Is there a shortage of Suica cards in Japan?


Is there a shortage of Suica cards in Japan? The good news is that the IC Card shortage seems to only affect Suica and Pasmo for the time being. If you're visiting other regions in Japan outside of Tokyo, you could still use their IC Cards! All IC Cards can be used across Japan regardless of where it is from.


Can I buy Suica card at Tokyo Station?

You can purchase the Welcome Suica card at JR East Travel Service Centers at Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station, Narita Airport Terminal 2/3 Station, Haneda Airport International Terminal Station, Tokyo Station, Hamamatsucho Station, Shinagawa Station, Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station, Ikebukuro Station, or Ueno ...


Can I use Suica for Osaka?

Smart cards like Icoca, Suica and Pasmo are generally valid across Japan, so don't worry about which one you buy. You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica for all trains, subways and buses in Osaka.


Can I buy Suica card at Narita Airport?

Where to Buy and How to Top-Up the Suica Card? Travellers flying in from Narita or Haneda International Airport can purchase a Suica card easily at JR East Travel Service Centers. You can also buy a prepaid Suica card from ticketing machines at major JR East train stations and JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi).


Can I get Suica on my phone?

You can add a new Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card on your iPhone or Apple Watch, or you can transfer your physical card to your device. When you add your first Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card, Express Mode is automatically turned on for that card, which allows you to pay for transit rides and make purchases with just a tap.


Do Suica cards expire?

You can keep your Suica card for your next trip. It will remain valid for 10 years. The Suica cards we offer are non-personal and are reserved for adult travellers.


What is the alternative to Suica?

While Suica and Pasmo cards are the most popular, many IC cards from other regions in Japan are similar in functions, and can be used across Japan as well. Some examples of these cards are ICOCA (in Osaka), KITACA (Sapporo), SUGOCA (Fukuoka), Manaca, Toica (Central Japan), etc.


Can I use Suica in Osaka and Tokyo?

Yes, it can. Suica cards can be used anywhere the Suica IC card logo is displayed. It can also be used in convenience stores and vending machines outside of the Tokyo area. You cannot use the Suica to travel between Tokyo and Osaka, but you can use it to travel within cities such as Osaka and Kyoto.


Is an IC card the same as a Suica card?

Suica is the prepaid IC card by JR East for JR trains in the Greater Tokyo, Niigata and Sendai regions. A special version of Suica, called Welcome Suica, is available to foreign tourists.


Can tourists buy Suica cards?

Travellers flying in from Narita or Haneda International Airport can purchase a Suica card easily at JR East Travel Service Centers. You can also buy a prepaid Suica card from ticketing machines at major JR East train stations and JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi).


Can two people share a Suica?

Each person needs one. Pasmo/Suica is read when touching the IC card reader upon entering and exiting a gate, and the correct fare is deducted from the card. The same card cannot be read entering twice at the same station. Thank you for the quick response.


How to buy Suica card in Tokyo 2023?

Where to buy a My Suica card? You can purchase a “My Suica” at any JR East station ticketing machine or booth, including the ones located at Narita and Haneda airport. You can also buy it at some tourist information centers.