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Suica Card is a convenient payment card for those planning to travel in Japan. Let's explore what Suica Card is and how to use it with Klook!
Imagine being able to travel all around Japan without worrying about cash or tickets every time you board a train or bus, or even when buying your favorite snacks at convenience stores. Get acquainted with Suica Card, specially designed for short-term travelers to Japan, providing a seamless and hassle-free travel experience.
In this guide, Klook will share with you the functionalities of the card, easy reloading methods, as well as cost optimization with Suica Card. Discover the convenience of purchasing and exchanging Suica Card on Klook, bid farewell to cash troubles, and enjoy a comfortable travel experience in Japan!
What is Suica Card?
Suica Card is a pre-paid IC card, meaning it comes with pre-loaded money, and if it runs out, you can pay later. Suica allows you to use subways, buses, and all local trains in Japan within a day, including Tokyo Metro lines. It's specially designed for short-term visitors to Japan, offering a comfortable travel experience without the need for paper tickets or cash.
Introduced by the East Japan Railway Company, Suica card not only facilitates travelers in moving around subway trains, rapid transit trains, and buses but also extends the capability of payment at shops, restaurants, and vending machines.
Where to buy Suica card?
You can purchase Suica Card at major JR East stations in Tokyo city. The most convenient option is to buy directly on Klook and exchange it for a physical card at designated counters.
- Exchange location: 3rd floor, Departure Hall, Terminal 3, Haneda Airport
- Operating hours: 07:00-23:00
- Directions: Go up to the 3F from the concourse and across from Tokyo Monorail single rail ticket gate
Differences between Welcome Suica and IC Suica cards
Welcome Suica and IC Suica cards are both available on Klook. Essentially, they are versions of Suica card and function similarly. However, there are a few differences to note so you can choose the Suica card that suits your needs.
Welcome Suica:
- Purpose: The Welcome Suica card is typically designed and issued specifically for international travelers visiting Japan.
- Advantages: It often comes with special discounts for travelers, including discounts for services and products at partner merchants.
IC Suica:
- Purpose: IC Suica can be used by both Japanese residents and international travelers. It's a convenient card for transportation and payments. IC Suica usually requires a 500 JPY deposit, so you should reserve it early as they often have limited availability.
- Advantages: IC Suica is widely accepted in Japan's public transportation systems, shopping, and other services without requiring you to purchase additional cards.
Note: Both cards use IC (Integrated Circuit) technology for payments and control of travel processes.
Travelers are often encouraged to use the Welcome Suica card to enjoy special benefits and discounts for a limited time. However, if you intend to visit Japan frequently, the IC Suica card might be a more convenient and cost-effective choice.
Guide on Using Suica Card for Japan Travel
Suica Card facilitates payment for public transportation and is used for shopping and other services. Utilizing the Suica card enhances tourists' time-saving and travel experiences in the Land of the Rising Sun.
You can use this card for shopping anywhere featuring the logo of this cute penguin.
How to Activate Suica Card?
Activating the Suica card is a simple process that can be done at designated locations or ticket machines, such as Haneda Airport and Narita Airport. Upon receiving the card, you just need to load money onto the Suica card and touch the card to the sensor at the ticket gate.
#KlookTip: In case you need assistance, JR East tourist service centers at major stations, such as Terminal 3 of Haneda Airport, Terminal 1 of Narita Airport, and Terminals 2 & 3 of Narita Airport, are always ready to help activate the card and address any other queries you may have.
Using Suica Card
To utilize the Suica card for public transportation, you simply need to touch the Suica card on the reader at the station gate when starting and ending your journey.
The Suica card is valid for 28 consecutive days from the date of first use. Upon receiving the Suica card, you'll also be provided with a Reference Paper for you to verify the card's validity. It's advisable to carry the Reference Paper with you and present it to the staff if requested.
The Suica card is highly flexible, allowing usage on JR lines within the Tokyo metropolitan area, as well as on subways, buses, and the Tokyo Monorail connecting Haneda Airport to Tokyo city. Beyond Tokyo, the Suica card extends its utility to include certain transportation systems in the Sendai and Niigata, Hokkaido, Tokai, Western Japan, and Kyushu regions. With the Suica card, traveling around Japan becomes incredibly convenient!
Using Suica Card for Shopping Activities
In addition to transportation, the Suica card can also be used for shopping at stores, restaurants, convenience stores, pharmacies, and fast food outlets with the Suica logo. Just like using it for transportation, you can make payments by tapping the card on the card reader of the machine.
Additionally, you can use the Suica card to purchase beverages from vending machines! The purchase amount will be automatically deducted from your card balance, allowing you to enjoy your time in Japan conveniently without using cash.
How to Top Up Your Suica Card
The Suica card can be topped up and used within 28 days from the first usage, with a maximum top-up amount of 20,000JPY, available at automated ticket machines. The card can be topped up and used multiple times as desired.
Additionally, you can top up at ticket counters or service counters at stations. Top-ups can be made at counters with the Suica logo or at ATMs of Seven Bank, strategically located at 7-Eleven stores and other convenience stores.
#KlookTip: You can only use cash to top up the card. Credit cards cannot be used to add money to the Welcome Suica Card.
How to Check Your Suica Card Balance
It's crucial to keep track of your Welcome Suica Card balance to ensure you have enough funds for your journey. Simply touch your card on the reader when passing through ticket gates or boarding buses, and your remaining balance will be displayed.
Additionally, you can check the remaining balance on your Suica card at balance check machines at stations or terminals. When you touch the card on machines labeled with Suica logo, you'll see it displayed on the digital screen, showing your card balance, deducted fare, and card validity.
Tips for Using Suica Card
To make the most of your Welcome Suica Card, remember its expiration date and consider combining it with other travel cards for a more comprehensive travel experience and cost savings. Here are some tips from Klook to keep in mind when using Suica card.
Remember the Expiration Date
- Welcome Suica Card: This card is valid for 28 days after activation. With the Welcome Suica Card, any remaining balance will not be refunded after expiration. Plan your usage wisely to maximize your card during your stay in Japan and avoid any disruptions in your travel plans!
- IC Suica Card: The card expires if not used within 10 years. Expired cards can be exchanged upon request, and the remaining value will be transferred to the new card. If you need to return the card, please go to the service counter at JR East stations. You will receive back the 500JPY deposit, minus a handling fee of 220JPY.
Suica Card Usage Locations
Suica Card can only be used in 3 valid areas under JR East: Kanto area, Niigata area, and Sendai area. The card cannot be used to travel from Tokyo to Kanto or Sendai, and vice versa. Suica Card also cannot be used for Shinkansen bullet trains; separate tickets are required for Shinkansen travel.
Suica Card is not only a convenient payment method for public transportation in Japan, but also a convenient way to pay for shopping and other services. Using Suica Card will save travelers time and enhance their travel experience in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Read more about Japan on Klook Vietnam, such as how to apply for a Japanese tourist visa, or solo travel experiences in Japan, 2-Day 1-Night Kyoto Travel Experience from Tokyo, 4-Day 3-Night Okinawa Travel, 3-Day 2-Night Japan Travel Itinerary, Attractions in Tokyo for Independent Travel,...
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