The One about Suica and PASMO IC card sales being suspended (Tokyo/Kanto Area)

Posted onAuthorDennis A. AmithLeave a comment

I have advocated for years about anyone traveling to Japan, especially to Tokyo for the first time, one of the first things to do once arriving after arriving at the airport or major train station is to immediately get an IC card. In the Kanto (Tokyo) area, I recommend getting a Suica or PASMO card.

Easy to travel with the card and it is easy to deposit money. Just shine your card on the entrance machine without having to worry about tickets for a train or bus. And you can use the cards to make purchases. It’s so easy!

But unfortunately, it was announced that the IC cards will be suspended due to the global shortage of semiconductor chips effectively on August 2nd.

Those who already have a Suica or Pasmo card are fine. They can still use it to charge, board buses and trains.

Also, one can use the Mobile Suica and Mobile PASMO app as well. For those with an iPhone or Apple watch can use Apple Wallet via the wallet app and add “Transit Card” and choose Suica or PASMO (it doesn’t really matter, but I prefer Suica). Enter how much you want to charge (deposit) into your card and that is it. For Apple watch users, go to My Watch and select “Wallet & Apple Payu” and add a Suica or Pasmo card.

Unfortunately, for android users, unless the phone was purchased in Japan, there is not much you can do at this time. Some people who live outside of Japan have purchased a cheap phone in Japan from Bic Camera or Yodobashi that supports “Osaifu-Keitai”, so they can use it in Japan via Google Pay. But I’m not going to go into the details of this, because most people who do not live in Japan will not want to purchase a Japanese phone for this sole purpose.

So, what else can you do?

Well, JR East plans to offer “Welcome Suica” cards that can be purchased and must be used 28 days after purchase and can be purchased at Narita and Haneda Airport (visit a travel service center in the airport). PASMO will also offer tourist 28-day cards at the airport and at major rail stations. But the problem with both is that quantities and availability might be an issue and a purchase is limited to one card per person.

Let’s hope that normal physical Suica and Pasmo cards will be available soon. And do remember, if you are going to Kansai or other regions, they have their own IC cards that have not been suspended at this time. Only the ones in Tokyo.

 

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