be available when the iPhone needs to be charged, but I have not tried this!
thank you for this. sorry but my pasmo card is already installed on my iphone. should i need another IC card for the apple watch? or i can use the one on my iphone but cannot use it anymore once i transferred it to the apple watch. 🙏🏼
Can you tell us which Mastercard you used? My Citi Premiere and Citi Costco Mastercards did not work while I was in Japan. I wonder now if I tried during their daily maintence window.
thank you very much. This was helpful! I have a question, to top up on your device, do you need to wake or unlock the device (iphone or Apple watch)? Thank you!
Hi, when you add an eligible public transport card (e.g. Suica) or other compatible card, pass or key to Apple Wallet, Express Mode is turned on by default. You can also change which card, pass or key is set to Express Mode via the Wallet app and clicking on the Card Details to enable/disable Express Mode.
Would I be able to charge up my Suica card on my phone the same way as you did with the watch by putting my phone in that little cubby? Some people do not connect credit cards to wallet so I am curious. I would also like to know if I were to use the physical card to add money to a Suica thats already on my phone will that work? Thanks!
Hi, yes your phone, physical card or watch will work in those cubbies. Unfortunately once you transfer a physical card to the phone, you will no longer be able to use the physical card.
Hi, most of the JR stations in Tokyo will have these, however as you venture out into more countryside, you may find older machines that don’t have the functionality.
Hi, my understanding of the issue is only with foreign Visa credit cards. I've seen comments that Mastercard credit cards have worked. If you are able to confirm it works, please put a comment here for others. Thank you!
Not a problem. Per the Apple site support.apple.com/en-us/HT207154 (which I think you have already seen) it has some further details on compatibility but doesn't mention the SE 2002. Given the SE 2002 is fairly recent, I would be surprised if it doesn't work. You can still try the steps in my video and create one without adding any money to see if it can be done.
Woow, so usefull information. Can i use every machine (the usual machine we use to top up card) to top up the apple watch? Or there is special machine?
Hi, you can use any machine that has an IC reader. There may still be some older machines around that might not accept IC cards, however generally in the big cities, you will be able to find one and you can hold it up to the reader if there isn't a bay.
Is there any way to add the card to the wallet without transferring an existing card or using Apple Pay? (I only have VISA.) tried charging it at 7/11 but I can’t use cash to charge it since it’s not in my wallet yet
Hi, since making this video, I have thought of a couple of other ways around this. You could use a travel prepaid card by Mastercard or another way is to install the Suica app and use your VISA to charge. It seems that the Suica app (only available in the Japanese App Store, so you’ll need to create a new App Store account for Japan) does not have the same VISA restrictions.
Thanks for this! Answered so many questions I had! I read somewhere that it may be necessary so change the region settings on your iPhone. Is this true?
Hi, there are other options in the Suica app for teiki. In this video I selected the option when creating (from the 3) on the furthest right. The middle option (Suica定期券) allows you to create a virtual teiki.
Hi, thanks for the video. I'm planning to go to japan next month. So the best way are: - add suica with apple pay first while in my country while using VISA - and then after arrive in japan just continue top up / recharge using the station machine Correct ?
Hi, good luck with your trip! So, with a VISA card, you will likely face the errors that others are finding with Apple Pay restrictions on foreign VISA cards. As you may have already heard, due to the worldwide semiconductor shortage, physical suicas are no longer being sold.. this leaves you with a few options 1) try topping up with a non-VISA card 2) try and get a tourist Suica at the airport (which has limitations including a 28 day expiry) or 3) using paper based tickets instead If you were able to top up initially, then you can follow the steps noted in the video.
i have 2 different apple wallet suicas on 2 different phones. one is still able to be topped up but the other one recently started getting payment failure message. any idea why?
Hi, are they using different payment methods and are they both being topped up via the Wallet app? I’ve just added a new video (ua-cam.com/video/xQ_lNxAm5i8/v-deo.html) which has a workaround for credit cards that have Payment not Completed errors.
I found that a US based American Express card gave me the least amount of issues. You still need to avoid performing adds or recharges during Suica's or Pasmo's maintenance windows.
Great video. So we have to make sure the balance is sufficient correct? Say I am charged 3000, but I only have 1000 in the card so I need to fulfill 2000 first to be able to pay?
