The Suica Card in 2024: How and Where to Buy Tokyo's IC Card

The Suica card is a type of rechargeable transport card that can be used all over Japan. Trains, buses, vending machines, coin lockers and convenience stores - these are just some of the ways you can use this IC card. Currently, a worldwide shortage in chips has reduced the supply of new physical Suica cards but you can still get them at some locations. In this video we cover where and how to purchase Suica cards, digital cards in the Apple Wallet and the tourist cards Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport.
Suica card article: tokyocheapo.com/travel/suica-...
Aimee's channel: ‪@RoyandAimee‬
== CHAPTERS ==
0:00 Intro
0:25 Overview of Japan's Transport System
1:31 Suica on iPhone Apple Wallet
2:13 Narita Airport & Tokyo Stations: Suica Cards
3:35 Haneda Airport: Welcome Suica & Pasmo Passport
★★★ TokyoCheapo ★★★
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★★★ Credits ★★★
Intro sequence by the most talented Peter Laugesen
Creative commons images used in the intro:
* Gundam Robot Statue in Odaiba www.flickr.com/photos/picsofl...
* Japanese Salaryman Asleep www.flickr.com/photos/istolet...
* Domestic Cat commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
* Saraninman commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
* Wild Cat www.geograph.org.uk/profile/34298
* Ginza Holiday Promenade www.flickr.com/photos/yoshika...
* Shibuya Crossing www.flickr.com/photos/3102986...

[@clrd4tkf]

Going to Japan in May! This channel and its related website are all you need for planning a trip to Japan. Excellent info 👍

[@carloscruz-sz4qo]

Same here! What option are you going to use to transport between cities? You are doing the golden route?

[@sechslave9860]

same!

[@cass9102]

yes me too!! i’m going to binge this channel!

[@LeviathanSparrow]

LOL. Same here. Going in May. But staying in the countryside where Suica is not sold. I wonder if you can charge them anywhere or if you have to go back to major stations...

[@bmaster461603]

Haha. Same. Just got here

[@kitk7248]

I just got a suica today, June 5th 2024 from NRT T2 JR travel center. 5.30pm, zero que. The center closes at 7pm (T1) and 8pm (T2).

[@yza1992]

Screenshot this since I'll be going to Japan next week and I need the physical card since I have android

[@joycetan4684]

Finally, Crystal clear about the Suica!!! 😁👍🏻👏🏻🎫 Heard so many versions of it but Yours says it all! Thanks for sharing...

[@jdavid3885]

Straightforward info & crystal clear. You’ve earned a new subscriber. Will watch your other videos for our trip in Oct. Thanks!

[@BPAIZZY]

This channel was the place where I was told how simple it was to get the Digital Suica card, thank you so much.

[@castollo]

I have a trip to Tokyo, Japan this June. This video was very good. Thanks.

[@tokyocheapo]

Glad it was helpful! Enjoy your trip!

[@drheystudio]

going to Japan in three days. This video literally saves me tons of time! Got the suica on my iPhone and now ready to go. Thanks!

[@tokyocheapo]

Great to hear! Enjoy your trip!

[@julz_7773]

They can last longer than 10 years, as long as you return and use it again before 10 years pass by it re-sets. My Hokkaido variant from 2005 still worked late last year

[@CB-sx8xh]

I was so pleased and impressed that the IC card I saved from my trip in 2019 worked without a hitch on my trip last month!

[@gen81828]

This is really helpful! I share this video to me parents, easy and details

[@nightmare_yt132]

Very very helpful!!!!! Thank you so much for this wonderful vlog!

[@tokyocheapo]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@Fezduriban]

My last night in Japan and just wanted to thank you for a the amazing videos. Made my trip a breeze!!

[@poemart8425]

Very accurately described the travel cards in Japan

[@madiantin]

This was so helpful, thank you!

[@guitardan666]

Wow,SUPER HELPFUL. You have answered my question perfectly,SUBBED+LIKED immediately,thankyou.

[@tokyocheapo]

So glad it was helpful!

[@RoyandAimee]

Phew that was a lot of places to visit to find out all the info on Suica! Hope it helps and everyone has a great trip to Japan! 😊

[@aryogono6338]

Nice seeing you hosting in this video. Love your channel. I hope all Tokyo Cheapo viewers will also subscribe to your channel.❤😊

[@lilyliao6847]

Very concise and informative. Thank you!

[@tokyocheapo]

You're welcome! 😊

[@crazybagoham]

Visiting Tokyo in 4 days! these videos have been such a big help and have really relieved my anxiety, its my first time ever travelling and Im doing it alone

[@ba177ba18]

where are u flying in from?

