Where to buy a Suica card: Recommended use of Mobile Suica and the reasons

When it comes to convenient transportation options during your travel or stay in Japan, Suica cards are a top choice. However, due to a recent global shortage of IC chips, the issuance of new Suica cards has been temporarily suspended, causing confusion among many foreign tourists and residents.

This guide aims to provide detailed information on how to obtain a Suica card and alternative options for those searching for “Where to buy a Suica card.” We will specifically focus on the Welcome Suica for tourists and the Mobile Suica app, which can be used on smartphones.

Get the latest information on Suica cards to make your travel in Japan more comfortable.

Where to buy a Suica card: Current acquisition methods

Physical Suica card issuance suspended

Currently, the issuance of new Suica cards in Japan has been temporarily suspended due to a global shortage of IC chips, resulting in limited stock. Therefore, it is not possible to purchase a new physical Suica card at this time. Those who already have a Suica card can continue to use it, but new purchases are difficult until the suspension is lifted.

However, a special “Welcome Suica” is available for tourists visiting Japan. This special version of the Suica card is designed for short-term use by tourists for public transportation and store payments. Details on this will be explained below.

What is Welcome Suica?

［Suica Official Site］

Welcome Suica is a prepaid IC card specifically designed for tourists visiting Japan. This card can be used for payments on many public transportation systems and at various stores across Japan, just like a regular Suica card. A key feature of Welcome Suica is that no deposit is required, and it can be used immediately upon purchase.

You can purchase Welcome Suica at major international airports such as Narita and Haneda. When purchasing, you can choose the amount to charge, ranging from 1,000 yen to 10,000 yen. This card is valid for 28 days from the start of use, making it convenient for travel expenses and shopping during your trip.

Advantages and disadvantages of Welcome Suica

Welcome Suica has numerous advantages. First, it does not require a deposit, so the initial cost is lower. Additionally, since you do not need to return the card, you can keep it as a souvenir after your trip. Furthermore, by using up the charged amount, you can reduce the need to carry cash, enhancing safety.

However, there are also disadvantages. The biggest drawback is that it is only valid for 28 days, making it inconvenient for long-term stays or future visits. Additionally, any remaining balance on the card is non-refundable, meaning any unused funds are wasted. As a physical card, there is also a risk of loss or damage.

How to purchase at the airport

Welcome Suica can be easily purchased at JR EAST Travel Service Centers or vending machines at Narita and Haneda airports. Upon arrival at the airport, first locate the JR EAST Travel Service Center. These counters are usually found in the arrival lobbies or near major transportation terminals.

The purchase process is very simple, and English-speaking staff are available to assist, ensuring a smooth experience without language barriers. Simply tell the counter staff the amount you wish to charge and make the payment to receive your Welcome Suica immediately. It is also possible to purchase the card from vending machines, which have English instructions, making them easy to use.

When using a vending machine, first set the screen language to English, then follow the instructions to select the amount to charge. Payment can be made with cash or credit card, and the card will be dispensed. This method is particularly convenient when counters are busy or outside business hours.

Why we don’t recommend Welcome Suica?

While Welcome Suica offers many conveniences for tourists, there are reasons to recommend using Mobile Suica instead. First, Welcome Suica is only valid for 28 days, making it unsuitable for long-term stays or future visits. Additionally, the balance is non-refundable, so any unused funds are wasted.

By using Mobile Suica, these limitations can be avoided. By installing the Suica app on your smartphone, you eliminate the need to carry a physical card, reducing the risk of loss or damage. You can also charge your Suica anytime, anywhere, and there are no restrictions on the period of use, making it suitable for long-term stays or repeat visits.

Furthermore, Mobile Suica allows for easy charging using a credit card, reducing the need to carry cash. This convenience is a significant advantage for many tourists. It is particularly suitable for businesspeople who frequently visit Japan and students staying for long periods.

Considering the convenience and flexibility, we recommend using Mobile Suica over Welcome Suica for tourists.

Where to buy a Suica card: Recommended use of Mobile Suica

What is mobile suica?

Mobile Suica is a service that allows you to use Suica functions without a physical card by utilizing a smartphone or smartwatch. This service is designed to facilitate payments on public transportation and at stores in Japan. Particularly on some iPhone and Android models, you can download and set up the dedicated app to use as a Suica card.

By using Mobile Suica, you eliminate the need to carry a card and can easily charge and check your balance with just your smartphone. Additionally, there are no limitations on the period of use, making it suitable for long-term stays and future visits. Furthermore, you can charge online using a credit card, reducing the need to carry cash and making it very convenient. If you want to use the App, please check the other article about how to make the Suica app on your iphone.

How to use the Suica app

The Suica app is a tool to maximize the use of Suica functions on your smartphone. With this app, you can easily charge your Suica card, check your balance, and view your transaction history. First, download the “Suica app” from the App Store or Google Play. Once installed, open the app and set up your Suica card.

Follow the app’s instructions to proceed with the setup. If creating a new Suica card, enter the required information in the app and select the amount to charge. If adding an existing Suica card, enter the card number and follow the instructions. Once setup is complete, your smartphone functions as a Suica card, and you can use it by simply tapping it on the ticket gate or payment terminal.

How to use Suica app for foreigners

For foreign travelers and residents, the Suica app is an essential tool to facilitate transportation and shopping in Japan. First, change your smartphone’s region setting to Japan and download the “Suica app” from the App Store or Google Play. Once you open the app, you can change the language setting to English, making it easy to use even if you are not proficient in Japanese.

During the initial setup, you can choose to create a new Suica card or add an existing one. If creating a new card, enter basic information such as your name and birthday, and select the amount to charge. If adding an existing card, enter the card number and follow the app’s instructions. Once setup is complete, you can use your smartphone to tap for transportation and store payments.

How to charge at the convenience store

Charging a Suica card at a convenience store is easy. First, take your Suica card to the store’s cash register and tell the staff you want to charge it. The staff will operate a terminal with the charging function, so specify the amount to charge and pay in cash. Convenience stores that support this include 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson, making it easy to charge at these locations.

Additionally, some stores have ATMs where you can charge your Suica card. Select “Electronic money charge” on the ATM’s operation screen and follow the instructions to insert or tap your Suica card for charging. This method is also very convenient, especially during non-busy times at the ATM, allowing for a smooth charging experience.

Basic information about Suica

Suica is a prepaid IC card issued by JR East, used for payments on public transportation and at many stores across Japan. By simply tapping the Suica card at the station’s automatic ticket gate, you can board trains and buses without the hassle of buying tickets, making it very convenient. Additionally, Suica can be used as electronic money at convenience stores, vending machines, and restaurants.

There are three main variations of Suica cards: the standard Suica card, the Welcome Suica for tourists, and the Mobile Suica. The standard Suica card requires a deposit and is suitable for long-term use. Welcome Suica does not require a deposit and is valid for 28 days, making it suitable for short-term stays by tourists. Mobile Suica is used on smartphones, eliminating the need for a physical card and reducing the risk of loss.

By using a Suica card, you can reduce the need to carry cash and make payments quickly and easily. Particularly for payments in Japan’s transportation systems and stores, Suica is an extremely convenient tool.

Summary: Where to buy a Suica Card? Mobile Suica App is recommended

Useful Link

English Guide 2024 | How to Make Suica App on iPhone in Japan