Suica vs Welcome Suica Card : Which One to Choose When Visiting Japan?

Are you planning a trip to Japan? Exciting! But before you start daydreaming about sushi and cherry blossoms, let’s talk logistics. (Ugh, I know, no fun. But no worry, I am here to assist you with that)

One of the crucial aspects of planning your trip is figuring out how to navigate the bustling cities of Japan conveniently and efficiently.

Shibuya area at night lit up beautifully and bustling with pedestrians and vehicles

That’s where Japanese prepaid IC cards come into play, with the Suica card being the most popular of them all. As a frequent traveler to Japan, I have found that my Suica IC card is a daily must-have tool for navigating the country’s public transportation system.

And with the introduction of the Welcome Suica card in 2019, there are now more options for first-time visitors to Japan to choose from. So, let’s dive into the world of these 2 handy cards, explore their differences, and see which one is best for your travel needs.

The regular Suica IC Card

Introducing the Suica Card, your reliable sidekick for conquering Japan’s perplexing transportation system.

What Is a Suica Card?

This little gem of a prepaid transit card works its magic across the country, allowing you to effortlessly hop on and off trains, buses, and even make purchases at vending machines and convenience stores.

Available for purchase at any ticket machine or JR ticket counter at any train stations and airports, you pay an initial deposit of 500 yen in exchange for the Suica card, and load the card up with a desired amount of yen for daily use in Japan.

I wrote a detailed post on everything you need to know about IC Cards, specifically regarding Suica and Pasmo cards. You can find and check it out here at “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know”.

So, what makes the Suica card the coolest kid on the block?

What Are the Benefits of Using a Suica Card During Your Japan Trip?

1. Easy-Peasy, Lemon Squeezy

Say goodbye to the days of fumbling for change or buying tickets for every leg of your journey. With a Suica card in your pocket or wallet, simply tap it on the designated card readers at train stations or subway stations or buses, and voila! You’re good to go, no hassle involved.

2. Most Versatile Way to Pay

One of the most significant advantages of the Suica card is its versatility. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, getting lost in the historical charm of Kyoto, or wandering through the neon wonderland of Osaka, your Suica card will have your back.

It works like a charm on most train lines, subway systems, and buses operated by different companies, making it incredibly convenient for hopping from place to place, or switch from one transport mode to another, inside cities.

3. Cashless Convenience

Japanese vending machine selling both hot and cold coffee tea milk juice accepting cash or IC cards like Suica or Pasmo as payment methods — Tap your Suica card to pay for drinks at vending machines. These neat machines carry all sorts of hot and cold drinks (tea, juice, coffee, milk tea, etc.), and are located at every street corner across Japan

Find yourself thirsty or famished during your travels but had no spare change in your pocket? Fear not! The Suica card allows you to make quick purchases at vending machines, convenience stores, and other stores.

So you can grab that refreshing bottle of Ramune drink or satisfy your cravings for some delightful Japanese snacks, without having to scramble for yen.

4. Topping Up Any Time

You can easily and quickly recharge the card with additional funds at any ticket machines, station counters, or even using your smartphone. No more worries about running out of credit and missing out on your next ride.

5. Returning Your Suica Card for a Refund at the End of the Trip

If you happen to have any remaining balance at the end of your trip, and no longer need to use the card, simply go to any ticket machine or JR ticket counter to exchange it for a refund.

A small refund processing fee of 220 yen is subtracted from your card’s current balance, and you get your remaining balance back in cash. Isn’t this awesome?

6. Long-lasting Validity Period

For those who don’t want to return your Suica card at the end of the trip for a refund, good news! You can keep your card, and use it for your next Japan trip (because who wouldn’t want to come back to this fascinating country?!).

The validity period of Suica card is 10 years from the last use. After that, the card will expire. As long as you use it again before the 10-year period is up, the card remains active, and you are good to go!

7. Want to Know More?

IC cards smart prepaid transit cards Pasmo Suica Icoca Stress free Japan Travel

I wrote an entire detailed post on everything you must know about Suica and Pasmo cards, the awesome ways they make your travel a breeze, and all the how-tos. You can check it out here at “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know”.