[@asmatravelvlogs]

Did well starting with Japan! I was the same 5years ago

[@JalaalElasmar]

Glad to see Suica is starting to become available to purchase again.

[@kulutz9565]

Thanks for update

[@kennethlim1706]

Got my Suica card yesterday at JR East Travel Svc Cte in Tokyo stn. Do note there is a strict 1 card per person policy so bring your entire family if you intend to get for everyone...and also passports too, just in case. Children fare cards are however sold at another office 1 level below. Thanks Aimee

[@Violianom]

Super helpful! Wish I knew this before I left the airport. We were trying to get one at a station in Yokohama and were surprised to see it was suspended! Gonna go out to Tokyo station today to get it

[@namuunotgonjargal217]

Did u get the card?

[@PogPets]

Going to Japan in a week, this helps a lot!

[@Dtr1993melee]

We’re in Japan now. We saw KZbin videos of how it’s able to be accessible at certain stations. Which we decided to not get the welcome suica and left the airport to go to the stations that offered them. Mistake on our end as the ones we went to didn’t have any left and burned through a lot of our time waiting in line. I say don’t bother. If you need a suica just grab it from the airport kiosk. And use that for the trip. I don’t think there was any deposit fee for the card so there is really no reason not to just get one so at least you have access to a suica card while there. If you want to try and find an actual suica card while you’re in Japan you can and if all else fails you at least have the welcome suica available to you.

[@kinggizzwizfizz]

Very informative and concise, thank you!

[@boxerblake1]

Still have ours from previous trips, thankfully. See you in April, Japan.

[@Kushal978]

Thanks for sharing

[@rych7852]

I binged a lot of your videos before my trip last week. (Such a great channel) Flew into Haneda. and got a "Welcome Suica" with no problems whatsoever. Probably used the same machine as in the video! 😂😂

[@tokyocheapo]

Thank you so much for binging our videos! We're thrilled to hear you found them helpful for your trip. 😊 It's awesome to hear that getting your "Welcome Suica" at Haneda went smoothly! Maybe you did use the same machine as in the video - what a fun coincidence! 😁

[@hkloon100]

@@tokyocheapo Can I get a regular SUICA from Haneda Airport instead of the Welcome SUICA?

[@waaasaaap9791]

@@hkloon100 Based on what the video described, I don't believe they have the regular SUICA from Haneda.

[@83drika]

love your videos

[@thebwt0]

Can confirm, we were able to get physical suica cards yesterday!

[@tanjem]

From ..airport ..? Hope it is the regular one ..

[@thebwt0]

Yep, the base one, from Narita.

[@tanjem]

@@thebwt0 nice..

[@user-kv4yg7ww4v]

Thank You So Much Madam❤❤😊😊

[@HoustonZenCenter]

So helpful!

[@tokyocheapo]

We're glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@cherryhoney007]

Going to Japan in October! thank you!!

[@tokyocheapo]

You're welcome! Have a great time!

[@lucifermorningstar_00712]

So am I. What does your itinerary look like?

[@KumaSelf]

Short and sweet

[@AdamWilliam329]

Got mine during the pandemic 26 days left and 🗼👘🇯🇵 here I am. Thank you Tokyo Cheapo

[@kyleb8268]

Just wrapped up my trip in Tokyo. You can get a Pasmo card at Haneda and it makes everything so simple

[@Mbakyoe]

Better passmo or suica?

[@kyleb8268]

@Mbakyoe Personally, I liked Pasmo. Got right through customs and they were right there. Took a minute to get, they explain it and load it for you. Works for trains, busses, most vending machines. Just keep cash on you so you can reload it. If not, plenty of ATMs everywhere.

[@Mbakyoe]

@@kyleb8268 okay thanks.. but the deposit and the remaining balance can’t be returned/refund, right?

[@kyleb8268]

@@Mbakyoe I could be wrong, but only on the day you added funds without using the card. The small balance that I had on it, I just used at vending machines in Haneda when you get past security.

[@Skitz221]

Klook does a awesome deal for welcome Suica cards where yo can get a 1 day free pass on your first day in Tokyo

[@kreuzquer8938]

THX 💪🏾

[@robot_collective]

Thanks for the video Tokyo Cheapo! Do ICOCA cards also still work?

[@tokyocheapo]

Yes they sure do 😊 Regardless of whether you get one on your iPhone or get the card while in Osaka, you can use them while in Tokyo as well.

