How to Top Up Suica IC Card Using Apple Wallet & Google Pay

I made the mistake of not arranging an IC card, in my case a Suica card, for my mother when she visited me in Japan several weeks ago. One frustrating aspect was my lack of knowledge about topping up the IC card using a credit card. It was annoying to constantly check my balance and rely on cash for top-ups while traveling. Until today, I didn’t realize how easy it was to set up a cardless, touchless, and cashless IC card using only my iPhone 11. I discovered that Apple Pay could be used to reload my IC card balance, but unfortunately, I couldn’t get it to work during our travels.

What is Suica?

Suica is a rechargeable smart card for public transportation that was introduced in Japan by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It allows users to seamlessly access trains, buses, and other modes of transport without the need for paper tickets. The Suica card can also be used for small purchases at convenience stores and vending machines, making it a popular choice among both residents and visitors.

What are IC Cards?

IC cards (Integrated Circuit Cards) are electronic payment cards that can be used for various services, especially public transportation in Japan. They operate on a contactless payment system that allows users to load money onto the card and tap it against a reader when making payments. Other popular IC cards include Pasmo, ICOCA, and Manaca, each serving specific regions or transport networks across Japan.

After some research, I found an effective way to manage an IC card for visitors and easily top up the balance without needing a physical card. What’s even better is that you can skip downloading and installing the Japanese SUICA app, avoiding any extra steps and translation tools! Here’s how:

1. Using Apple Wallet (for Suica) on iOS

For iPhone users, adding Suica to Apple Wallet is straightforward and doesn’t require the Suica app. Here’s how to do it:

Open Apple Wallet, tap the “+” button, and select “Suica” under transit cards.
Load an initial balance, and then use your credit card to top it up directly through Apple Wallet, which is available in English.
Once set up, you can recharge the Suica balance directly in Wallet with your linked credit card.

2. Google Pay (for Suica) on Android

For Android users, adding Suica via Google Pay is also simple and eliminates the need for the Japanese app, though availability may vary by device and region. Here’s what to do:

Set up Suica within Google Pay and link it to a credit card. The Google Pay interface is user-friendly and in English.

I won’t delve into the translation tools for the Suica app or physical methods of topping up an IC card, as these options are considerably more cumbersome than using the NFC method.

You might wonder if mobile internet is needed when using the NFC method. The good news is that no mobile internet is required to use NFC for tapping and paying with a mobile IC card like Suica. Here’s how it works:

NFC Functionality

NFC (Near Field Communication) allows your phone to communicate directly with the reader at ticket gates or payment terminals without the need for an internet connection. The transaction occurs locally on your device.

When Internet Might Be Needed

Initial Setup: An internet connection is necessary for the initial setup of the IC card in Apple Wallet or Google Pay. This process includes adding the card to your wallet and linking a credit card for recharges.
Recharge Options: When topping up your card using a linked credit card within the app, you will need mobile data or Wi-Fi. However, once your card is loaded with balance, you can use it offline.

In Summary

Once your mobile IC card is set up and has a balance, you can effortlessly use it for travel and payments without the need for an active internet connection. This convenience makes it ideal for commuting or shopping in Japan!

By following these steps, managing your IC card setup and top-ups becomes straightforward, even amidst Japanese-language apps. Enjoy seamless travel throughout Japan!