Suica and Pasmo Card Sale Discontinued : Best Way to Pay for Public Transport in Japan without the Iconic IC Cards

If you’ve ever traveled to Japan or looked into visiting Japan, you’ve likely come across the wildly popular and convenient Suica and Pasmo IC cards.

These iconic prepaid smart transit cards have been a staple for navigating the Japanese public transportation system, allowing anyone to easily pay for train and subway and bus fares.

However, as of 8/2/2023, the sale of new Suica and Pasmo cards has been discontinued, due to the global shortage in semiconductor chips and raw materials used to make these cards.

This change has left many travelers wondering how they can navigate the intricate train and subway system without these convenient cards.

Well, good news – I’ve got your back! Below, we will explore the alternatives to these cards together, and I will provide you with the best options for getting around Tokyo and Japan easily and conveniently. So let’s go!

What Is an IC Card?

Curious about the practicality of IC cards like Suica and Pasmo in Japan? Discover how these cards can make your trip incredibly easy and hassle-free in my blog post titled “Everything You Need to Know for Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards.”

Initially introduced in 2001, Suica and Pasmo cards were smart prepaid transit cards primarily used for purchasing tickets on train or subway lines. However, their convenience quickly made them popular among travelers.

Over time, their functionality expanded to include many other train and subway lines, and to use as payment for various everyday goods as well.

What and Where Can I Use an IC Card to Pay?

Fast forward to the present, IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo have now become the most convenient ways to pay for a wide range of goods and services.

From refreshing vending machine beverages to food and essential items at convenience stores, trendy clothes at department stores, restaurant bills, at coin lockers, and more.

How To Use an IC Card in Japan

How to Pay

Travelers can easily and effortlessly board trains, subways, or buses by simply tapping their IC card at the ticket gate or card reader machines.

The cost of the ride is then automatically calculated, and deducted from the balance on their Suica or Pasmo card. The ticket reader machine will tell you how much the fare costs, and the remaining balance of your card. It’s a hassle-free experience!

As long as there are enough funds (Japanese yen) remaining in the card to pay for the ride, just tap and go on to your destination.

How to Top Up (Load More Money to) Your Suica or Pasmo Card

What if you notice there is not enough yen in your Suica or Pasmo card? Or when you tap it to pay, and got a red warning sign that there is not enough money in the card to pay?

Don’t fret! Just back up and walk a few feet (or meters) over to one of the many IC card ticket vending machines next to your ticket gate, and top up your IC card using cash (yen) at the machine, and go through the ticket gate again. You will be good to go!

How to Pay for Food, Goods, and Services Using an IC Card

The same convenience extends to using these cards for payment at vending machines, local eateries, and stores. Just locate the cashier area of the store or shop, and use your Suica or Pasmo at the IC card reader in front of you.

Shops and stores will have a sign at the cashier area, showing all accepted forms of payment, including many different types of IC cards, debit cards, credit cards, bank cards, etc. Present your IC card to the staff and pay.

Further Questions?

Wherever you plan to go in Japan, an IC Card is going to be your best friend in the entire duration of the trip. Read my easy-to-understand and helpful guide on all-thing IC card in my blog post titled “Everything You Need to Know for Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards.”

The Discontinuation of New Suica and Pasmo Card Sales

The decision to discontinue the sale of new Suica and Pasmo cards came as a surprise to many travelers to Japan.

These smart transit and e-money cards have been a reliable and convenient way to pay for public transportation fares, such as trains, subways, and buses, as well as to purchase everyday items and snacks and drinks at convenience stores and restaurants, making them essential for both locals and tourists alike.

However, with the global shortage of semiconductor chips and raw materials following the COVID pandemic, advancements in technology, and the rise of virtual payment systems, the need for physical cards has diminished.

Effective on August 2, 2023, JR East and Pasmo Co. companies have issued a joint statement, announcing the suspension of new sales for both Suica and Pasmo physical cards. You can find and read the official release from the 2 companies here at Pasmo Co.’s official website.

