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

[@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?

[@NOVAZENN]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@josephinefoo8875]

😊

[@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

[@halfduplexmedia6395]

Thanks for this. Just got to Japan yesterday and going to Narita airport today to see if this still holds true

[@yza1992]

​@halfduplexmedia6395 I'm in South Korea for a 5hrs layover.. please let me know if this holds true

[@cpkadam]

For those with an existing one in ApplePay you may need to update it at the train station. At the train entrance approach a personnel to explain you can’t use the ApplePay and they will try to update it. It should work after that with you topping up the cash in the Suica card app in the iPhone.

[@halfduplexmedia6395]

Reporting back in. Today is June 19th approximately 08:34am local time. I was able to successfully purchase a SUICA card from the JR East Travel Service Center in Narita airport (terminal 2)

[@joycetan4684]

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

[@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!

[@sakib33]

Thank you so much! Your video was much more helpful than the other one that made me hang around for 2 minutes (just to tell me Suica card cannot translate to English) and nothing was resolved. I've hit subscribe to your channel. I appreciate you simplifying things for us tourists.

[@xiaowenxu3716]

Got the answer I needed, one card per person! Thank you!

[@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.

[@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..

[@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.❤😊

[@AL-yp2vw]

An update as at 21 Jul 2024: I went to JR Sale office at Ueno Station and finally got the physical SUICA card, most stations' self-kiosk machines do not have stock, including Narita Airport JR Office.

[@poemart8425]

Very accurately described the travel cards in Japan

[@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

[@castollo]

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

[@tokyocheapo]

Glad it was helpful! Enjoy your trip!

[@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.

[@raiden290]

Can the Welcome Suica be used in other areas such as Fukuoka?

[@waaasaaap9791]

@@raiden290 From what it says when you search it up online, there's mixed answers whether a welcome Suica can be used or not. But I think since it is still a Suica, you can use it everywhere including Fukuoka

[@JalaalElasmar]

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

[@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?

[@BPAIZZY]

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

[@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.

[@jdavid3885]

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

[@nicole_shizuko]

Love you for this! I'm moving to Tokyo in September and I was a bit confused about the 2 cards, so thank you! I just downloaded it to my iphone.

[@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?

[@BukuiZhao]

1:07 Usage tip, do not tap the card so hard against the reader such that you are bending the card, by doing so you could damage your card’s internals and make it malfunction.

[@boxerblake1]

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

[@solomani-42]

FYI you can get the digital Suica card ahead of time. No need to wait until you get to Japan to add it to your wallet (iPhone only as of 2024).

[@nateshf9303]

Yes, in fact I added 3 IC cards when the yen v USD dropped again last week but I'm not going till April.

[@mtkaren]

An we add funds to it before we land in Japan?

[@solomani-42]

@@mtkaren yes, to make sure it works (let's say 1,000 yen) but you can do it on the spot too on Japan. The transfer is near instantaneous. If the exchange rate is good now for you, I would definitely top it up ahead of time.

[@mtkaren]

@@solomani-42 thanks for your reply! Our trip is in August and we can’t wait. I know it’s super hot and humid but it’s a business trip so hard to turn that down.

[@jonathans.6259]

Can I recharge the digital Suica with physical cash at a kiosk?

[@gen81828]

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

[@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.

[@erhembilegebe419]

TYSM!

[@Fezduriban]

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

[@PogPets]

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

[@JustDaBeef]

Practical and to the point, thank you!!

[@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.

[@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

[@lilyliao6847]

Very concise and informative. Thank you!

[@tokyocheapo]

You're welcome! 😊

[@nightmare_yt132]

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

[@tokyocheapo]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@kulutz9565]

Thanks for update

[@Gannava6]

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

[@渡辺優子-c2o]

I only know about Tokyo, but I think if you see "交通系IC" written on the register at a convenience store or supermarket, you can pay with Pasmo or Suica.

[@patrickk9488]

So you do not have to get a physical suica card (for tokyo) and the digital one is enough? downside: no refund in case of left balance right?

[@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!

[@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?

[@AnbuMorale]

My mom bought one kislux and she loves it. It had been there for over 10 years when she went out with it.

[@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?

[@Magkuuuuuus]

No suica/passmo cards at machines available! 🙄

[@madiantin]

This was so helpful, thank you!