Now that we’ve gotten acquainted with the regular Suica card, let’s dive into the newcomer on the block—the Welcome Suica Card.

Introducing the Welcome Suica Card for Tourists

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.

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.

Comparing Suica and Welcome Suica Cards

1. Availability

The regular Suica card can be purchased at any train stations, convenience stores, and even online, with options to have the card shipped to your home or picked up at the airport.

The Welcome Suica card, on the other hand, can only be purchased at certain train stations and airports.

where to buy Welcome Suica card smart prepaid transit IC card in Japan JR East Travel Service Centers — Full list of where to go to purchase a Welcome Suica card

If you opt for the Welcome Suica Card, It’s important to check before your trip and ensure you know where to go to buy the card when you need it.

2. Expiration Dates (or Validity Period)

Unlike the regular Suica card which doesn’t expire for 10 years straight, the Welcome Suica Card is only valid for a period of 28 days starting from the day you buy it.

This 28-day validity period of the Welcome Suica Card means that it’s only intended for those who are staying in Japan for a few weeks, and possibly not return in the future.

After 28 days, the Welcome Suica card expires, the card balance disappears (actually, they go to the JR East group!), you won’t be able to use it to pay for goods anymore. The only thing left to do is bringing it home as a fun souvenir or a memorable keepsake.

3. Functionality

Both the Suica and Welcome Suica cards can be used on trains, buses, and subways, as well as at vending machines, convenience stores, and restaurants. However, with the Welcome Suica card, you have the extra perk of loading some discount passes onto it for convenient use. It also includes discounted entry fees to attractions, or exclusive offers at certain establishments.

4. Rechargeability

Both cards can be recharged (or topped up) with additional yen whenever the card balance runs low. Just stop by any ticket vending machine or ticket counter to easily and quickly add more yen to your Suica or Welcome Suica card.

5. Initial Deposit

Unlike the regular Suica card, which has an initial deposit of 500-yen, the Welcome Suica card comes with no initial deposit.

Whatever amount of yen you load into the card is all yours to spend. This is nice, as it makes your money stretch a little bit further.

6. Refund or No Refund

Alright, let me put a humorous spin on this for you :

So, here’s the deal with the regular Suica card – you can totally return it at the end of your trip and get some money back. But wait for it…you gotta pay a teeny-tiny refund processing fee of 220 yen first. Yep, life’s like that!

Now, brace yourself for the Welcome Suica card. This bad boy doesn’t play by the same rules. Whatever moolah you’ve got left on that card at the end of your adventure? Well, it’s gone. Poof! Non-refundable. Sayonara, cash!

So, if you’re opting for a Welcome Suica card, you’d better make it rain and spend every last yen in the card balance before you bid adieu to Japan. Don’t risk losing it all, folks. And hey, using up that card balance won’t be a challenge at all. You can tap it to pay for goods practically anywhere in Japan!

And hey, here’s a silver lining. This non-refundable thing works out very well for tourists who don’t want to bother with the refund shenanigan at the end of their trip. Nice, right?

7. Required Accompanying Document

The regular Suica card does not require any accompanying proof or pape when you use it.

However, in the case of the Welcome Suica card, you are given a reference paper at the time of purchase. This piece of paper has info regarding your Welcome Suica card, such as the card number, expiration date, card balance, etc.

Welcome Suica card reference paper with card info and expiration date must carry at all time with IC card

You are required to carry the reference paper with you at all time, and show it to the ticketing staff if asked. Kind of annoying, huh?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use the Suica or Welcome Suica card outside of Tokyo?

Absolutely! While the Suica Card originated and sold in Tokyo, it’s widely accepted everywhere across Japan, including major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Sapporo.

How can I recharge my Suica or Welcome Suica card?

Recharging is a piece of cake. You can do it at any ticket machine with cash (yen) or at the station ticket counter using cash or a credit card. Some machines even support recharging via your smartphone. See my step-by-step guide on how to recharge here.

If you use a digital Suica card app on your smartphone, reload by Apple Pay or through Google Pay.