Hi, that's a great question and I have never had to do this. There are "Fare Adjustment Machines" (乗り越し精算) which allow you to top-up IC cards from inside the gates. You may run into issues if it is an older style machine that only allows IC cards to be inserted, but I believe there are newer ones that allow you to place the card (or a watch/phone) to top up in a similar way to what I did from outside the gates. Worst case, you can find a friendly staff member to help you out and there will be a solution :)
Hi, having a Suica card is very useful while travelling. You can use it for trains and buses and not worry about buying the right priced ticket and not needing to keep as much money/coins to buy smaller things, etc. Having it set up on your phone/watch before getting there (even if you can't top it up) will save a bit of time and stress when you first need to use it.
Hi, thanks for the question. No, unfortunately once you move the card to the phone, the physical card is no longer usable. You should be able to transfer the travel card back to your iPhone via the watch app if you run into that situation.... but if you are out of batteries on both devices then you will not be able to use it.
Hi, per the mobile Suica FAQ (in Japanese msfaq.mobilesuica.com/faq/show/99?site_domain=default), you should be able to take the card to the みどりの窓口 (Midori no madoguchi) JR sales desk to get the 500 yen back.
I couldn't load the Suica in my wallet, but the Icoca. I will be in the Kansai area as well, but first in Tokyo. Is it possible to recharge an Icoca (on my iPhone) in Tokyo as well? Because in all videos I just see the Pasmo or Suica smybol. Thank you!
this video you demonstrated Suica card. Is your Suica registered/unregistered/or the welcome Suica card version. Will Welcome Suica be able to apple wallet?
Yes, you can transfer across registered cards, however, while I haven't tried, I don't think the "Welcome Suica" would work. The "Welcome Suica" allows you to take advantage of some discounts, but it also expires after 28 days (with no refunds) and therefore you will forfeit the money on the card. I'd recommend just activating a new Suica through the wallet app.
Hello, thank you for your helpful information.. If my Suica balance has transferred to device such as iphone or apple watch, can i tap it to every bus IC reader that operates in Kyoto or Osaka ?
Great question and have never tried with the iPhone version. The process is a bit complex and requires the Suica app and a Japanese bank account. You also need to pay a 220 yen fee... so unless the balance is huge, then you might as well use as much as possible at a Conbini, a store that accepts Suica or a vending machine. Guide: atadistance.net/2022/02/12/delete-suica-from-apple-pay-for-free/#:~:text=Getting%20a%20withdrawal%20refund%20from,East%20charges%20for%20processing%20refunds.
@@alkadeshmukh2404 no, you can't get the balance back (as of Summer 2023)/. Once you load it, it's there. I had to use up all the credits at the airport before our flight.
Hi, not all kiosks have the IC capabilities, so you will need to look for the IC symbol. Large or newer stations should have newer kiosks and Japan likes to keep these upgraded! Sorry, I haven't tried it with Android, but would assume that it should work in the same way. If you try it and get it to work, please leave a comment!
Hi, thanks for watching. Yes, you can also top up at 7-11. There are a couple of ways either through a staff member and asking for "Suica Charge" and then explaining the amount (I think units are in 1000 yen). Alternatively, if you have difficulties explaining in English/Japanese, you can use the 7-11 ATM and select the Suica Charge option (look for the IC / Nanaco / Edy symbols).
Hi, unfortunately I'm not in Osaka, but I would think that they should have similar machines given they would have fairly large stations! Let me know how you go and can share in the comments :)
Using 1 iphone(with pasmo) and 1 apple watch(with suica) using the same apple wallet, could me and my gf take the same train ride together? I'm trying to avoid ATM withdrawal fees
Hi, that's sounds like an interesting idea! I don't see why you wouldn't be able to do this, as the card transfers across from the phone to the watch, so you could essentially have an active card on both devices.
Hi, you will need to have registered the card through the Suica app (requires the Japanese app store) and there is also a 220 yen fee to process and transfer the refund. This might be a bit difficult for non-Japanese to get through the process, so I'd recommend to just limit the amount of your balance.
Hello, I went to Japan for 2 weeks, but now I can only see latest transaction history on Suica (in wallet app) for 1 week. Is there a way to see all my transactions?😢 thank you
Hi, there are other ways to access Suica details and this can be done by installing the Suica App, but it will be available in the Japanese App store only.
Interesting. I tested this through turning my phone on airplane mode and wifi off and then going into the wallet app. An error came up with unable to connect to Apple Pay. Maybe try the steps on your phone with internet off and let me know how you go?
No, if you don't already have a card then you can skip the transfer steps and have a digital card only. Buying the card and then transferring it will render the card useless anyway.
Thanks for watching! Please don't forget to like and subscribe.
Nice video guide, hope VISA lifts their stupid foreign issue VISA block on Apple Pay Suica and PASMO recharge, at least we have Mastercard and AMEX to keep things moving😊
Thanks for the comment. Yes, let's hope so!
