How to use a Suica card when traveling in Japan
If you’re traveling to Japan, having a Suica card is one of the easiest ways to streamline your trip. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Suica card and how to use it.
1. About the Suica card
Suica is a type of IC card that people commonly use to pay for train tickets without having to purchase physical paper tickets. It can also be used to pay for bus tickets, shopping at convenience stores, vending machines, and more.
2. The difference between Welcome Suica and IC Suica cards
*Welcome Suica:
- Purpose: Specifically designed for international tourists.
- Advantages: Offers perks like discounts at partner merchants and eliminates the need to purchase tickets directly. Works not only in the Suica/PASMO area but also on railways, buses, and throughout Japan, displaying the "IC logo".
*IC Suica:
- Purpose: Used by both Japanese residents and foreigners. This type of card is very convenient for transportation and payments.
- Advantages: Allows direct transportation payments without ticket purchases. Offers attractive discounts on fares and sometimes can be used for shopping or paying for taxis.
*Note: Sales of JR East's Suica card (image of a penguin on the front) will be discontinued for the time being due to a worldwide semiconductor shortage.
3. How do I activate a Suica card?
The process of activating a Suica card is quite simple and can be done at designated locations or ticket vending machines, such as Haneda Airport and Narita Airport. After receiving the card, you just need to charge the Suica card and touch the card to the IC card reader at the ticket gate.
4. How to use a Suica card for transportation
To use the Suica card for public transportation, simply tap it on the IC card reader at the station gate when starting and ending your journey.
*Using your Suica Card
Suica cards are convenient for shopping at stores, restaurants, convenience stores, drugstores, and fast food restaurants displaying the Suica logo. They can also be used to buy drinks from vending machines, with purchases automatically deducted from your card balance.
*Important Notes
Expiration
- Welcome Suica Card: Valid for 28 days after activation. Any remaining balance is non-refundable if not renewed by the expiration date.
- IC Suica card: Valid for 10 years after activation. You can exchange it upon request, with any remaining value transferred to a new card.
Suica cards can be used in JR East stations such as Kanto, Niigata, and Sendai, but not for the Shinkansen. Separate tickets are needed for Shinkansen travel.
The Suica card is a must-have for anyone visiting or living in Japan, offering a hassle-free way to travel and make small purchases. Whether you’re using public transportation or grabbing a quick bite, the Suica card simplifies your journey and lets you explore Japan with ease. Make sure to pick one up at the start of your trip—you’ll wonder how you ever got around without it!
Don’t forget to follow GoEMON Global on our official Facebook for the latest updates on life in Japan via this link right here: https://www.facebook.com/GoEMONGlobal
Source: Klook