Want to understand which specific types of Suica and Pasmo (physical cards) this suspension cover, and if it affects you and your trip? Read my latest article here at “Suica and Pasmo IC Card Sale Suspension in August 2023 – What It Means, and What to Do If You Are Going to Japan”.

The discontinuation of Suica and Pasmo card sales is a clear indication of Japan’s push towards digitization and modernization.

Alternatives to the Discontinued Physical Suica and Pasmo IC Cards

Let’s explore different options you currently have now that you will no longer be able to purchase a new Suica or Pasmo (physical) card in Japan.

1 . Use an Existing Physical Suica or Pasmo Cards

If you already have a Suica or Pasmo card from a previous trip to Japan, you can still use it to pay for trains and subways.

IC cards have a long validity period of 10 years, which means the card stays active for 10 continuous years after the last time it was used.

So if the last time you used your Suica or Pasmo to pay for trains or subways or goods was less than 10 years from your upcoming trip, your card will still be active and useable this time around. Woohoo!

Simply top up your card at any IC card ticket vending machine at train or subway station, and you’re good to go.

Keep in mind that these physical cards cannot be purchased anymore, so if you lose your card, you’ll need to explore other options (see below).

2 . Get a Virtual Suica or Pasmo Card on Apple Wallet

One of the most convenient alternatives to a physical Suica or Pasmo cards is getting a virtual Suica or Pasmo card on your Apple Wallet. If you own an iPhone, you can easily add these virtual transit cards to it through Appl Wallet.

Benefits of Using a Virtual Suica or Pasmo Card

While physical Suica or Pasmo cards are no longer available for purchase in Japan starting August 2, 2023, the shift towards virtual Suica and Pasmo cards brings several benefits to travelers.

Here are some :

• Convenience : With a virtual card on your Apple Wallet, you no longer need to fumble for a physical card every time going to the train or subway station, or worry about losing it. Your iPhone or Apple Watch make it easy to just tap and go.

• Easy top-ups : Topping up your virtual Suica or Pasmo is a breeze. Simply link your credit card to your virtual card app and add funds (in yen) whenever the card balance is low. No more waiting in line at ticket machines or stations to add more money to your card.

• Interoperability : Virtual Suica and Pasmo cards are interoperable, meaning they can be used on various transportation systems across Japan. Whether you’re in Tokyo, Osaka, or another city, you can use your virtual card to pay for fares and goods.

• Integration with Apple Pay : If you already use Apple Pay for your daily transactions, having a virtual Suica or Pasmo card seamlessly integrates with your existing digital wallet. It’s one less card to carry and one more convenience at your fingertips.

How to Add a Virtual Suica or Pasmo Card to Your Phone

Simply download the Suica or Pasmo app from within Apple Wallet (use the option of “Add a Transit Card”), follow the instructions to link your credit card, and you’re all set.

With a virtual Suica or Pasmo card already installed on your iPhone, you can hover or tap your phone at the ticket gates, just like you would with a physical Suica or Pasmo card, and the fare is automatically deducted from the card balance. It’s a seamless and hassle-free way to pay for Japanese public transportation system.

Keep in mind that you will need to link your credit card to your Apple Wallet, and use the credit card for easy top-ups of your virtual Suica or Pasmo card.

Current Credit Card Top-up Issue and the ULTIMATE SOLUTION

Theoretically, it sounds very easy to obtain a virtual Suica or Pasmo card. However, for foreign visitors and travelers to Japan, there is a current issue when it comes to loading (or topping up) the card with money.

Most travelers and tourists were not aware of this, which makes getting a virtual Suica or Pasmo a bit difficult for some than others.

After further researching and experimenting with this option, below are my findings, along with a tried-and-true ULTIMATE SOLUTION for those who opt for using a virtual Suica or Pasmo.

Read these to see which issue applies to you, and follow my solution, and I promise you will have the easiest time possible.

