Welcome Suica vs. Suica vs. PASMO: Which is Best for Tourists to Get Around?

What is Suica Card?

Suica card is a prepaid form of electronic money that is convenient to use when traveling and shopping.It is well known for its green accent color and penguin mascot. Suica Card allows you to use most public transport, including JR East lines, subways, buses, and even some taxis. 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.The card can also be used for shopping at convenience stores, vending machines, and other retail outlets. 

There a many of these IC (integrated chip) cards in Japan. Each is issued by a different service provider, but virtually interchangeable. Suica is the IC card issued by JR East, who operate much of the rail network around Tokyo (and east Japan). As such, it’s the best-known pass among visitors.

Areas Suica Can Be Used

The Suica Card is applicable in the Greater Tokyo Area, the Tohoku region, and the Hokuriku region. It can also be used in other regions of Japan where the ICOCA, Kitaca, PASMO, TOICA, manaca, PiTaPa, SUGOCA, nimoca, or Hayakaken systems are accepted.

In addition to the Tokyo metropolitan area, Suica can also be used on some public transport in the Sendai, Niigata, Aomori, Morioka, Akita, Hokkaido, Tokai, West Japan, Kyushu, and Okinawa areas.

Suica Pricing

When purchasing a new card, a 500-yen deposit is included in the price. Your deposit will be refunded when you return the card.

The difference between the child and adult cards is the fare amount deducted when using public transportation.The child card is charged the child fare and the adult card is charged the adult fare.

****In Japan, children under six can travel for free as long as there are no more than two children per adult. If you have more than two children travelling with you, the third child will need to pay a child’s fare.

Where to Buy Suica Card?

The Suica can be purchased in major JR EAST stations at Multifunction Ticket Vending Machines, and JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi).You can also recharge at those same places too.

What is Welcome Suica?

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.Just like its brothers, you can use a Welcome Suica card on most transportation rides like trains, taxis, buses, ferries, and subways as well as some restaurants and shopping stores. 

When using the card for transportation or shopping, the process is the same. Simply tap the card on the ticket gate or payment machine at the store, and you’re all set for travel or shopping. Whether you’re traveling from the northernmost tip of Hokkaido to the southernmost point of Fukuoka or exploring Kansai regions like Osaka and Kyoto, wherever Suica cards can be used, the Welcome Suica can also be used seamlessly.

Differences between Suica and Welcome Suica

Both cards are prepaid smart cards for transportation and shopping, and issued by JR East. Here's a comparison between the two:

1. Color and Card Design

The Welcome Suica card has a noticeably different design from standard Suica card.The traditional Suica card is easily recognized by its signature green background adorned with a penguin at the bottom corner.In contrast, the Welcome Suica card predominantly features a red and white pattern against a white background. The design elements are the same as those on the regular Suica card, but in red, embellished with white sakura blossoms. The red symbolizes the sun, while the white represents cherry blossoms – fittingly, these are also the colors of the Japanese flag.

2. Validity Period

The Welcome Suica is valid for 28 days from the first use, while the standard Suica is valid for up to 10 years from the last top-up. 

3. Deposit

Getting a Suica card involves a 500 yen deposit, which is held as part of your balance and is not immediately available for use. This deposit is refundable upon returning the card when it's no longer needed.On the contrary, Welcome Suica card does away with the deposit requirement. This means if you load 1000 yen onto the card, the entire amount is yours to use. 

4. Refund Policy

The Welcome Suica does not allow refunds, while the standard Suica does. That's why you need to be wise about how much you top up on a Welcome Suica card to avoid losing money when it expires. If you plan on adding a quite larger amount, a regular Suica card might be a better choice due to its longer validity and refundable balance.

5. Purchase Locations

The Suica card is widely available within the JR East service areas. You can purchase it from vending machines or ticket offices at any JR station in Tokyo, Niigata, and Sendai.While the Welcome Suica card, specifically aimed at foreign travelers, is only available at select locations popular with tourists, such as Narita and Haneda airports. 

Where to Buy Welcome Suica Card?

You can buy Welcome Suica card from JR EAST Travel Service Centers located in Narita Airport and Haneda Airport.

Note: Based on customers’ current usage levels, new purchases of Welcome Suica cards at JR EAST Travel Service Centers and Japan Rail Cafe Tokyo will only be available in the two amount options of 1,000 yen and 2,000 yen from Monday, May 16, 2022.

