As many folks are aware, JR East has suspended the sale of pretty much all Suica/PASMO cards due to the global chip shortage.
Due to the large number of questions we’re getting on this we have decided to roll all the discussion on the topic into a single megathread to avoid having a bunch of different discussion threads on the topic.
**What we know so far:**
1. With the exception of the “Welcome Suica” (Aimed at tourists, only good for 28 days) *all* Suica/PASMO cards are unavailable. See this announcement from JR East: [https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pdf/press\_20230802\_suica.pdf](https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pdf/press_20230802_suica.pdf)
2. Commuter passes *are* still available.
3. Currently *only* JR East is having supply problems. So if you’re going to be in Nagoya, Osaka, or any other cities outside of the JR East area you can still get cards as normal.
Please see [this thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/movingtojapan/comments/15si6rb/shortage_of_suicapaso_cardscan_someone_please/) and [this thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/movingtojapan/comments/15uduzc/pasmosuica_cards/) for some of the previous discussions we’ve had.
As with all of our previous megathread topics, the rules still apply. This is not a place for unsourced speculation or crazy conspiracy theories. All new posts on the topic will be directed here until further notice.
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2 comments
>”Welcome Suica” (Aimed at tourists, only good for 30 days
According to: [https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html](https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html) it’s actually only 28 days:
>The Welcome Suica is valid for 28 days, including the date of purchase. Please note that the validity period begins as soon as your purchase the card, and the card will become invalid on the 29th day.
Does one need an existing suica card to Use their phone?