Scenario 1 : If you have an iPhone or Android phone made in Japan

There will be no issue at all. Use any credit cards to load money to your virtual Suica or Pasmo card at any time.

Scenario 2 : If you have a foreign (non-Japanese) iPhone bought outside of Japan

There is currently an issue when it comes to loading up virtual Suica or Pasmo card with a non-Japanese issued Visa credit card on foreign-made iPhones (phones made and sold outside of Japan).

When using a foreign-issued Visa credit card to top up your virtual Suica or Pasmo, you will get the ‘Payment Not Processed’ message, and won’t be able to transfer money (yen) to the card.

SOLUTION :

• As this issue only happens with Visa credit cards, the solution is to download Suica transit card on Apple Wallet, and make sure to load it with a non-Visa credit card (like MasterCard, Amex, or Discover).

• The virtual Pasmo card is still having issues with all non-Japanese issued credit cards, so it still can’t take foreign credit cards at the moment.

• If you cannot top up with any of these, don’t worry! When going to Japan, go to a train station IC Card vending machine and recharge there using your phone and cash. Phone must be touching the machine, and Apple Wallet open to successfully top up with cash

Scenario 3 : If you have a foreign (non-Japanese) Android phone bought outside of Japan

Android phones are currently not able to use these virtual e-money transit cards yet

So what other options are there if you have an Android phone, or do not have a non-Visa credit card, or simply don’t feel comfortable with using a virtual card? Let me show you a few other ways, one of which will surely works for you and your travel preferences.

3 . Buy a Suica or Pasmo Card Online to be Shipped to You Ahead of Your Trip

If you prefer having a physical card in hand, you can still purchase a Suica or Pasmo card online from one of the travel agency website, and have it shipped to you ahead of your trip, or pick it up in Tokyo, Japan.

This card is the same as the physical Suica or Pasmo that are no longer available for sale in Japan. This option is great for those who prefer the traditional feel and comfort of a physical Suica or Pasmo IC card.

Several online retailers offer this service, allowing you to conveniently order your card and have it delivered straight to your doorstep.

How to Use

The card comes already activated and ready to use. Just tap them at the ticket gate to automatically pay for your train, bus or subway ride.

When the card balance runs low, add more money using the IC card ticket vending machines at train stations.

Pricing (Cost of Purchase)

It is evident that this option will be a bit more expensive than the actual value of the card. Let me break it down for you :

The physical card comes preloaded with 2,000 yen or so. If you bought this card in Japan in the past, it costs 2,500 yen (= 2,000 yen balance + 500 yen initial deposit fee).

However, since the Suica and Pasmo physical card sale is now discontinued, buying a physical card online will cost more than 2,500 yen. Expect somewhere around $20 – 30 instead (not yet including shipping fees).

4 . Use Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport Cards

For travelers who don’t want to bother with dealing with digital payments, the Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport cards are excellent alternatives.

These cards are the tourist version of the regular Suica and Pasmo IC cards, designed specifically for tourists, and valid for a set duration (28 consecutive days).

You can purchase these cards at the airport (such as Narita International Airport, or Haneda International Airport) or major train stations upon arrival.

You can also get access to special discounts and deals when using the Welcome Suica and Pasmo cards. These discounts are available at various tourist attractions, such as museums, shopping centers, restaurants, and more.

What’s more, you can use the Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport cards to purchase items from convenience stores and vending machines, just like with the standard Suica or Pasmo IC cards.

Overall, these cards offer a great way to explore Japan’s public transportation system without worrying about digital payments or purchasing paper tickets.

Is Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport a Good Card for My Trip?

If your trip duration is 28 days or less, and you land in Tokyo, Japan, a Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport is a perfect choice for you.

At this time, you can only buy a Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport card at the airports.

Unlike the regular Suica or Pasmo card, there is no 500-yen initial deposit fee. Yes, you read that right!

Remember : There is no refund for the remaining card balance at the end of your trip, so use up all the balance before the 28 days, or lose it when the card expires after that.

