Suica Prepaid Card
The Suica prepaid card is a rechargeable smart card that enables users to ride trains in Japan without purchasing a ticket each time. Suica greatly simplifies train travel for foreign travelers in particular, as it elimates the confusion of figuring out how much to pay for each train ride.
Overview of Suica
Like the companion Pasmo card, Suica is a prepaid card that can be used on JR trains, as well as on many other railways, subways, and buses in the Greater Tokyo area. In addition, the card can also be used Can also be used in the Sendai, Niigata, Nagoya, Shizuoka, Kansai, Okayama, and Hiroshima areas, as well as select shops in an around the train stations that display the “Suica” logo.
How to Purchase and Recharge the Suica Card
The Suica card is available at ticket machines and counters at Japan Railways (JR) stations. The initial cost of 1,500 yen includes a 500 yen refundable deposit.
The card can be purchased or recharged for values of 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 4,000 yen, 5,000 yen, or 10,000 yen. The initial purchase includes a 500-yen deposit, and the maximum value the card can be charged to is 20,000 yen.
In addition, when purchased as part of the Suica & N’EX package available at Narita airport, you’ll have the card in possession upon your arrival into Tokyo in addition to the bonus of a discount express train ride into Tokyo on the Narita Express.
The Suica card can be recharged using the JR ticket machines. Also, refunds can be received for unused amounts, minus a 210 yen service charge. Moreover, purchased cards are valid for up to 10 years from the last usage, so you can use the same card without returning it if you plan on making multiple trips to Japan.
How to Use the Suica Card
The Suica prepaid card is easy to use. Simply hold it up to the card reader as you head through the ticket gate. The reader will display your balance and deduct the amount of the fare. Recharge as needed using the ticket machines, where you can also check your card balance if need be.
PASMO and Suica rechargeable cards greatly simply train and bus travel and shopping while in Japan, so be sure to take advantage of the convenience that these cards offer!
