I still vividly remember standing blankly in front of the ticket gate at Narita Airport. Behind me, travelers with suitcases like mine were lining up, and the gate kept beeping, swallowing people one after another. I had definitely bought a 'Suica,' so why couldn't I get a refund for my card?
On the last day of my trip, my plan to combine my remaining coins and card balance to get back the 500 yen deposit was shattered. The JR counter staff, with a slightly tired expression as if my question was a routine one they heard dozens of times a day, shook their head and pointed to the cherry blossom-patterned card in my hand (which I now realize was a 'Welcome Suica'). They explained that this card had no deposit and no balance refund. The 1,380 yen remaining on the card thus became an unintended 'souvenir.'
Honestly, when you've just arrived at the airport and are feeling overwhelmed, it's not easy to meticulously compare different types of transit cards. It's common to just buy whatever you see at a 'Suica' vending machine or counter. Especially the word 'Welcome' gives off a welcoming vibe to travelers, making it even easier to pick up without suspicion. I, too, made the mistake of choosing the card with the complacent thought of 'I'll just buy the most visible one.' I distinctly remembered getting a full refund, including the deposit, when I came to Tokyo a few years ago.
Buying a physical card today
Non-personalized Suica and PASMO returned to sale on March 1, 2025. The 2023 semiconductor-shortage suspension is historical, not the current rule. Check the operator's current sales locations before travelling.
Wait, what about used Suica cards?
Occasionally, old Suica cards are sold on second-hand marketplaces or in local shops. However, it's difficult to know how much validity period is left (10 years from the last use), and the card condition cannot be guaranteed, so it's not recommended. Especially avoid buying them at inflated prices. There are plenty of new alternatives.
Standard Suica
A standard Suica has a 500-yen deposit. At an eligible JR East counter, a refund returns the deposit plus the remaining balance after a fee of up to 220 yen is deducted from that balance. A zero balance does not incur that fee. Confirm the card issuer and refund location; do not apply these rules to Welcome Suica.
So, what's the best option we can choose now?
Choose between a regular physical card, Welcome Suica and a compatible mobile card. Mobile use depends on the device, operating system and payment card; not every Android phone supports Japanese transit cards. If your phone is unsupported, physical cards and paper tickets remain options. Keep a backup payment method.
Welcome Suica has no deposit, is valid for 28 days from purchase, and its unused balance is not refundable. Buy it only if these terms suit your trip; load smaller amounts as needed.
Welcome Suica (Physical Card)
- Pros: Works regardless of smartphone model, can keep a physical card, easy to buy multiple cards and share with companions
- Cons: No balance refund, 28-day validity limit, hassle of cash top-ups
- Recommended for: Android users, those uncomfortable with smartphone use, families with children
Conclusion: So, which Suica is right for you?
Mobile Suica is recommended for:
- iPhone users: Undoubtedly the most convenient option.
- Efficiency-focused travelers: The right choice if you want to save time finding cash and queuing to top up.
- Frequent visitors to Japan: No expiration date, so once created, it can be used for future trips.
- Meticulous planners: Great for managing expenses by checking real-time usage and balance via the app.
Welcome Suica is perfect for these situations:
- Family travelers: Giving one to children or parents without smartphones makes it convenient when they go separately.
- Those who want a travel souvenir: The cherry blossom-designed physical card is a wonderful souvenir in itself.
- 'Digital detox' travelers: A good choice when you want to be free from smartphone battery worries during your trip.
Choose between a regular physical card, Welcome Suica and a compatible mobile card. Mobile use depends on the device, operating system and payment card; not every Android phone supports Japanese transit cards. If your phone is unsupported, physical cards and paper tickets remain options. Keep a backup payment method.
Whichever card you choose, the most important thing is to know the key rules in advance, such as 'non-refundable' or 'expiration date.' I hope my small failure at the airport will serve as a guide for smart spending for you. Now that you've chosen Suica, in the next chapter, let's check out more practical tips, such as how to perfectly use the remaining balance down to 1 yen on the last day of your trip.
Practical Tips for Travelers
Now that you've chosen your Suica, it's time to fill in the details of your trip. I'll add a few practical tips that I learned firsthand but no one clearly explained, to make your journey smoother.
How to spend every last yen of your Welcome Suica balance. Since it's non-refundable, you need to use every last coin. Before heading to the airport on your last day, convenience stores or drugstores are the best places to use up your remaining balance. If you have an awkward amount like 158 yen left? First, pick out what you want to buy, then at the checkout, present your Suica and say "Zenbu tsukatte kudasai (全部使ってください, please use it all)." Even just showing your balance and saying "Kore to genkin de (これと現金で, this and cash)" will be perfectly understood, and they'll help you pay the difference. This is also possible at some airport convenience stores and duty-free shops, so don't give up until the very end. Buying a drink from a vending machine is also a good option.
Cash top-ups are overwhelmingly easier at convenience stores. Whether it's a Welcome Suica or Mobile Suica, when you need to top up with cash, there's no need to fumble at complicated subway station ticket machines. Even with language support, machines cluttered with route maps and fare tables can be exhausting for travelers. In such cases, head to a nearby 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson. Hand your card and cash to the cashier and say "Cha-ji, onegaishimasu! (チャージ, お願いします!, Charge, please!)" and it'll be done in under a minute. While usually topped up in 1,000 yen increments, you can also gather coins to top up if you're in a hurry. Especially convenient are the Seven Bank ATMs at 7-Eleven, which offer perfect Korean language support, allowing you to directly place your card and insert money to top up without interacting with staff.
Tapping with your entire wallet is an absolute no-go, a shortcut to errors. Just like in Korea, if you tap your entire wallet or smartphone case containing multiple IC cards like credit cards and Suica at the ticket gate, it's highly likely to beep loudly and show a red light. This happens because multiple IC chips try to be recognized simultaneously, causing a conflict. If the gate gets blocked during rush hour, you'll likely receive annoyed glances from those behind you, so make it a habit to take out just your Suica card and tap it, even if it's a little inconvenient. If you're an iPhone Mobile Suica user, don't forget to set Suica as your 'Express Transit Card' in the 'Wallet' app. This allows you to tap directly without turning on the screen or authenticating with Face ID, making it as fast as a physical card.
Suica is not a Tokyo-exclusive card. Surprisingly, many people think Suica can only be used in Tokyo, but it's actually compatible with most public transportation throughout Japan. You can use it as is on subways and buses in major cities like Osaka (ICOCA), Sapporo (Kitaca), and Fukuoka (SUGOCA), so there's no need to get a new card every time you move cities. However, there's an important caveat. It's not possible to 'cross regional boundaries,' such as boarding in Tokyo with Suica and alighting in Osaka. Also, remember that Shinkansen and limited express trains require separate tickets. Suica is primarily for basic public transportation and small payments.