Japan Welcome Suica Card

If you have an iPhone (not sure about androids) you can load a Suica even before leaving the US.

I haven't used the Tourist Welcome Suica so I don't know if there are any requirements for amounts of money to be loaded. Take a look at where you might travel on an app like Jorudan or Navitime. The cost of the journey will be noted. You can estimate your transport money needs and load accordingly.

The Suica is used for transport, but also can be used for buying snacks, drinks, sundries, at some restaurants, vending machines, etc. So, if you estimate your needs for transport and find you over-estimated and have money left, buy yourself something at a 7-11 or similar shop. Are you flying back from a Japanese airport or S. Korea? If in Japan, use up any remaining money at an airport shop.

Suica's should be good in any of your Japanese ports of call.

All above is correct. The card is so convenient. Buy one, top off as needed in any convenience store which are everywhere.

Boston - I believe the regular Suica has a 500 yen deposit - under $5 USD currently. That can be returned and refunded less administrative fee in my understanding. If you are concerned about how to estimate your Suica usage, perhaps a regular Suica would work better for you. You can spend the remaining regular Suica balance just as you would a Welcome Suica.

ORDtTraveler, Thank you

I have seen the name Navitime more than one time. I visited the site. Lots of information. What is Navitime? How do you describe it?

I have an Android and use it mostly for calls, and texts with downloading a few apps, if I must. I have never gotten used to an Android but can not afford an iPhone any longer. I do have a mini iPad.

I did not realize that I only have to deposit about $5.00 on a regular Suica card. Still can not easily convert yens into dollars and vice versa but I think that I will learn if not before I get to Japan, soon after arriving.

treemoss2, hello

yes, it seems that the purpose of the Suica card is primarily convenience but I can see how that would be very valuable.

It has taken a lot of work to plan this trip but it is all coming together. Everything seems to be falling into place.

I loved my welcome suica card which is so convenient. I loaded e version on my phone and it worked like a charm. Easy to load as you go if you have a credit card on your Apple wallet.

You cannot load a Suica card on an Android phone. Nor can you download the Suica app on a US Android phone.

You will need cash to top up the Suica card. You can't use a credit card.

I bought my Suica card from a machine at the airport when I arrived. There was someone there who could help. But you could also get instruction on the machines in English.

Cash is still very popular in Japan.

What is NAVITIME in Japan?

A total navigation service that can search for the optimal door-to-door route from a variety of methods of transportation, including walking, train, car, bus, and airplane.

I just added a regular Suica to my phone (in Wallet), put a little money on it (I used Apple Pay to add money) - and then added it in somewhat small amounts as my trip progressed. So it was easy to keep from putting way too much. No app, no fuss. It worked automatically on the subway in Tokyo (I didn’t use busses) and at various stores and restaurants. During the time I was with my friends, they had to stop and buy a ticket whereas I could just tap in and out. Either way works.

^^^ This. Very easy if you can load a Suica to your phone.
Load to Phone:
Apple instructions https://support.apple.com/en-us/108772
Apple and Android instructions (caveat, I haven't examined these instructions closely, I used above for reference on my iPhone. Quick research seems to indicate that using on an Android needs a Japanese Android phone, I didn't verify that): https://www.japanlivingguide.com/expatinfo/transportation/mobile-suica/

Navitime and Jorudan are apps that will give routes, platforms, prices, times for journeys you enter:
Websites below - I have used them for planning, but find the apps from the companies better for both planning and on the ground. Links below to websites to give you some notion of what the apps do.
https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/
https://world.jorudan.co.jp/mln/en/?sub_lang=nosub

@bostonphil7, I sent you a private message.

Thanks to all for your wonderful and encouraging responses

I already have bought some yens and wons but just a little. Probably will be needing more after arrival. Just wanted to have some on hand since I know that cash is still important and necessary in Japan.

I will be getting a suica card but a plastic one. I can see how valuable it is.

Barkinpark, thank you and I responded

Frank II. I plan to buy my Suica Card in the airport and I probably will need help. did I read somewhere that you can use a credit card to load your Suica Card in the airport but from then on, you need cash to add

Carol. always glad for your input. You too OrdTraveler.

I will be writing about my trip as I am experiencing it.

TexasTravelMom. Have you just returned from Japan or are you still there. Did you write a Trip Report?

This is going to be my first time to Asia and this forum has turned out o be so helpful

Reminds me of my first trip to London and Europe.

You can buy a "Welcome Suica" card at the airport with a credit card but not a regular Suica card.

You need cash to top up either.

Stick to a physical Suica card. Don't try to fiddle with your phone to load a Suica onto Android unless you know what you are doing. It's not as simple as just downloading an app. You have to change settings and if you don't now what you are doing could be a problem with your phone.

Frank, after a chip shortage caused a temporary cessation of sale of “regular” Suicas, physical cards are now again being sold at airports and other locations. Since March 2025.

ORDtraveler you took my response out of context...

Bostonphil wrote:

*Frank II. I plan to buy my Suica Card in the airport and I probably will need help. did I read somewhere that you can use a credit card to load your Suica Card in the airport but from then on, you need cash to add

I responded:

*You can buy a "Welcome Suica" card at the airport with a credit card but not a regular Suica card.

Frank II

I am not good with my Android.

I was trained on an iPhone and when my 5c died, I could never either afford to pay full price or never wanted to.

Went with an affordable Android but not good with it and miss my iPhone terribly.

Apple sells an SE which was similar to my 5c but my Android is good for calls, texts and some downloads.

But I do not know what I am doing when it comes to my phone and I will buying a plastic Suica card at the airport.