I've posted a new way to recharge via the VISA card in a new video here: ua-cam.com/video/xQ_lNxAm5i8/v-deo.html
Please check it out and let me know how you go!
I did not know you can have 1 suica on the iphone and 1 suica (with different card #) on apple watch that is paired with iphone under the same account! very handy for family members
Yes, it is handy! Thanks for watching and the comment.
How do I use the digital suica on my iphone? Do I just hold it near the IC card reader or do I need to tap some button on the phone to use the suica? No one mentions how to actually use it.
Yes, you can hold it up to the IC reader. If you want to speed this up (and not need to unlock it) you can go into the card from the wallet and find the "Express Travel" option and turn this on. Express travel will then work automatically when you hold it to the reader without requiring face id/passcode. Apple also notes the card may also be available when the iPhone needs to be charged, but I have not tried this!
thank you for this. sorry but my pasmo card is already installed on my iphone. should i need another IC card for the apple watch? or i can use the one on my iphone but cannot use it anymore once i transferred it to the apple watch. 🙏🏼
I created mine yesterday with a mastercard, no issues
That’s great. It seems like it is just a VISA issue.
i wonder why, I load mine with a visa card but that was 2 years ago…but I tried it again today and you were right! I could not load any
@@diet340 I think there is anti-fraud transaction blocking with Visa international cards... hopefully they will fix it sometime!
Can you tell us which Mastercard you used? My Citi Premiere and Citi Costco Mastercards did not work while I was in Japan. I wonder now if I tried during their daily maintence window.
thank you very much. This was helpful! I have a question, to top up on your device, do you need to wake or unlock the device (iphone or Apple watch)? Thank you!
Hi, when you add an eligible public transport card (e.g. Suica) or other compatible card, pass or key to Apple Wallet, Express Mode is turned on by default. You can also change which card, pass or key is set to Express Mode via the Wallet app and clicking on the Card Details to enable/disable Express Mode.
Would I be able to charge up my Suica card on my phone the same way as you did with the watch by putting my phone in that little cubby? Some people do not connect credit cards to wallet so I am curious. I would also like to know if I were to use the physical card to add money to a Suica thats already on my phone will that work? Thanks!
Hi, yes your phone, physical card or watch will work in those cubbies. Unfortunately once you transfer a physical card to the phone, you will no longer be able to use the physical card.
Thank you for this info.
Glad it was helpful!
Yo,you made good ~ see ya! Automation!
Thanks for watching!
Thank you, very helpful 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Hi! Do all stations have this kind of machine that can top-up apple wallet / watch? :)
Hi, most of the JR stations in Tokyo will have these, however as you venture out into more countryside, you may find older machines that don’t have the functionality.
Hello! Can I also just use my iphone and put it on that machine hole to top up? Or does it have to be the apple watch?
Hello, as long as you have the Suica on the phone, then the same approach should work with the phone.
Can I use a Mastercard credit card from the US to top up the digital Suica card? Also, can I use an IC card on metros/monorails operated by JR?
Hi, my understanding of the issue is only with foreign Visa credit cards. I've seen comments that Mastercard credit cards have worked. If you are able to confirm it works, please put a comment here for others. Thank you!
@@AutomationFixation Will do! Thank you!
Thanks for making the video, do you know if apple watch se 2022 will work? On the apple site, they only say series 3 or above.
Not a problem. Per the Apple site support.apple.com/en-us/HT207154 (which I think you have already seen) it has some further details on compatibility but doesn't mention the SE 2002. Given the SE 2002 is fairly recent, I would be surprised if it doesn't work. You can still try the steps in my video and create one without adding any money to see if it can be done.
Woow, so usefull information. Can i use every machine (the usual machine we use to top up card) to top up the apple watch? Or there is special machine?
Hi, you can use any machine that has an IC reader. There may still be some older machines around that might not accept IC cards, however generally in the big cities, you will be able to find one and you can hold it up to the reader if there isn't a bay.
Is there any way to add the card to the wallet without transferring an existing card or using Apple Pay? (I only have VISA.) tried charging it at 7/11 but I can’t use cash to charge it since it’s not in my wallet yet
Hi, since making this video, I have thought of a couple of other ways around this. You could use a travel prepaid card by Mastercard or another way is to install the Suica app and use your VISA to charge. It seems that the Suica app (only available in the Japanese App Store, so you’ll need to create a new App Store account for Japan) does not have the same VISA restrictions.
Hi does the Suica card need to be the primary mode of payment or would express work?
Hi, yes, express should work. It will detect that it is Suica and allow you to tap on.