To understand more about Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport, how they size up against the regular Suica or Pasmo, read my blog post here at “Suica vs Welcome Suica Card : Which One to Choose When Visiting Japan?” and “Which IC Card to Buy When Going to Japan : Pasmo or Pasmo Passport Card?”

What If My Trip is Longer Than 28 Days ? What Should I Do ?

If you land in Tokyo, and your trip lasts more than 28 days, here are 2 solutions for you :

Solution # 1

• The first 28 days : Buy and use the tourist IC card, which will expire after 28 days

• On Day 29 : Buy another Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport card, and use that for the remaining of the trip, up to another 28 days

Solution # 2

• The first 28 days : Buy and use the Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport IC card, which will expire after 28 days.

• During this 28 days : if you travel to another region outside of Tokyo, such as Osaka, Sapporo, Kyushu, Fukuoka, etc., you can buy that region’s IC card : ICOCA (for Osaka), KITACA (Sapporo), SUGOCA (Fukuoka), Manaca, Toica (Central Japan), etc. These are the same as Suica or Pasmo cards, and can be used anywhere across Japan

• On Day 29 : Use the regional IC card you bought for the remaining of the trip, and take it home with you. Just like Suica and Pasmo, this card is active for 10 years straight since the last use, and you can use it again if you come back to Japan in the next 10 years.

Solution # 3

If your flight lands in another region that is not Tokyo, then don’t worry about the Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport, or the 28 days period.

Just get that specific region’s IC card (mentioned in Solution # 2 above), and you are good to go for the entire trip. It is the equivalence of the regular Suica and Pasmo, and last you 10 years straight.

We will cover other regions’ IC cards more in details below.

Where Can I Buy a Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport IC Card?

According to the latest announcement from JR East and Pasmo Co. in August 2023, you can now only buy these at either Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (KIX).

Go to the airport train station area, and you will see brightly colored ticket machines with ‘Welcome Suica’ or ‘Pasmo Passport’ signs, where you can purchase your card with cash (yen) or credit card.

If you run into errors involving your credit card at the ticket machines, just go straight to the JR East Office nearby, and the staff will help you purchase the card with the same credit card. No worry!

5 . Purchase Another Regions’ IC Card (similar to Suica and Pasmo)

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.

They are not currently affected by the Pasmo and Suica sale suspension. This means they are still available for purchase in their region in Japan, if you want to own a physical IC card that does pretty much the same things as the Suica and Pasmo cards.

Can an IC Card Bought in a Region Be Used in A Different Region ?

YES. If you happen to already own an IC card from another non-Tokyo region, such as ICOCA or KITACA, you can use these cards in Tokyo and other major cities as well.

Or, if you plan on traveling to other areas of Japan during your vacation, you can purchase an IC card from there, and easily travel around the country using the same card to pay for rides and goods in any city.

For example, if you have a Suica card from Tokyo, you can use it in Kyoto or Osaka without any problem.

Can an IC Card Bought in a Region Be Topped Up in a Different Region ?

YES! You can top up your IC card anywhere in Japan. For example, if you buy a ICOCA IC card in Osaka, and travel to Tokyo, you can use the Suica/Pasmo IC Card vending machines in Tokyo to top up your ICOCA card (from Osaka) just fine.

This makes it easier for travelers to explore different regions of Japan without having to carry multiple different IC cards.

Simply top up your IC card at any ticket vending machines or IC Card vending machine in train and subway stations, and you’re ready to explore the Japanese trains and subways.

Can Multiple People Use The Same IC Card ?

Same as Pasmo or Suica, every traveler needs their own IC card. Multiple people can’t use the same card to pay for public transports.

Can I Return My IC Card for a Refund of the Remaining Card Balance at the End of My Japan Trip ?

You can only get a refund in the same region that you bought your IC card in. If you buy your ICOCA IC card in Osaka, you must return to Osaka to get a refund of the remaining balance on your card.

