Resource: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/suica.html

What is Suica?

It's specifically Tokyo's (yes Tokyo.. not Japan) version of our ezlink card.



Only thing is that you do not get any discounts on transport, which I do not find it much of a problem.



It SOooooo convenient.

Just tap and go. Tap to go out.



It's easy to top up at the ticketing machines (there's english :) ) and you buy it via the ticketing machine! So no queueing.

What can I use it for?
Basically, in Tokyo itself, you can use it for..

1. Any JR local lines, Ltd Express lines and Express Lines
2. Tokyo Metro Subway lines
3. Toei Subway Lines
4. Tokyo Monorail
5. Private owned railway lines (Not all though)

A train map of all lines that you can use the Suica on is found in the Suica User Guide page 22

On top of that you can use it for JR lines in:

1. Chiba Prefecture
2. Sendai
3. Niigata
4. Toica areas, which means Nagoya and Shizuoka area
5. Icoca, which means Kyoto and Osaka area.
6. Area spanning Okayama and Hiroshima

For points 2 to 6, the Suica is not usable for trains spanning Tokyo to these areas and in between them.

Local public buses in Greater Tokyo also accepts the Suica

Oh and besides transport.. you can use it to purchase things in stores that accepts the Suica as payment method (includes Muji, convenience stores)
And there are some vending machines which you can use the Suica as well.

How to buy?
Just purchase it at any Ticketing machine with the Suica sign at any JR station in Tokyo.
OR... purchasing it as part of the Suica-N'ex package.

Refunding wise only green window offices in JR stations in Tokyo.

What is the Suica-N'ex Package?
For 3500yen, you get a one way ticket (use on day of purchase only) on the N'Ex train to Tokyo or Yokohama and a Suica with travelling value of 1500yen.

It's a great deal!
The typical N'Ex cost from Narita Airport to Shinjuku is 3110yen!

The Suica has a stored 500yen deposit which you can get back when you refund the card (do note about the tax thing.. read on)

I highly recommend this, you'll save alot of money!
to read more click here http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/index.html

What about refund of Suica?
Well.. you can technically fully refund your Suica... BUT!
You will be taxed 210yen. But you will get your deposit back in full.
Confused?

Examples...

1) Your Suica has 1000yen value left, and a 500yen deposit value.
In total you will receive 790yen plus the 500yen deposit value. A total of 1290yen.

2) Your Suica has 10yen value left, and a 500yen deposit value.
You will not receive the 10yen, but you will get back the 500yen deposit value. A Total of 500yen.

3) Your Suica has no value left, and a 500yen deposit value.
So you will get back the 500yen without being taxed.