Thanks for this! Answered so many questions I had! I read somewhere that it may be necessary so change the region settings on your iPhone. Is this true?
Not a problem! I was able to do this without changing the region. My iPhone is an Australian phone and Suica was there as an option.
Hey Does Apple Watch support suica card and work in japan day to day such as normal suica card in 2024 also ???
Hello, yes you can use your Suica card on Apple Watch.
i have a question do i need to have internet connection to use suica or can i do it without connection
Hi, you don't need an internet connection to use it to touch on or off.
How do i renew my teki virtually?
Hi, there are other options in the Suica app for teiki. In this video I selected the option when creating (from the 3) on the furthest right. The middle option (Suica定期券) allows you to create a virtual teiki.
Hi, thanks for the video. I'm planning to go to japan next month.
So the best way are:
- add suica with apple pay first while in my country while using VISA
- and then after arrive in japan just continue top up / recharge using the station machine
Correct ?
Hi, good luck with your trip! So, with a VISA card, you will likely face the errors that others are finding with Apple Pay restrictions on foreign VISA cards. As you may have already heard, due to the worldwide semiconductor shortage, physical suicas are no longer being sold.. this leaves you with a few options
1) try topping up with a non-VISA card
2) try and get a tourist Suica at the airport (which has limitations including a 28 day expiry) or
3) using paper based tickets instead
If you were able to top up initially, then you can follow the steps noted in the video.
i have 2 different apple wallet suicas on 2 different phones. one is still able to be topped up but the other one recently started getting payment failure message. any idea why?
Hi, are they using different payment methods and are they both being topped up via the Wallet app? I’ve just added a new video (ua-cam.com/video/xQ_lNxAm5i8/v-deo.html) which has a workaround for credit cards that have Payment not Completed errors.
Also, as noted in the comments, if you upgrade to the latest iOS then it should fix the payment error message.
Can you use an ATM card in apple wallet to add money to suica card since visa does not work?
Hi, if it isn’t a Visa card and apple wallet accepts it as a card, then it should likely work. Please comment on how it went. Thanks!
I found that a US based American Express card gave me the least amount of issues. You still need to avoid performing adds or recharges during Suica's or Pasmo's maintenance windows.
Thank you so muchhhhhhh
You're welcome!
Great video. So we have to make sure the balance is sufficient correct? Say I am charged 3000, but I only have 1000 in the card so I need to fulfill 2000 first to be able to pay?
Hi, that's a great question and I have never had to do this. There are "Fare Adjustment Machines" (乗り越し精算) which allow you to top-up IC cards from inside the gates. You may run into issues if it is an older style machine that only allows IC cards to be inserted, but I believe there are newer ones that allow you to place the card (or a watch/phone) to top up in a similar way to what I did from outside the gates. Worst case, you can find a friendly staff member to help you out and there will be a solution :)
Do you recommend having this set up for first time travelers to Japan?
Hi, having a Suica card is very useful while travelling. You can use it for trains and buses and not worry about buying the right priced ticket and not needing to keep as much money/coins to buy smaller things, etc. Having it set up on your phone/watch before getting there (even if you can't top it up) will save a bit of time and stress when you first need to use it.
thanks for this video! quick question, incase my apple watch ran out of battery will I still be able to use the physical card normally? cheers
Hi, thanks for the question. No, unfortunately once you move the card to the phone, the physical card is no longer usable. You should be able to transfer the travel card back to your iPhone via the watch app if you run into that situation.... but if you are out of batteries on both devices then you will not be able to use it.
@@AutomationFixation will i be able to get the deposit back if i transfer the suica to my phone? and return the physical card?
Hi, per the mobile Suica FAQ (in Japanese msfaq.mobilesuica.com/faq/show/99?site_domain=default), you should be able to take the card to the みどりの窓口 (Midori no madoguchi) JR sales desk to get the 500 yen back.
I couldn't load the Suica in my wallet, but the Icoca. I will be in the Kansai area as well, but first in Tokyo. Is it possible to recharge an Icoca (on my iPhone) in Tokyo as well? Because in all videos I just see the Pasmo or Suica smybol. Thank you!
this video you demonstrated Suica card. Is your Suica registered/unregistered/or the welcome Suica card version. Will Welcome Suica be able to apple wallet?
Yes, you can transfer across registered cards, however, while I haven't tried, I don't think the "Welcome Suica" would work. The "Welcome Suica" allows you to take advantage of some discounts, but it also expires after 28 days (with no refunds) and therefore you will forfeit the money on the card. I'd recommend just activating a new Suica through the wallet app.
