Suica and Pasmo IC Card Sale Suspension in August 2023 – What It Means, and What to Do If You Are Going to Japan After August 2023
If you’ve ever traveled to Japan or planned on traveling to Japan, you are probably familiar with Japanese smart transit and payment cards (popularly known as IC cards), such as Suica and Pasmo cards.
These rechargeable e-money cards, issued by East Japan Railway (JR East), have become an integral part of daily life in Japan.
However, as of August 2, 2023, the sales of physical Suica and Pasmo cards have been indefinitely suspended, due to the ongoing global semiconductor shortage.
So what does this mean for visitors and travelers currently planning a trip to Japan, or those going to Japan in the next few weeks or months?
Let’s dive in and discuss Suica and Pasmo cards, the news of card sale discontinuation, and alternative options travelers can go to to make sure their trips are not affected by this issue.
The Rise of Suica and Pasmo Cards
Suica and Pasmo Cards – The Beginning
Want to know how practical IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo are, and all the ways they make your Japan trip unbelievably easy and hassle-free? Read my “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” blog post.
First introduced in 2001 with the primary function of purchasing tickets for specific train or subway lines, IC cards like Suica and Pasmo cards have quickly gained popularity due to their convenience.
Their functionality was expanded, and soon they were used on various train and subway lines operated by other companies as well.
They now have become one of the quickest and easiest ways to pay for a wide range of goods and services, from vending machine drinks to convenience store goods, to clothes at department stores, and even restaurant bills, and more.
Suica and Pasmo Cards – How Do They Work as a Payment Method for Public Transport and More
With the cards, travelers simply have to tap their card at the ticket gate or on the card reader machines, and they would be able to board the train, subway, or bus with ease.
The systems automatically calculate the cost of the ride, and automatically and conveniently deduct the amount from the Suica or Pasmo card balance. No sweat whatsoever!
The same principle applies for when you use it to pay for goods at vending machines, local eateries, and stores.
Suica and Pasmo Cards – Why Are They So Loved by Travelers and Tourists to Japan
Suica and Pasmo cards are wildly popular with tourists and travelers, who are unfamiliar with navigating Japan’s complex public transportation system, and want an easy way to pay for their travel expenses, without carrying cash (yen) around.
Instead of struggling with language barriers at ticket counters or at Japanese ticket vending machines, and trying to understand which buttons to push to get the correct tickets, all you have to do is tap your Suica or Pasmo IC card when entering and exiting the gates, and the fare is automatically calculated. Easy peasy!
This feature is particularly beneficial for tourists traveling with family or friends, as it saves time and eliminates the hassle of queueing up to purchase individual tickets for each member of the group for every single ride.
These smart transit IC cards make shopping and small daily purchases (snacks, drinks) a breeze as well, allowing tourists to easily and conveniently pay for things without carrying a large amount of yen and coins.
And when it comes to using credit cards in Japan, an IC card like Suica or Pasmo is a nice alternative, with them being more widely accepted at a variety of shops, large and small.
Also, with an IC card, there is no more paying annoying credit card foreign transaction fees (around 3% for every transaction), which could really add up after a while.
Global Semiconductor Shortage and Discontinuation of Physical Suica and Pasmo Card Sales
Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic and global semiconductor shortage has affected various industries worldwide, including the production of electronic devices and components.
The production and availability of Suica and Pasmo cards are no different. The supply chain for Suica and Pasmo cards has been disrupted, leading to the lack of chip component needed for the card. Thus the shortage of new physical IC cards.
As a result, JR East and PASMO Co. have jointly announced the suspension of sales for both Suica and Pasmo cards. You can find and read the official release from the 2 companies here at Pasmo Co.’s official website.
This suspension includes both registered (Personalized Suica and Pasmo cards) and unregistered cards (Non-personalized Suica and Pasmo cards).
Registered cards are those which require personal information such as name, date of birth, and phone number of the person owning the card at the time of card purchase.
The decision to suspend sales is an unfortunate but necessary measure to address the semiconductor shortage.
