Suica is an IC card and electronic money issued by JR East.
It is a prepaid IC card.
You can use it only for the amount you charge.
Cards such as Pasmo and Icoca are also transportation IC cards.
Currently, major transportation IC cards including Suica, ICOCA, and PASMO, are interoperable.
Therefore, you can use PASMO in the Suica area, ICOCA in the PASMO area, and so on, and the basic functions of tickets and electronic money can be used interchangeably.
It can be used not only for transportation such as trains and buses, but also for shopping, dining, and many other occasions.
**Types of Suica**
There are three main types of Suica.
- **Suica Card:**
A traditional card-type Suica that can be purchased at ticket machines and ticket offices at stations. -
* **Mobile Suica:**
* A service that adds Suica functionality to your smartphone.
* You can charge your card and purchase commuter passes with a credit card or debit card. -
* **Suica on Apple Pay:**
* A service that adds Suica functionality to your iPhone or Apple Watch.
* You can charge your card and purchase commuter passes with a credit card or debit card.
**Main ways to use Suica**
* **Train and bus use:**
* Just touch the ticket gate or bus reader to automatically settle the fare.
* It can also be used as a commuter pass.
* **Shopping/Dining:**
* In stores where Suica is accepted, payment can be completed by simply touching
the reader on the cash register.
* It can be used in various places such as convenience stores, supermarkets,
restaurants, and vending machines.
* **Using Shinkansen and Limited Express Trains:**
* You can board some Shinkansen and limited express trains with Suica.
* Advance reservations are required online or purchases are required at reserved seat
ticket vending machines.
* **Other Services:**
* You can also use the points service and coin lockers in stations using Suica.
**Benefits of Suica**
* **Convenient:**
* You don't need to carry cash, so you can make payments smoothly.
* **Speedy:**
* Payments can be completed by simply touching, so you can save time.
* **Safety:**
* If your card is lost or stolen, it can be reissued or suspended.
* **Advantages:**
* You may be able to use points and discount services.
**Suica Notes**
* **Charging Required:**
* You must charge your Suica card before you can use it.
* **Available Areas:**
* Suica cards can be used nationwide, but there are some areas and stores where they are unavailable.
* **Expiration Date:**
* Suica cards have an expiration date.
* **Loss/Theft:**
* If your card is lost or stolen, you must immediately suspend its use.
**More Information About Suica**
* JR East Suica Official Website:
https://www.jreast.co.jp/suica/
The above website provides detailed information about Suica, including types of Suica, how to use it, how to charge it, available areas, and what to do if it is lost or stolen.