Glossary entry

IC card

An IC card is a rechargeable contactless card used mainly for public transport in Japan and, in some places, for small purchases at shops and vending machines that show the accepted logo. You load value, tap in and out, and the fare is deducted automatically. Rules for buying, loading and refunding cards change by operator, so check with the issuer. Loading one with a foreign card may count as a foreign currency purchase with your issuer's fees. See also: Suica, Pasmo, and the guide IC Cards in Japan.