What Does the Card Sale Suspension Mean for Visitors Planning a Trip to Japan ?
Let’s face it, we knew this was coming at some point of time, with manufacturing issues caused by the pandemic period.
However, the news still came as a shock to travelers and enthusiasts of Japan, who were excitedly planning their upcoming Japan trips, and hoping to use a Pasmo or Suica card for their daily public transportation needs.
Does the Suica and Pasmo Card Suspension Affect Me ? And How ?
This is the crucial question we want to answer, to know if you need to worry about your upcoming trip or not. So let’s back up a little, and discuss whether this suspension affect you as a traveler.
This suspension only applies to the sale of all new (physical) Suica and Pasmo cards across Japan. So if you don’t have a Pasmo or Suica card, you won’t be able to purchase one starting from 8/2/2023.
But if you already own a Pasmo or Suica in the past, AND you still have it in your possession, AND it is still active (meaning the last time you used it in Japan was less than 10 years ago), then you are still good to go! Add more Japanese yen to it, use it to pay for trains and subways and goods, etc. Nothing changes for you – Business as usual. Carry on!
What Are Some Potential Effects of the Suspension ?
Without these Suica and Pasmo IC cards, travelers to Tokyo, Japan will have to switch to cash or other forms of payment to pay for train, subway, and bus rides. This is a less-than-ideal transition from the convenience of having Suica and Pasmo cards.
Additionally, it could lead to longer lines at ticketing counters and ticketing machines, since there will be fewer e-money card options available, especially for those going to Tokyo, Japan, where Suica and Pasmo were the main IC card options there.
JR East and PASMO Co. have yet to provide information on when the sale of Suica and Pasmo cards will resume, but it is likely that it won’t be until the global semiconductor shortage is resolved.
Future Outlook
At this time, neither JR East nor Pasmo Co. has provided any specific information regarding the resumption of physical Suica and Pasmo card sales.
The semiconductor shortage is a global issue that affects various industries, and the timeline for resolution remains uncertain.
Therefore, it’s crucial for travelers to stay updated on any announcements or changes regarding the availability of Suica and Pasmo cards in the future.
Additionally, traditional paper tickets are still widely accepted, ensuring that tourists can continue to navigate Japan’s transportation system without major inconvenience.
Alternatives to Suica and Pasmo IC Cards for Tourists and Visitors to Japan
Beside buying tickets with cash (terrible idea!), there are decent alternatives visitors could turn to in order to easily and conveniently pay for train and subway rides. Let’s take a look at them, and see which works best for you.
For more details regarding alternatives and how to get them, check out my latest post “Suica and Pasmo Card Sale Discontinued : Best Way to Pay for Public Transport in Japan without the Iconic IC Cards” here.
1 . Other IC Cards
There are many Japanese IC cards out there beside Pasmo and Suica. Some of the other IC cards are Icoca, Manaca, Kitaca, Sugoca, Pitapa.
All of these cards are essentially the same as Suica and Pasmo, with the same function. So buy whichever card you want, or choose the one easily accessible to you where you visit.
Each will be sold at a different region, like Pasmo and Suica in Tokyo, Icoca in Osaka, Kitaca in Hokkaido, etc.. So it depends on the region in Japan you first arrive by plane.
You can also look at Japan travel websites and purchase one of these cards online, ahead of your trip, and have them shipped to your place. That way, once you arrive in Japan, you don’t need to waste time looking for them.
If you are lucky, you might still be able to purchase a physical Suica or Pasmo card online, at these agencies, where these cards have not run out of stock yet, and have it shipped to your address before your trip. Many travelers have been able to do this.
For a comprehensive read on all-thing IC cards, what they can do, how to use and recharge them with money, and any questions you have about them, read my “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” blog post.
2 . Welcome Suica Card
The Welcome Suica card is also a prepaid IC card, with a red-colored cherry-blossom-themed design, and is specifically designed for short-term visitors to Japan.