Supply of Welcome Suica is not 100% guaranteed either, but you can also order them online, to be sure yours is ready for pickup on arrival. The Best site to buy Welcome Suica:

• Klook.com(up to 8% super cash back)

• KKday HK(up to 5% super cash back)

Welcome Suica requires no deposit, since it’s meant for you to keep. If you order online, be sure to charge it up before trying to use it. If you buy one onsite, you can choose one with 1,000 or 2,000 JPY credit from the start.

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What is PASMO Card? 

PASMO is a cute pink prepaid IC card issued by the Tokyo Metro subway operator to cover the public and private train services and buses in Tokyo. It is primarily used for public transport in Tokyo, Japan, where it was introduced on 18 March 2007. PASMO can also be used as a payment card for vending machines and stores. In 2013, PASMO became usable in all major cities across Japan as part of the Nationwide Mutual Usage Service.

PASMO is a development of the Passnet system used by many non-JR railway lines in the Greater Tokyo Area. The system offers interoperability with the JR East Suica system, as well as integrating private bus companies into the former Passnet network.

The card is rechargeable and can be used over and over.In addition to using your charged PASMO card to ride the subway or buses, you can use it to pay for items purchased at stores and vending machines. It can also be used for member shops of railways and buses nationwide where interoperability is offered.

Areas PASMO Can Be Used

PASMO cards are one of the many types of prepaid train cards available in Japan. You can use PASMO on the Tokyo metropolitan area’s subways, trains, buses, and streetcars — as well as in many other regions of Japan. They are easy to use, and their coverage is great: They work on both JR (Japan Railways) and private train lines.

Types of PASMO Card

Various PASMO types are available, such as the Adult PASMO, Child PASMO, Personalized PASMO card and Commuter Pass. Select the right PASMO for you.

1. Blank PASMO card

The sale of blank PASMO has been temporarily suspended.

2. Personalized PASMO card

Only the person whose name is on the PASMO can use this type. This can be reissued when lost.

• Your name, gender, date of birth and phone number must be registered when purchasing this type.

• A service fee is charged when reissuing a lost card.
  

3. Child PASMO

The bearer of this type of PASMO can ride using children's fares. This can be reissued when lost.

• A new Child PASMO cannot be purchased if you already have another Child PASMO or Child Suica.

• An official form of identification that confirms the bearer's age must be presented to purchase this type.

• A service fee is charged when reissuing a lost card.

4. Commuter Pass

This is a Personalized PASMO card that can be used as a commuter pass. Topping up the pass makes it possible to calculate fares simply by touching it to the ticket gate reader when traveling outside the commuter pass route.

• Some commuter pass types and areas may not be available for the Commuter Pass. Talk to the operator for further details when purchasing your pass.

• Bus commuter pass information is not printed on the pass.

5. Child PASMO Commuter Pass

This is a Personalized PASMO card that can be used as a commuter pass for children. Child fares apply to the stored fare on the pass.

And there is a special version of Pasmo for foreign tourists, called Pasmo Passport, was discontinued in August 2024.

PASMO Pricing

• At ticket vending machines: 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 4,000 yen, 5,000 yen or 10,000 yen

• At station offices and commuter pass offices: From 1,000 yen up to 20,000 yen in 1,000 yen units

Initial purchase price includes a 500 yen deposit.

Where to Buy PASMO Card?

Ticket vending machines, station offices and pass offices at all Tokyo Metro stations.>>Metro Pass Offices & Pass Inquiry

Suica vs. PASMO Card: Key Features and Differences

Conclusion

Suica, Pasmo and eight more of Japan's most popular IC cards were made compatible with each other in 2013, making it possible to travel on almost all trains, subways and buses in most of Japan's largest cities with just a single of these cards.Here’s the thing, they both are interchangeable. 

It doesn’t matter which one you choose. Both allow you to travel on trains, subways, and buses and make purchases. Especially after the Nationwide Mutual Usage Service was implemented. 

The only real consideration is if you need a commuter pass, as daily work journeys on a JR line require a Suica and vice versa. The only semi-real consideration is if you have plans to travel to an unusual area.

