Originally Posted by
ainternational
Anyone know if you can re-charge a Suica or Pasmo online, presumably via credit card or e-check? I'd like to recharge my card before I had back to Japan to avoid having to withdraw or exchange money in Japan (for a fee) and then use the machine in the station...
Yes for Suica, but you need a FeliCa reader connected to your computer. Another option is auto-recharge, but that only works on certain Suica types (View Suica, etc.), you need a Japanese bank account or credit card, and you need to apply and be approved. The last option for online recharge is through mobile Suica, but you need a Japanese mobile with a built-in FeliCa chip along with being present in the Japanese mobile network.
No for Pasmo. The only way is at a machine in Japan.
For both, you can recharge with a credit card in Japan at the touchscreen ticket machines or in the case of Suica, at the Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket office. Apparently not... see below.
Originally Posted by
jib71
I think you can buy a SUICA+N'EX combo with your credit card at NRT... (Or am I wrong?)
Correct, both the JR travel center and Midori-no-madoguchi ticket office in Narita take credit cards.