Effortless virtual Suica card top-up in Japan with amaze on Apple Pay!

16 Jul 2024

4 mins read

Written by Team Instarem

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Hey there, fellow adventure-seeker! Travelling to Japan is always a blast, especially with its easy-to-use public transport. But hold onto your hats because there’s a twist in the tale—last year, JR East had to hit pause on selling those handy Suica/PASMO cards due to a global chip shortage.

The comeback kid: Suica cards return!

Guess what? The good news is, they’re back in business since December 11, 2023. If you’re on the lookout for a physical Suica card, swing by any JR EAST Travel Service Center in Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, and other hotspots. And here’s an extra perk—there’s a special Welcome Suica waiting for you at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station.

The issue is that Japan is buzzing with visitors again, hitting pre-COVID levels with over 2.52 million visitors in October alone. So be prepared for a bit of a wait, around 45 to 60 minutes, to grab your physical Suica card.

Going digital: The virtual Suica card

If waiting isn’t your thing and you’re an Apple aficionado, we’ve got you a handy hack—the virtual Suica card. It’s a nifty digital version that resides in your Apple Wallet, allowing you to pay easily and securely with your iPhone or Apple Watch—no physical card required.

Easy-Peasy: Getting your virtual Suica

Open your Apple Wallet and tap the “+” sign.
Tap on Travel Card.
Look for Japan and select “Suica”.
Follow through by tapping “Continue”.
Choose your desired amount—1000, 3000, or 5000 yen.
Agree to the terms.
When asked for a credit card, use your amaze card.
Double-click the side button, and voilà—you’re set to explore Japan with your virtual Suica.

Perks of going virtual

Why go virtual, you ask? Check your balance anytime, skip the top-up lines, set it up for super easy use, and use it almost everywhere in the big cities. Just a heads up, you can’t cash out any leftover balance on your virtual Suica, but no worries—top up little by little, and you’re good to go. Worst case, you’ll have extra cash for snacks or souvenirs!

Troubleshooting tips: Suica woes

Oh no, trouble topping up your Suica card? First things first, double-check your phone’s connection. If that’s not the issue, try a different credit card; there might be a glitch with the one you’re using.

Backup plan: Going old school

But hey, don’t stress—if all else fails, there’s a super easy backup plan. You can buy a physical ticket for your ride. Look up at the big boards over the ticket machines to find your destination and its cost. Then, choose the amount that matches your stop, slide in some yen, and you’re ready to roll! It’s a classic move that never goes out of style. Happy travels!

Quick Suica tip: Boost your experience with amaze for easy topping up!

Here’s a straightforward tip for your Suica adventures: always use amaze for topping up! Need help adding amaze to your Apple Wallet? We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide—check it out for some handy assistance. By choosing amaze, you not only enjoy the convenience of Suica top-ups but also unlock sweet savings as you travel. It’s a win-win for a hassle-free experience and extra benefits on your journey.

Imagine fantastic FX rates and cool rewards on all your overseas spending. Don’t miss out—amaze your way to savings on every journey!

Spend JPY 3,000 with East Japan Railway Company by topping up your Suica via Apple Pay and get JPY 200 cash back

Activate the offer before purchase by visiting mtr.mastercardservices.com or www.priceless.com/travelrewards, registering with your amaze card, and activating the offer.

Then, add your amaze card to Apple Pay and use it to top up your Suica.

Redeem the offer here.

Valid till 30 September 2024.

This offer is only valid for top-ups made with Apple Pay. Mobile Suica, other payment services, and station ticket vending machines are not eligible. Each cardholder can redeem this offer up to five times during the promotion period. The offer is valid only for purchases made in JPY. If Mastercard does not recognize your transaction as eligible, you will not receive a statement credit.