Sale of Suica Cards indefinitely suspended (Welcome Suica and smartphone versions available)

[hubofhockey]

Just saw this.  There are work arounds.  You can still get Welcome Suica cards at the airport or get the smartphone version.  The advantages of the smartphone are that you can check your balance.  This relates to shortage of chips.  This is temporary and it could change and they could go back to physical cards. In any case, the fact that they still have the Welcome Suica card is good enough for many of us.  

[monkey@cruise]

On 8/6/2023 at 8:09 AM, hubofhockey said:

Just saw this.  There are work arounds.  You can still get Welcome Suica cards at the airport or get the smartphone version.  The advantages of the smartphone are that you can check your balance.  This relates to shortage of chips.  This is temporary and it could change and they could go back to physical cards. In any case, the fact that they still have the Welcome Suica card is good enough for many of us.  

Welcome Suica card  does not refund the remaining balance. In other words, the balance of the card will not be refunded either before or after the expiration of the Red Suica Card. Therefore, it is important to use up the remaining balance on your Red Suica Card before it expires in order not to lose out. 

[hubofhockey]

13 hours ago, monkey@cruise said:

Welcome Suica card  does not refund the remaining balance. In other words, the balance of the card will not be refunded either before or after the expiration of the Red Suica Card. Therefore, it is important to use up the remaining balance on your Red Suica Card before it expires in order not to lose out. 

I would still use the Welcome card instead of the phone.  Just seems easier.  We’ll probably use our cards and put enough on to take transportation from Yokohama to Narita.  Anything left = snacks or souvenirs.

[monkey@cruise]

2 hours ago, hubofhockey said:

I would still use the Welcome card instead of the phone.  Just seems easier.  We’ll probably use our cards and put enough on to take transportation from Yokohama to Narita.  Anything left = snacks or souvenirs.

Some restrictions on "Welcome Suica” for Foreigners Visiting Japan.
- Only can purchase from dedicated machines at Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. No longer available from JR East train stations and JR Ticket Offices.
- Limited 1 card per person.
- No renewal after 28 days expiration.
- You must bring a Reference Paper with you when you use Welcome Suica (receive the Reference Paper when purchase the card). 😡

 

I will fly in to Osaka, will purchase an ICOCA as alternative. May able to purchase a "Suica" in Akita, Morioka and Aomori area because JR East launching Suica in these areas starting 2023-May-27.