Why You Need an IC Card for Japan Travel! Suica, ICOCA

What this video shows

From the guide “Japan IC Card Guide for Tourists: Which Card to Buy, Where to Get It and How Refunds Work”: A Japanese IC card lets you pay for many train and bus rides by tapping a card, phone or watch. You can also use the stored balance at participating convenience stores, vending machines and other shops.

The guide goes on: “Which Japan IC card should you choose?”. A ¥2,000 regular Suica or ICOCA purchase gives you ¥1,500 to spend and a ¥500 deposit. A ¥2,000 Welcome Suica has no deposit, so the purchase amount is stored on the card for eligible spending.

From the guide “Japan SIM Card: Choose a Travel Data Plan”: Before buying a Japan SIM card, check that your phone is unlocked, supports the relevant network and can use the SIM format you plan to buy.

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