Like the regular Suica, the Welcome Suica can be used for transportation on trains, subways, and buses. It can also be used for shopping at convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants.
The card is accepted in most major cities in Japan, making it a great option for first-time visitors.
However, unlike the regular Suica card, the Welcome Suica card has a short validity period, only 28 days after the time of purchase. After that, the card expires, and any remaining balance will be gone.
Once you buy this card, you will also receive a Reference Paper, which has the card info on it. You must keep this paper with you at all time, and show it to train station staff if asked.
JR East has implemented new restrictions on where and how many Welcome Suica cards can be purchased. Currently, they can only be bought at Narita and Haneda Airports, specifically at the JR East Travel Service Centers, and Japan Rail Cafe Tokyo.
For more info about the Welcome Suica card, and how it compares to the regular Suica, check out my “Suica vs Welcome Suica Card : Which One to Choose When Visiting Japan?” blog post
3 . Pasmo Passport Card
The Pasmo Passport card is pretty much the same as the Welcome Suica card above by definition and functions.
Created for short-term visitors in mind, PASMO Passport is a special version of the PASMO card that offers additional benefits and discounts for tourists.
While similar in function, the PASMO Passport waives the 500 yen issuing fee, and includes exclusive discounts on some popular tourist attractions.
It is important to note that the PASMO Passport is only available for purchase by foreign visitors and can only be used for up to 28 days.
After the 28 days are up, the card expires, and the remaining balance in the card disappears and cannot be used.
These cards can be purchased at Narita, Haneda, and major rail stations in the Tokyo area.
For more info about Pasmo Passport and how it measures against the regular Pasmo card, check out my “Which IC Card to Buy When Going to Japan : Pasmo or Pasmo Passport Card?” blog post here.
4 . Mobile / Digital Version of Suica and Pasmo
For those who prefer digital solutions, mobile versions of Suica and Pasmo cards are still available to download onto your phone, through Apple Pay or Google Pay.
For more details and step-by-step guide on how to get a digital Suica card on Apple Wallet and top up money into it, check out my latest post “Suica and Pasmo Card Sale Discontinued : Best Way to Pay for Public Transport in Japan without the Iconic IC Cards” here.
Then, when in Japan, simply hover your phone over the IC card reader at the terminal gate, just like how you would use your physical IC card, and the payment will be automatically deducted.
However, it’s important to consider compatibility with overseas phone models and payment methods. While these mobile versions offer the same convenience as physical cards, it’s essential to check whether your phone supports the necessary technology and payment systems.
For example, there has been a known issue of foreign visitors unable to use their Visa credit cards to top up (add money to) their digital Suica or Pasmo transit cards.
After my extended research and experiments, as of now, those who own MasterCard or American Express credit cards were able to add money to their digital Suica just fine, with no issues.
The same can’t be said for digital Pasmo cards. Foreign visitors who try to top up their digital Pasmo cards using either MasterCard or American Express credit cards are still not able to do that at this point, due to a Pasmo system issue. Thus, your best chance is to utilize a digital Suica at the time being.
So, if getting a digital IC transit card is what you plan to do, make sure to download the digital Suica card AND use a non-Visa credit card to load money into it, and you should be fine.
Conclusion
So there you have it. The suspension of Suica and Pasmo card sale certainly created some inconvenience to visitors to Japan, however there are many alternatives to choose from, which will help you all the same as Suica and Pasmo.
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
– 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.
– Interested in knowing more about the all-time favorite and super awesome IC cards such as Pasmo and Suica cards? Read my “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post here.
– Wonder what awesome tips you could get in order to hit the ground running and navigate Japan smoothly and stress-free, with or without a JR Pass ? Read my “12 Ultimate Tips for Taking Tokyo’s Public Transport With Ease” post here.
– 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?“
– Do you need an easy, convenient, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo with luggages ? Read my “Airport Limousine Bus – The Convenient Way to Get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo” post here. Going to Haneda airport instead? Read this post.
– 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.
And much more – Check out all of my posts here on the Main page.