[@rerus01]

Luckily I still have my ICOCA card that I used in 2020. It should still work my next visit.

[@armyonpluto]

Does the icoca work everywhere in Japan?

[@bmaster461603]

They read my mind. I'm going to Tokyo and osaka haha

[@Kat-kx8tf]

Hi, and thank you for the video. Do you know if a USA issued Visa debit card can be used to load a Suica card at the airport? Is there a good ATM you recommend at Narita airport? Thank you so much.

[@timr.2257]

Sounds like digital is best way to go by far.

[@henrymatos9551]

Great information. I will try using the digital version. Just have to plan out the amount to initially pre-load. For store purchases can we use the Suica digital card at the convenience stores? If so and the digital amount is used up, are we able to pay the rest of the balance in cash?

[@tokyocheapo]

You can use it for store purchases, but you usually can’t split the payment into two types.

[@cecilliaxiao7549]

Currently in Japan and no adult IC cards available because of chip shortage again and only able to get kids toico at Tokyo station.

[@thardie]

I liked the spot where you filmed in front of the Miyazaki clock - Love that!

[@tokyocheapo]

Nice spotting!

[@hey38028]

Add to your digital wallet, when you get to Japan …easy as!

[@user-ss3uf6hp3m]

hi i just heard from news on tv that ic card in japan be soul out ,really

[@viralmedia]

My son and I will be traveling in May for 21 days!! The first 8 days will be exploring Tokyo. And then we'll be traveling from Amori to Hiroshima with stops in Fukushima, Kanazawa, Oshino Hakkai, Kyoto, Osaka, and MAYBE Hiroshima if time permits. I think I've settled on PASMO ( flying into Narita) and a 14 day JR Rail Pass for the last 2 weeks of city to city travel and back to Tokyo. But if I'm not confused, can a PASMO or SUICA be used for Shinkansen travel as long as there are enough funds on the card? I'm tempted to just by two 21 day passes to save me the headache.

[@styledliving]

narita and tokyo eki didn't have any suica cards on 3/3 on 3/4 there were some available at shibuya station, but they sold out by 1:30pm. it seems like stations are rationing them or they're rotating stock deliveries at each station. maybe try pasmo instead.

[@tokyocheapo]

Thank you for this info! We were at Narita T1 on March 6th around midday and there were still Suica being sold but it seems it can be hit and miss depending on stock.

[@glucksbarchen337]

I so wish Suica would be easily available for Android phones too, or if I could pay directly with my CC like it was possible in Malaga.... otherwise maybe its better I have to use cash. Money is flowing away like crazy when using public transport in Japan 😭😭 So I always walk a lot and see at least more of Tokyo

[@inquisitvem6723]

Great to know tourists can get a permanent SUICA card and not just a welcome SUICA, but I will take a spare iPhone to use a digital SUICA which saves $ on deposit.

[@catherinelim8194]

May I know if there is a validity period for the digital mobile Suica card? You mentioned that there is no refund of the balance. But if there is no expiry, can we keep the balance for use on our future visits?

[@S3verance]

Apparently recent android devices do have the chip needed to use the cards but they still havent enabled their use through software yet. I hope they fix it before the end of this year.

[@sonarvord]

If you want to spend the remaining balance on your IC card before returning home. Are there plenty of places to use it for food and stuff at Narita airport?

[@bizcochodulce]

Thanks for the video. So, you can buy the SUICA card at the Narita airport with credit card, but you can`t add money with a credit card? Is that right? Also for the Pasmo Passport card?

[@tokyocheapo]

That's right, you can only top up with cash

[@marlitasoentara7231]

Thanks for the video. Will land In Nagoya, there have only manaca ic card. Can I use manaca in Tokyo, Yokohama and other part of Japan?

[@sekimena]

Yes. And also you can use Suica in Nagoya.

[@ucupz]

Hi do you know if Narita airport has suitcases card for kids? I have 8 year old daughter. Thank you so much 😊

[@limweiwen8744]

Hi! I will be travelling to Japan this coming April, and will be landing at Narita Airport. Can I get the physical Suica card at Narita Airport? Thanks!

[@weronikaniemczyk5233]

Hi Is it worth using suica for trains between towns ? Or it’s only for subway , and transport in towns ? Weronika

[@Nekotaku_TV]

Sad how it's changed this way, hopefully it gets restored. But also wow, didn't know you could add Suica to your Apple pay. But I didn't even know I had NFC on my phone until recently. But... my iPhone is too old for it for some reason!? Reeeeee!