[@hey38028]

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

[@JamshiSaroye]

For a long time, as the price of Chanel increased, I no longer thought I could afford it. I think I'll be happy that I have the kislux as my travel bag that I don't have to take care of. By the way, I'm sure no one will have a hard time telling the difference. Thanks for the comparison.

[@BlueSkyeDays.]

The downside to using a digital Suica is the fees you may be charged every time you load money onto it. Apple Wallet won’t allow a lot of travel cards to be linked to it so you’ll be using your local currency to add money to the Suica. This means you could be charged international transaction fees as well as the terrible currency conversion rates.

[@michel0731]

get something like Revolut or WISE linked to your Wallet. You can hold JPY on it and won't be charged a currency or transaction fee each time you recharge.

[@HappywifeHappyLife00]

Narita airport doesn't issue the welcome Suica?

[@jkim6518]

Where the kiosks to purchase the welcome suica cards located in Haneda T2?

[@c10udbr34k3r]

Great information! Question - For the Digital Suica Card, is there an expiration date for those?

[@AdamWilliam329]

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

[@MilkowskiSalach]

kislux versace bag is so cute

[@IRISHguitarist777]

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

[@tokyocheapo]

So glad it was helpful!

[@DomenickTina]

I love you so much! I recently just found your kislux and i’m in love!! Your videos are so fun and you energy is just MWAH! keep living your life

[@jonaramire]

Ah damn, I think I lost my Suica card I purchased in 2019 x) Didn't know it was still possible to use it for many years

[@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😢

[@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.

[@ganesanr736]

Not only in Haneda Airport. Hope we can get Suica Card in Narita Airport also.

[@AlM-sn3yr]

There is a caveat, the card can ONLY be returned to the issuing company. You can't return Suica in the JR West hub like Osaka or return Icoca in JR East hub like Tokyo. Now a tricky question, can you return Suica in Kanazawa?

[@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.

[@Kushal978]

Thanks for sharing

[@JT-ky9gr]

I waited in line for 30 minutes at akihabara station to purchase the welcome suica card. They told me that they don't sell it there and go to Tokyo station. None of the signage says this.

[@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?

[@luweng09]

I added the suica card to the apple watch, then tried to use from the iPhone, but now it’s gone. How to transfer back to the iPhone’s Wallet?

[@princeT-369]

can i use the suica on my iphone to pay for my son n myself whilst on the train as he's using android n i believe there's no option for android users at the moment aside frm the physical card

[@vaishnavis5314]

Very helpful.

[@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.

[@First362]

Thank you.

[@baguon57]

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

[@shanegalbaith6701]

Hi, thanks for your amazing info. I was just wondering once we have our IC cards from the airport, where am I able to recharge the physical card? As we are traveling with 2 children, we will need the physical card, as there can only be one card on mine and my wife’s phone. Our children don’t have their own phones.

[@tokyocheapo]

You would be able to charge the physical card at pretty much every train station at the ticket machines. The same machines (or ones next to them) will allow you to charge your cards

[@ryriffs]

FYI the welcome Suica is LIMITED TO HANEDA Airport

[@omer.eraslan]

I arrived at Narita Airport in October 2023. In October 2023, there was a WELCOME SUICA CART at Narita Airport. not there now?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! Welcome Suica cards are not available at Narita Airport now, only Haneda Airport. This may change in the future but this has been the case for a couple of months now.

[@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?

[@carolinegauthier6829]

Hello What about for children can I get 2 cards on the same phone ?

[@ivegyattocomment]

how long does the digital card value hold for??

[@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.

[@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.

[@timtanhueco1990]

Is there no scanner for digital Suica card? I prefer topping up using cash.

[@omer.eraslan]

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

[@Jonathanest90s]

Wait, I can use my iPhone Suica card with my US dollar from my debit card?

[@usamakamran2734]

Helpful ❤😊

[@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?

[@Palsrible]

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

[@dechantique]

can we buy welcome suica card at shinjuku station ?

[@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

[@fernyshells]

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

[@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

[@BROOKS39]

Just a heads up. The Suica App won’t download to iPhone 7 or older iPhones

[@sumie4787]

Getting at least 30 suica cards...where would you recommend to go

[@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.

[@akombalasau4022]

Can i use debit card for trains?

[@MySherline]

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

[@有个网友]

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.

[@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!

[@lublub553]

Hi there. I have a question. Why can’t I use one Suica card for two people and can I use Suica cards in South Korea?

[@ucupz]

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