Is Suica cheaper than cash?

Benefits of Using a Suica Card 😎 You don't have to worry about buying tickets every time you ride the train, and you can quickly make purchases without carrying cash. It is also a bit cheaper! By registering your Suica card, you can also make it safer, as it can be easily replaced if lost or stolen.

Is it cheaper to use Suica?

Technically fares on Suica are slightly less expensive due to rounding. But that's minor. The convenience of not thinking about the price and not buying the tickets in itself is worth it.

What is the advantage of Suica card?

With one, you no longer need to buy tickets from ticket vending machines. Simply tap your Suica card onto the ticket gate and the fare will automatically be deducted from the card's balance. Suica cards can also be used on trains, subways, buses and monorails. They can also be used to pay for things with e-money.

Is it worth getting a Suica?

Suica is extremely convenient for local transport, and you will be able to use it for ordinary commuter services in Tokyo, Yokohama, and other places. You should get enough use out of this to make it worthwhile.

Is it better to buy Suica or Pasmo?

Functionally they are the same, but in terms of convenience, Pasmo is better. In terms of long-term cost savings, Suica may be better.

Why You Need an IC Card for Japan Travel! How to Buy & Use Suica Etc.

Should I get both Suica and PASMO?

The Pasmo and Suica cards are essentially identical. Perhaps the only thing that could make a difference is if you need a commuter pass, since traveling daily on a JR line requires a Suica and on a non-JR line requires a PASMO. Suica cards, unlike PASMOs, support virtual IC cards. PASMO Co.

Should I buy a Suica card before going to Japan?

We always recommend that travellers buy an IC card like Pasmo or Suica in Japan, as having one makes getting around in Japan a breeze. In addition to paying for local transport like subways and buses, you can pay for nearly everything with an IC card.

Why no more Suica card?

On March 1, 2025, sales of physical Suica and PASMO cards returned — to the joy of incoming tourists. Due to a worldwide semiconductor shortage, East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) suspended most physical versions of the top-up travel cards in June 2023.

Can I use Suica for Shinkansen?

You can start riding the day you get your Suica! Welcome Suica Mobile offers the "Touch de Go! Shinkansen" service, allowing you to board non-reserved seats on the Shinkansen in the JR East area without needing a reservation, just by tapping your device. No need to get in line at the ticket counter!

Do most places accept Suica?

Basically, most anywhere with an IC card reader at the ticket gate will accept a Suica card. One key restriction is that you can't use it to ride from area to area, unless you buy a Shinkansen ticket with it (easier said than done – we recommend getting QR Code ticket vouchers unless using the Welcome Suica app).

Does Apple Pay Suica work?

In Japan, you can use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards in the Wallet app to ride transit and make purchases in stores using Apple Pay on your iPhone or Apple Watch.

How do I add money to my Suica card?

How much is the Suica card for tourists?

Suica cards are sold for the following prices: 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 4,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen. The price includes the card, a 500-yen deposit and usable credit.

How much should I put on my Suica card for 5 days?

Start with at least 5000 yen and top off when needed. I usually add another 1000 yen when my balance is near 2000. You can always check your balance at the machines in the train station. At least 5000 yen.

Where should I buy a Suica card?

Can foreigners still get Suica cards?

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. The special cards are valid for only four weeks, come without a deposit fee, but do not allow for refunds.

Is a Suica card worth it?

Using a Suica card can save you time and make travel in Japan much easier. You don't have to worry about buying tickets every time you ride the train, and you can quickly make purchases without carrying cash. It is also a bit cheaper!

Are IC card and Suica the same?

Suica is a JR EAST IC card that can be used on trains, buses, for shopping, and more.

Can I use one Suica card for two people?

You have to have an individual card each, as it is predominantly a tap on, tap off system. once you tap on a second tap will tap you off, so you can't tap twice for two people. There is tourist Suica card available from large stations. You use the machines at the stations to add money, but you have to use cash.

What is the most used IC card in Japan?

Is Suica or PASMO better?

A Pasmo card is the same as a Suica. You can use it for trains, subways and metro stations and some buses. It is also a tap on card. You can purchase a Pasmo at most stations ( including subway stations) at a vending machine by tapping ENGLISH on the machine and following the instructions provided.

Does Kyoto use Suica or PASMO?

IC cards are not city specific – they all work everywhere Japan. For example, if you buy an Icoca in Kansai, you can then use it in Tokyo, Hokkaido, Kyushu etc. Or, you can buy a Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport in Tokyo and use it in Kyoto, Osaka and elsewhere.

Which is better, Suica or Welcome Suica?

The Welcome Suica is the same same tap-and-go travel card and has the same functions as the standard Suica card, but there is no need to pay the 500 JYP deposit in advance. It is a practical card recommended for short-term visitors who want to travel around Japan for up to 28 days.

Is the PASMO passport discontinued?

Pasmo Passport's being discontinued from August 2024. It's a temporary IC card designed for tourists, to pay for local trains in Japan. 🚃 There are still several alternatives though, so it's not a problem! (Although they don't have cute Sanrio characters on them...).