• If you are living in or frequently traveling around Tokyo, the Pasmo card has its advantages. It’s particularly useful for those who commute regularly on the Tokyo Metro and private railways. Pasmo is also compatible with bus lines, making it a versatile choice for a daily commute.

• For tourists aiming to explore beyond Tokyo, the Suica card Japan is a superior option due to its extensive coverage. It works seamlessly not only in Tokyo but also in other major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and more. It’s ideal for those looking to hop between cities without the hassle of buying multiple transit cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Suica cards still available in 2024?

Yes. As of March 2024, JR East has restarted sales of Suica cards to tourists at JR East Travel Service Centers at Narita and Haneda airports, and the following train stations: Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shibuya and Shinagawa. Sales are limited to one per person and you must show your passport and tourist visa.

Is it worth buying a Suica card?

Suica is a prepaid IC card issued by JR East Railways (JR-EAST). This IC card allows you to travel all across Japan with just a tap, useable at subway and metro stations, JR lines, and non-JR lines. As the Japan Rail Pass only works on JR lines, having a Suica is highly recommended when using other railways.

Can I use Suica everywhere in Japan?

Suica can be used across Japan.

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

Can I charge Suica with a credit card?

The number of times you can top up is unlimited but the maximum balance is 20,000 yen. Top ups can only be made using cash. Suica cards cannot be topped up using a credit card.

Can 2 people share a Suica card?

No. If you are traveling in a group, everyone needs to have their own IC card or train ticket.

Is there a digital Suica card?

Yes. Digital Suica, called Mobile Suica in Japan works just as a physical Suica card does. 

What is the alternative to Welcome Suica?

Pasmo is your alternative to the Suica card and functions in a very similar way. The only difference being the company that provides the cards. It can be purchased at Haneda and Narita airports as well as all participating private railway and subway stations.

How much does a Welcome Suica card cost?

The Welcome Suica IC card itelf is free. The money you pay will all be transferred to digital money. Cards can be purchased from a minimum of 1,000 yen to 10,000 yen and can be recharged up to a maximum of 20,000 yen. You can recharge your card at JR Automatic。

How long do Welcome Suica cards last?

Your Welcome Suica Card is valid for 28 days after activation. Remember, any remaining balance won't be refunded after it expires. Plan your usage smartly to get the most out of your card during your stay in Japan and avoid any hiccups in your travel plans!

Can I buy Welcome Suica at Narita airport?

You can purchase Welcome Suica from the JR EAST Travel Service Center at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport and major stations, or from the Welcome Suica Ticket Vending Machines at Narita and Haneda Airports.

Can I use Welcome Suica card in Osaka?

Yes. You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica for all trains, subways and buses in Osaka.

Can I use Welcome Suica on a bus?

Thanks to integrated national service agreements, the Welcome Suica can be used not only within the Suica/PASMO area, but also on railway lines, buses, and other locations anywhere in Japan where the B logo is displayed.

How do I activate my Welcome Suica card?

1. Simply tap your card onto the automatic ticket gate. Automatic ticket gate.

2. Activate the card at a ticket vending machine or a multifunction ticket vending machine. Ticket Vending Machine. ...

3. If you have any difficulty with the process, tell a ticket gate staff member you'd like to activate your pass.

Can I buy a Welcome Suica card with a credit card?

You can use cash or credit cards to buy Welcome Suica cards from ticket machines at Haneda Airport. Normal Suica cards are available for foreign tourists only at Narita Airport, and at some major JR East train stations.

Are PASMO and Suica interchangeable?

Yes. Since Suica is completely interchangeable with PASMO, it is supported on virtually any train, tramway, or bus system in Tokyo and the Greater Tokyo Area (excluding various limited and shinkansen trains, as well as some local buses).

Can I use Suica or PASMO in Kyoto?

Yes.

Can I use PASMO on Tokyo subway?

Yes. In addition to using your charged PASMO card to ride the subway or buses, you can use it to pay for items purchased at stores and vending machines. It can also be used for member shops of railways and buses nationwide where interoperability is offered.

Do PASMO cards expire?

A PASMO shall expire if it is not replaced, used or topped up for a period of 10 years beginning from the day following the last such transaction.

Can you use PASMO everywhere in Japan?

It can be used all across Japan. This symbol indicates a transportation IC card that can be used across the entire country.

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