If you left that region and cannot return, then you won’t be able to obtain a refund. Either keep the card balance for future use (as the card is active for 10 years straight since the last use), or spend it all in daily foods and snacks before leaving Japan. That money goes very fast, so you shouldn’t worry about having too much money left in your card.

What About Other IC Cards Which Are Not Listed Here ? Are They the same as Suica or Pasmo ?

There are other IC cards that might not be on this list, and many of them are not cross-compatible and will only be usable in the area they were issued.

For example, the Paspy card are issued and usable only in Hiroshima prefecture, and not in other Japanese regions.

So if you are planning on getting an IC card which are not listed above, make sure to do some research about their functions and compatibility before purchasing it.

6 . Explore Other Transit Pass Options

While IC cards like Suica and Pasmo have been the go-to choice for public transport fare payments, there are other transit pass options available that may suit your travel needs.

These passes offer unlimited rides within a set duration and can be a cost-effective option for frequent travelers.

The Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a popular choice for tourists who plan to travel extensively within the country in a set amount of time.

This national pass allows unlimited travel on Japan Railways (JR) trains, including the famous shinkansen bullet trains.

The pass is available in various durations, ranging from 7 or 14 or 21 days, and can be purchased before going to Japan.

Want to see how practical the JR Pass is for your Japan trip? Find all you need to know, and get all your questions answered from my awesome blog post at “Japan Rail Pass : Answers to All Your Questions, and Is It Worth Buying?”

Tokyo Subway Pass (24/48/72 Hours)

Another option is the Tokyo Subway Pass, which offers unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for 24, 48, or 72 hours. This pass is ideal for exploring Tokyo’s bustling cityscape and can be purchased at major subway stations or online.

Want more info? Read on about these passes at the official Tokyo Metro website here.

Regional Passes

If you’re planning to visit a specific region or city in Japan, check if they offer their own transit pass. Many regions have their own passes, such as the Osaka Amazing Pass or the Kyoto City Bus & Subway Pass.

These passes usually include unlimited rides on local trains, buses, and subways, as well as discounts to popular attractions in a set amount of time, and can be of great value if you plan to explore many places in a short time.

Want to know what Japan Regional Passes are out there, and if you could benefit from one of them? Check out the JR East’s official website on all Japanese Regional Passes and Fares here.

Conclusion

As Japan continues to embrace digital advancements, the discontinuation of physical Suica and Pasmo card sales is just the beginning. The rise of virtual payment systems and the integration of transportation services with smartphones are shaping the future of Japanese public transportation.

There is even news that contactless payments will be implemented and available starting in the Tokyo in late 2024.

While it may take some time for travelers to adjust to these changes, the convenience and ease of using virtual Suica and Pasmo cards are undeniable.

So don’t let the discontinuation of physical Suica and Pasmo cards deter you from exploring Japan’s incredible public transportation system. Embrace the alternatives, whether it’s using virtual cards on your Apple Wallet, purchasing transit passes, or utilizing existing IC cards.

And if you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, be sure to check out my FREE 2-day Tokyo Japan travel itinerary for an unforgettable experience. Happy travels!

If you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travels!

Post You Might be Interested In

– Have many questions about a digital Suica card, and whether it is a great choice to pay for public transports in your Japan trip? Have all your questions answered here n my latest post “Digital Suica Card as a Quick Easy Payment Method for Public Transport in Japan : Frequently Asked Questions and Answers”

– Interested in buying a Suica IC card, but not sure what the differences between a regular Suica card and a Welcome Suica card? Read my “Suica vs Welcome Suica Card : Which One to Choose When Visiting Japan?” post here.

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– Wonder what the JR Pass everyone talks about all the time is? More importantly, if getting a JR Pass would be a good idea and save you a lot of money on transportation costs in your trip? Get concise and practical answers here at “Japan Rail Pass : Answers to All Your Questions, and Is It Worth Buying?“

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– Do you need a fast, easy, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo ? Read my “The Narita Express (N’EX) : Fast and Easy Travel from Airport to Tokyo” post here.

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