Can I buy a Suica card at Narita airport for Tokyo trip?

Can I buy a Suica card at Narita Airport for my Tokyo trip?

Good question! If you’re arriving at Narita Airport expecting to grab a Suica card right at the ticket machines, it’s a bit tricky these days. Normally, Suica cards are easy to buy at Narita and major train stations from vending machines. But due to the global semiconductor shortage, those machines aren’t selling them at the moment. You’ll need to buy your Suica card at a staffed ticket counter instead.

Alternatively, if you have a compatible credit card, you can skip the physical card altogether and use the Suica app on your smartphone. This lets you tap in and out just like with a plastic Suica card, which is pretty handy.

How do I buy a Suica card at Narita Airport now that vending machines don’t have them?

Since vending machines are out of stock, look for JR East’s Midori no Madoguchi ticket office or other staffed counters inside Narita’s terminals. The staff will sell you a Suica card — usually for a 2,000 yen deposit (about $14 USD), which includes 1,500 yen stored value. It’s straightforward but expect a short wait, especially if multiple arrivals coincide.

Can I use other prepaid cards instead of Suica if I can’t get one at the machine?

Yes, there are other IC cards like Pasmo, but they work similarly and face the same vending machine shortage. If you’re in Tokyo, almost all major stations have ticket counters where you can get these cards. Some convenience stores also sell them. The important part is having any IC card to make travel and small purchases easier. The Suica app or physical card is just the most common.

What if I don’t have a credit card or a smartphone that supports the Suica app?

No worries. You can still buy a physical Suica card from ticket counters once you arrive in Tokyo or even at Narita’s counters. It’s a bit more time-consuming than vending machines but totally doable. Also, you can pay cash at these counters, so you don’t need a credit card. Just be prepared for possible lines during peak hours.

Is there any difference in price or usage between the physical Suica card and the mobile app?

The cost is basically the same. Both require an initial deposit and stored value. One advantage of the app version is you can recharge it anytime via credit card without visiting a machine or counter. However, the physical card can be shared, used by friends, or given as a souvenir. Some small shops might prefer physical cards, but generally, both work everywhere in Tokyo and many parts of Japan.

What Japanese people actually do

Most locals either use a physical Suica or Pasmo card or have the mobile app linked to their credit card. Buying cards at machines is typical, but if the machines don’t work, people just queue at counters without fuss. It’s part of daily life, so no big deal.

Many commuters keep their cards topped up automatically via linked bank accounts or credit cards, so they rarely think about buying a new card. But for visitors, grabbing one at arrival or using the app is the easiest way to blend in with Tokyo’s efficient transit system.

Practical tip from my experience

When I landed at Narita last time during the semiconductor shortage, I headed straight to the JR East ticket office instead of hunting for a vending machine. The staff was friendly, and I had my Suica card in 10 minutes. It’s a small hassle but totally manageable.

If you want to speed things up, download the Suica app before arriving and register your credit card. That way, you can start riding trains as soon as you land, no lines needed.

In short: Yes, you can buy Suica at Narita, but you’ll likely need to visit a ticket counter these days. Or try the mobile app if you want a smooth, contactless start to your Tokyo trip.