Does this also apply to Passmo instead of Suica?
Yes, Suica and Pasmo are pretty much interchangeable these days. Where Suica is accepted, Pasmo is the same.
Hello, thank you for your helpful information.. If my Suica balance has transferred to device such as iphone or apple watch, can i tap it to every bus IC reader that operates in Kyoto or Osaka ?
Hi, thanks for watching. Yes, looking at some sites shows that Osaka and Kyoto allow use of Suica on their buses.
Great video. Q: Are you (how) able to get the remaining balance back?
Great question and have never tried with the iPhone version. The process is a bit complex and requires the Suica app and a Japanese bank account. You also need to pay a 220 yen fee... so unless the balance is huge, then you might as well use as much as possible at a Conbini, a store that accepts Suica or a vending machine.
Guide: atadistance.net/2022/02/12/delete-suica-from-apple-pay-for-free/#:~:text=Getting%20a%20withdrawal%20refund%20from,East%20charges%20for%20processing%20refunds.
Did you find out how to get balance back?
@@alkadeshmukh2404 no, you can't get the balance back (as of Summer 2023)/. Once you load it, it's there.
I had to use up all the credits at the airport before our flight.
Hey, dont you have to change the region of the iPhone? I heard that in another video? Im going tomorrow to Japan! Thanks!!
Hi, you should be able to find the Suica when adding from the Wallet from non-Japanese regions. The video I took is using an Australia region phone.
Do all Kiosks station support topping up iPhone or only specific ones can? Does this trick also work on android phone? Thanks!
Hi, not all kiosks have the IC capabilities, so you will need to look for the IC symbol. Large or newer stations should have newer kiosks and Japan likes to keep these upgraded! Sorry, I haven't tried it with Android, but would assume that it should work in the same way. If you try it and get it to work, please leave a comment!
Can I top up money in 7-11 Japan?
Hi, thanks for watching. Yes, you can also top up at 7-11. There are a couple of ways either through a staff member and asking for "Suica Charge" and then explaining the amount (I think units are in 1000 yen). Alternatively, if you have difficulties explaining in English/Japanese, you can use the 7-11 ATM and select the Suica Charge option (look for the IC / Nanaco / Edy symbols).
Do any IC machines in Osaka support topping up through the station kiosk workaround at 2:06?
Hi, unfortunately I'm not in Osaka, but I would think that they should have similar machines given they would have fairly large stations! Let me know how you go and can share in the comments :)
Using 1 iphone(with pasmo) and 1 apple watch(with suica) using the same apple wallet, could me and my gf take the same train ride together? I'm trying to avoid ATM withdrawal fees
Hi, that's sounds like an interesting idea! I don't see why you wouldn't be able to do this, as the card transfers across from the phone to the watch, so you could essentially have an active card on both devices.
How can I get money back from Suica on iPhone when I leaving Japan? Thanks...
Hi, you will need to have registered the card through the Suica app (requires the Japanese app store) and there is also a 220 yen fee to process and transfer the refund.
This might be a bit difficult for non-Japanese to get through the process, so I'd recommend to just limit the amount of your balance.
Many thanks!@@AutomationFixation
Hello, I went to Japan for 2 weeks, but now I can only see latest transaction history on Suica (in wallet app) for 1 week. Is there a way to see all my transactions?😢 thank you
Hi, there are other ways to access Suica details and this can be done by installing the Suica App, but it will be available in the Japanese App store only.
When you add suica to your iPhone do you need internet connection to use it?
Hi, yes you do. The Wallet App won’t let you proceed to add a card without an internet connection.
@@AutomationFixation are you sure? Since I posted my question I read a page on the Apple site which said you don’t need internet connection.
Interesting. I tested this through turning my phone on airplane mode and wifi off and then going into the wallet app. An error came up with unable to connect to Apple Pay. Maybe try the steps on your phone with internet off and let me know how you go?
@@AutomationFixation ok thanks. I’ll get a physical card just in case.
Japan also has a lot of free wifi access points so you could find somewhere and connect briefly to activate the card.
So this doesn’t actually require you buying a suica/pasmo card at all?
No, if you don't already have a card then you can skip the transfer steps and have a digital card only. Buying the card and then transferring it will render the card useless anyway.
@@AutomationFixation thank you. I should be a be to do it entirely from the Apple wallet & Apple Pay without Suica/Pasmo App?
Not a problem. Correct, you shouldn't need the app for basic functionality and Apple Pay only.
@@AutomationFixation awesome cheers mate. Going to watch the f1 in September 😍
Awesome! Have a great time. I'm sure you will enjoy it.