MMoving to Japan

Shortage of Suica/Paso cards–can someone please explain what this means for folks moving to Japan?

I am trying to understand the IC shortage and what it might mean for me. I will be relocating in September, and as a student I’ll be applying for the discounted rate for my route from residence to campus, but I don’t know if that means I’ll have a MySuica and if it would be possible to get a new IC card then? I understand I only need one or the other? I couldn’t find the relevant information in my search of the web and news so far and wondered if you would know.

I also happen to only have an Android phone not purchased in Japan, so I can’t use a digital IC via ApplePay.

Does the shortage only apply for tourists?

So sorry for my many questions. Thank you kindly in advance.

7 comments

  1. This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.

    —

    **Shortage of Suica/Paso cards–can someone please explain what this means for folks moving to Japan?**

    I am trying to understand the IC shortage and what it might mean for me. I will be relocating in September, and as a student I’ll be applying for the discounted rate for my route from residence to campus, but I don’t know if that means I’ll have a MySuica and if it would be possible to get a new IC card then? I understand I only need one or the other? I couldn’t find the relevant information in my search of the web and news so far and wondered if you would know.

    I also happen to only have an Android phone not purchased in Japan, so I can’t use a digital IC via ApplePay.

    Does the shortage only apply for tourists?

    So sorry for my many questions. Thank you kindly in advance.

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  2. Sorry I already commented once but I wanted to look into it to make sure but yeah both kinds of IC cards are suspended right now and unfortunately, it doesn’t only apply to tourists. I’m sorry, I’m not sure what the best solution is for you. I hope someone else knows 🙁

  3. I’m not sure how it will work with student discount and any kind of commuter pass, but as far as I know Suika shortage means that you can’t now buy unregistered suika in machine on the station, but you need to buy registered one with your name and phone number.

    I bought suika 5 months ago in machine on station and only thing I needed to do was just insert money, I didn’t fill any personal data. And around month ago my friend, to buy suika needed also to fill his name in machine on station and his name is printed on the IC card.

    Shortage is due to lack of some components that are used in I cards chips, and by giving your personal data, I suppose they expect you not to buy too many IC cards, as now you are not anonymous.

    Interesting fact it’s not only applying to all IC cards, for example ICOCA still can be bought without registering, but it’s available in different part of Japan (JR West if I remember correctly).

  5. No need to worry. You can still buy commuter pass versions of SUICA/PASMO as before. The only thing you will not be able to buy is a no-name(anonymous) card.

  6. I just arrived in Japan and I have not been able to buy a commuter pass. But I don’t speak Japanese so perhaps they think I’m trying to buy a tourist pass? The machines definitely aren’t selling commuter passes right now.

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