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    Do Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport work with NFC apps

    Tourist IC cards like Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport use the same FeliCa chip as standard cards, so a regular NFC reader app can scan them too. Here is what to expect.

    01

    Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport explained

    Welcome Suica is the no deposit tourist version of Suica issued at major airports and stations. Pasmo Passport is the equivalent from the Pasmo network. Both expire 28 days after issue but otherwise behave like a normal IC card.

    02

    How to read them with your phone

    • Install the free IC card balance checker app from nfcjp.com.
    • Open the app and tap the card to the back of your phone.
    • See the balance, recent train rides and konbini purchases instantly.
    03

    Good to know on a Japan trip

    • If you ride long distance with a Japan Rail Pass from GetJRPass, keep your IC card for short urban hops and konbini payments.
    • Top ups go at any station machine or konbini in cash.
    • Any balance left at the end of the trip stays on the card until it expires.

    Check Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport in seconds

    Tap your tourist card to your phone and see the balance instantly. Free for iPhone and Android.

    Frequently asked questions

    Quick answers to common questions.

    Does the app work with Welcome Suica from Haneda or Narita?

    Yes. Welcome Suica issued at any airport or station can be read.

    What if my Pasmo Passport is close to expiry?

    The chip still reads normally. The app shows the current balance regardless of how many days are left.

    Can I top up through the app?

    No. Top ups need to be done at a station machine or a konbini, in cash.

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