[@markrobiso]

The regular Suica Card (doesn't expire easily) is available in Narita Airport Terminal 1 and Tokyo Station? (not Terminal 2 or 3) Thank you!

[@HappywifeHappyLife00]

Narita airport doesn't issue the welcome Suica?

[@anandvsamuel]

I'll be travelling with my family in April, and this is great information. Can i use this card on shinkansen and nozomi as well as buses. Also can we can use this in 7 eleven, for purchases.

[@tokyocheapo]

You can use it for purchases in 7-Eleven, and other convenience stores plus quite a lot of shops all over. For Shinkansen tickets best to buy them separately. It's not so straightforward using Suica for Shinkansen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6G2foakZamtnaM

[@anandvsamuel]

@@tokyocheapo thank you for sharing this video. Since welcome suica is a different compared to a normal suica, I assume we cannot register it to book tickets on smartex. Arriving in Japan itself may be stressful with kids, can I buy shinkansen on the day rather than booking it early, as there is a time attached to the ticket. Would I be able to get either reserved or green car tickets on nozomi or others on the day.

[@lau2A68]

Can I buy a physical Regular Suica Card at Fukuoka? We’re flying a direct flight to Fuokuoka International Airport this November. We prefer to purchase a regular Suica Card that we can use in our future trips in Japan since it has a 10year validity. We can just keep the remaining balance for future trips without worries of expiration. I tried researching on where to buy the Regular physicsl card, it seems that it’s only available for purchase at Tokyo. Please advise. Thanks

[@omer.eraslan]

Is the suica or welcome suica card available at Narita Airport in May?

[@carlofernandez4061]

Hello! Can Suica card (or any IC cards) be used on Fujikyu line?

[@kindasport]

Suica & Passmo probably make quite a profit from ppl who are not asking for a refund. Plus, if you have to pay 220Y most ppl will skip that 😅I mean, If you anyway only get back cash, what do you do with it? Changing back to your lokal home currency costs a lot and you will be left with foreign money you probably won't use again. We will probably go with day tickets in Tokyo to avoid the hassle whit changing back and forth.

[@Mrpeter678]

Nice Im going to Japan next year and I'm going to buy suica card but I can take suica to home as a souvenir?

[@tokyocheapo]

Yes you can!

[@lisazinklauter4378]

Do you know where i can find the suica or passmo at Ywno station,i couldn't find it, im still a little bit lost? I need a regular suica or passmo bc i stay in japan for 3 months.

[@_Username__]

I got mine from iwallet while waiting on immigration line in Airport, MUCH MORE CONVENIENT

[@krypto4887]

Very useful video, but I still have one question to the use of suica cards for reserved shinkansen seats: If you link your suica card with the bought ticket you can just pass the JR 'gate' by tapping the suica card. But aren't there ticket inspectors? If yes how would that work? Thanks!

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! Yes that's right, you can just tap through the gate 😊 There are staff at the gates who will help if you're unsure of what to do but if you can tap through with your IC card, that's all the confirmation they need.

[@robertoyamakata6672]

Sorry I need to make a for me important question. If I have bought the Japan Rail Pass, should I buy this Suica card too?

[@real.hatsune.miku.39]

Nice guide! But you forgot to mention that if you transfer your physical card to your iPhone, the physical card becomes unreloadable. Basically making the card useless. It gives the warning before hitting continue.

[@Aaron-yn4bk]

Great info! Can I get a green Suica card in Kyoto? We are flying into Osaka and then going to Kyoto. Also, when you say the green Suica physical card is only rechargeable with cash, does that include debit card? Thank you!

[@vanhoe0]

Osaka/Kyoto region sells Icoca instead of Suica.

[@KiRaPaRk44]

I think I’ll try to get the physical card. I don’t know why my iPhone doesn’t allow me to top up any amount onto my e-suica card😢

[@baguon57]

I’m currently in Urayasu right now, where can I pick up a physical Suica card?

[@zero-cool23]

So I'm only going to Tokyo for 5 days and staying there. What should I get? Thanks

[@bizcochodulce]

I don`t understand why for tourist is better to buy a Pasmo Passport card instead of a SUICA card at the Narita Airport? (The price of the card for the SUICA is cheaper) If I stay only 5 days in Japan, the SUICA is the best option?

[@Gannava6]

Well that sucks that you can't use the digital version of the card on Android unless you purchsed the phone from Japan. 😢

[@LimitedGif]

So many videos about suica but I am traveling to Osaka and going back from Tokyo. Maybe a video how the card works in Osaka and where to get it.