Do I need to return my Suica card at the end of my trip?

No. Your Suica card is yours to keep as a delightful souvenir. If you plan to visit Japan again, you can reuse it for your next adventure.

But if you want to return it for a refund, you can get the remaining card balance in cash.

Are there any criteria or restrictions for obtaining a Suica card?

No. The Suica Card is available for travelers of all ages. So whether you’re a wide-eyed child or a young-at-heart explorer, you can get your hands on this neat card.

Can I get a refund for any remaining credit on my Suica card?

Yes. If you have some credit or balance left on your Suica card (not the Welcome Suica) at the end of your trip, you can receive a refund at the ticket vending machine or at the manned ticket counter. However, keep in mind that a small processing fee of 220 yen is subtracted from your refund.

Can I get a refund for any remaining credit on my Welcome Suica card?

No. As the Welcome Suica card is non-refundable, you need to use up all the balance in the card, or risk losing it when the card expires in 28 days after purchase.

Can I use my Suica or Welcome Suica card for long-distance travel, such as the shinkansen (bullet train)?

Unfortunately, the Suica Card cannot be used for long-distance travel on the shinkansen, or for traveling from one major region to another. However, you can use it to conveniently access local train lines and subways inside any cities.

Can I share my Suica card with my travel companion? (Can 1 card be used by 2 people?)

Unfortunately, Suica cards (and other IC cards) are non-transferable. Each traveler will need their own card.

How long is my Suica card valid for?

10 years from the last use. If you stop using your card for 9 years, and starts using it again, it will still be active and good to go. Once you use it, the validily period will extend to another 10 years. Excellent, right?

Can I use my Suica Card to pay for taxis?

Yes, you can! Taxis in Japan accept Suica card as a form of payment. Just look for the Suica logo on the payment terminal and tap away.

Can I use my Suica Card to pay for food and drinks?

Absolutely! Vending machines, convenience stores, many local eateries and even restaurants in Japan accept Suica card as a form of payment. Just look for the Suica logo on the payment terminal at check-out and tap away.

Is the Welcome Suica Card available for purchase online?

Yes, you can purchase the Welcome Suica card online through authorized retailers or websites. This allows you to conveniently obtain the card before your trip and start using it as soon as you arrive in Japan. However, make sure you check the expiration date of the card before buying.

Can I transfer the remaining credit from my Suica Card to another Suica Card?

You cannot transfer the remaining credit from one Suica card to another. Each card has its own independent balance. However, you can always use up the remaining credit on your current card or receive a refund if needed.

Is it possible to get a replacement if I lose my Suica or Welcome Suica card?

Unfortunately, there is no replacement offered for lost cards.

Where can I find more info on the Suica and Welcome Suica card?

Check out my post on all-thing Suica (or Pasmo) IC cards here, where I talk about everything you need to know about it for your travel, step-by-step guides on where and how to buy it, how to use it, and how to load up yen into your card. And more!

Info can also be found at the official Suica card website from JR East at : https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html

Is the sale of the regular Suica card being discontinued as of June 8, 2023?

Yes. Unfortunately, due to the current global chip shortage, there will be a temporary pause on the sale of new regular Suica cards.

However, you can still use its digital version by downloading the digital Suica card onto your smartphone, load yen into it using Apply Pay or Google Pay, and tap your phone when paying for goods.

For those who already own a physical Suica card, this news does not affect you.

The Welcome Suica card is still available for sale, and not affected by this.

Conclusion

The Suica card may be a better option for long-term visitors who want the flexibility of having an active-and-ready-to-use card for as long as possible, and getting their deposit and remaining balance back when they are done with it.

The Welcome Suica card, on the other hand, can be a convenient option for short-term visitors who want a hassle-free way to navigate Japan’s public transportation system.

In my personal opinion, the regular Suica card is an easy choice, and wins out every time, with its availability, long-lasting validity, and the cash refund. I hope this post has been helpful and informative for you in picking a great card to pay for public transports and daily goods for your Japanadventure. Go forth, and 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!

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Suica vs Welcome Suica Card : Which One to Choose When Visiting Japan?