How to use the Pasmo card in Japan: Guide for Malaysians

If you’re headed to Tokyo, you might be wondering how to get around efficiently. An integrated circuit (IC) card is your best bet, since you can just tap to pay for public transport, and you can choose between the Suica Card and PASMO Card.

In this article, we’ll talk about the PASMO Card, how to get it and use it, and more. We’ll also touch on how the Wise card can help you save more money while enjoying your vacation in Japan.

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What is the PASMO Card in Japan?

The PASMO Card¹ is a contactless smart card that can be used for paying public transportation fares as well as in-store payments at convenience stores, restaurants and other shops in Japan.

Similarly to a Suica Card, the PASMO Card has unlimited validity as long as it’s used. If it hasn’t been used or topped up in 10 years, however, it will then expire and become invalid.

How to get a Pasmo card in Japan

Unfortunately, regular physical PASMO cards are currently not available in Japan, per PASMO’s website². However, if you really want a PASMO Card, you can still get a digital one on Apple Pay.

All you have to do is open Apple Wallet and tap on the + symbol on the top right, then add a new “Transit card” or “Transport card”. Scroll down and look for PASMO, key in how much credit you want to top up the card with and then you’ll get a brand new digital PASMO Card on Apple Pay³!

Where to buy a Pasmo card in Japan?

PASMO cards were previously available at private railway stations, subway stations and bus depots in Tokyo, along with options at Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. Unfortunately, as unpersonalised PASMO cards are not available at the time of writing, it’s almost impossible to get a PASMO Card in Japan right now. You will most likely only be able to add a digital PASMO Card to your Apple Wallet³.

If you somehow have an Android phone that was purchased in Japan, you will also be able to add a digital PASMO Card to Google Pay, but as you’re most likely a tourist visiting, it’s unlikely you’ll own a Japan-bought Android smartphone.

Can I buy a Pasmo Passport in Japan?

The PASMO Passport has been discontinued since August 2024⁵, and is no longer available for purchase in Japan. If you’re looking for a tourist-specific IC card to use for your vacation, you might want to check out the Welcome Suica Card instead. However, if you’re planning on visiting Japan more than once in 10 years, it might be worth just getting the normal Suica Card instead.

How to use the Pasmo card in Japan?

If you somehow get your hands on a PASMO Card and you’re wondering how to use it, it’s quite simple. All you have to do is top up the card at a recharging machine at a subway station with cash, then tap in when you start your journey and out when you end your journey.

Other physical IC cards are used in the same way, and if you have a digital PASMO Card in your iPhone, simply tap your iPhone to the reader when entering and exiting the station or the bus.

How to top up the Pasmo card?

If you’re wondering how to top up the PASMO Card, simply head to any subway station and look for a recharging machine. You can place the physical PASMO Card or your iPhone on the reader, then select how much you want to top up the card with. Just remember that you can only use cash to top up the card at the machine.

If you have a digital PASMO Card, you can top up with a credit or debit card that has been added to your Apple Wallet. Simply open Apple Wallet, tap on your PASMO Card and you’ll see a large button that says “Add Money” next to your card’s balance. From there, you’ll be able to key in how much you want to top up and choose which credit card or debit card you want to use.

How long is Pasmo card valid?

Similar to other IC cards, the PASMO Card is valid for 10 years from the last time the card was used or topped up⁶. As long as the card is used at least once every 10 years, it will never expire.

PASMO vs Suica vs ICOCA card

There are other transportation cards available in Japan, such as the ICOCA Card and the PASMO Card. However, these IC cards are essentially similar in function. They can be used nationwide as long as the place supports payment via IC.

The main difference is where you purchase the cards and what kind of designs there are. If you’re landing in the Kansai region, you’ll most likely be purchasing an ICOCA Card and there are limited edition designs such as The Wind and Thunder Gods ICOCA Card that’s only available for purchase at the Kansai International Airport’s JR Ticket Office³.

PASMO and Suica cards are used in the same Greater Tokyo Area, and there’s very little difference between the two, such as a lower initial minimum charge amount of 500 JPY and no refund charge of 220 JPY for PASMO cards.

Pay for shopping, food and more in Japan with the Wise card

Want to save even more money while you’re travelling around Japan? Check out the Wise account, where you’ll be able to exchange and hold up to 40+ currencies, with currency exchanges made at the mid-market rate, with low, transparent fees⁷.

Better still, get a linked Wise card and you’ll be able to top up your digital PASMO Card and pay for purchases in Japan while saving money. You’ll be able to use it all around Japan, where card payments are accepted, and pay seamlessly for all your travel needs. You can also order up to 3 virtual Wise cards which you can add to your Apple or Google Pay, and freeze and unfreeze at any time for that added layer of security.

The Wise card offers up to 2 free withdrawals of up to 1,000 MYR each month, so you won’t have to worry about running out of cash even if you’re travelling for a longer period around Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and other cities. You can opt for auto conversion where you just need to top-up MYR to your account, or convert to JPY in advance at your desired exchange rate.

Save even more on your convenience store runs, sushi feasts and shopping sprees by getting a trusty Wise card before you embark on your Japanese escapade.

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Sources:

1. PASMO
2. PASMO Adult
3. PASMO Apple Pay
4. PASMO Apple Pay
5. PASMO Rules
6. PASMO
7. Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.