[@Oudri125]

The channel is called Tokyo Cheapo so I'm assuming they'd just cover Tokyo tips

[@NANICU]

The IC card sold in Osaka is the Icoca, and the sale is not restricted unlike the Suica or Pasmo cards. Get them at any JR West ticket machine and they can be used just like a Suica or Pasmo. The only difference between all these IC cards is in the refund, which you'll need to do at stations run by the rail company that sold you the card. You're out of luck for a refund if you're traveling to Tokyo with an Icoca as JR West does not have a presence there. You should run down the balance in the card and keep it as a souvenir, or for future use. My Pasmo from 2007 is still going strong💪

[@srinidhikotha6645]

Hi ..I have already booked welcome suica on klook can I pick up the physical card from Narita Airport Terminal 2 or do I have to go to Haneda airport to get the card??

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! Taking a look at the Klook website, it seems the Welcome Suica needs to be picked up from Haneda Airport T3. We would suggest contacting Klook before your trip to double check.

[@gosikh]

Save your valuable time and keep the card, bring it back home and I am 100% sure you can sell it to a friend going to Japan in the future. Thereby saving them the time to get a card. Just a thought!

[@bizcochodulce]

Does the Passmo passport card have to have a minimum amount of credit to be able to start making a trip? The other day, I wanted to use it and it told me the balance was low. You know exactly what the limit is so that it does not warn you that you have to put money

[@jaccl22]

Going to Japan in Sept 2024 (60 days). Will the card in apple wallet still work if I get it now? Is there a time limit on how long the balance will stay valid?

[@dechantique]

can we buy welcome suica card at shinjuku station ?

[@olilianasanchez5026]

Can i get a suica card from Narita 2? The JR east website states that they are temporarily unavailabile

[@MySherline]

Can the physical suica Card top up be done using a Credit Card?

[@marcelmaag3873]

I read that you can pay now with kreditcard also the trains, so no Swica card is really needed if i have a visa...wrong or wright ? thanks for your reply :)

[@tokyocheapo]

A limited number of train lines are trialling “touch” payment credit cards, but it won’t cover all journeys in tokyo, so for ease of travel an IC card is best

[@lutherpippen]

Does the digital card expire? I have money on the card but my trip isn't for another 4 months

[@weronikaniemczyk5233]

Hi. Do You know if I Can pay by suica for Hiroshima shuttle to the airport ? And as well for fujisan train , shinkansen to Kyoto ? Thank You for replaying Weronika

[@AvidvFCP]

@tokyocheapo Please can you give details of the music used in the video?

[@makelovenotwar9941]

Apple Pay is not available in all countries yet.

[@jordanmartinez1974]

I’m going to Japan this May soon. Can I use Suica card for Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto?

[@tokyocheapo]

Yes you can! You can purchase a Suica card in Tokyo and use it in Osaka and Kyoto as well. Similarly, if you're travelling to Osaka/Kyoto first, you can buy the ICOCA card and also use it in Tokyo. Enjoy your trip!

[@shirleychi8714]

Is it easy to reload the money from iPhone? When i want to add more money on my iPhone I still can use my credit card to do so? Or cash only ? Thank you

[@Victor_Romero]

I am traveling to Japan at the end of May with my wife and daughter and I put so far 18,000 Y on my iPhone app. Can I use it for the three of us? Do you have a recommended amount to put on the Suica app on iPhone? Thank you.

[@tokyocheapo]

You'll need one Suica card per person. Although, if you're daughter is under the age of six, she can travel for free or if she's between the ages of 6-12, you can get a child Suica card from JR ticket offices which charges fares at half price. For the amount, it depends on how much travel you're looking at doing but for example, for one day of transport in the city, you might spend around 1000 yen per person.

[@ayrtonscheperkamp7595]

Do you need a credit card to use the suica card on apple wallet?

[@Palsrible]

How much should I put on the card. 3 days in Tokyo.

[@duuiiuu]

I already have a green suica card, can i top it up at the welcome suica machine at Haneda?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! Next to the Welcome Suica machine at Haneda there are regular ticket machines where you can charge your green Suica card.

[@janisl7075]

is the regular suica available at Narita or only the welcome suica?

[@tokyocheapo]

Only the regular Suica at this time. The Welcome Suica is only offered at Haneda Airport, not Narita.

[@9494KittenWarrior]

Hi if I have SUICA app, I guess I just need one for our family since I need to swipe it for each of us and they charge per swipe? Thank you 😊

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! You'll need one Suica card, either a physical or digital one, per person. The exception is children under 6 who can accompany an adult for free.