“Do my old Suica/PASMO cards still work? Do they expire?”

They expire after 10 years of no use. But if it’s been less than 10 years, your balance is probably still there!

Expiration Rules

“When exactly do they expire?”

Both Suica and PASMO:

• Expire after 10 years of inactivity (no taps at all)
• Your remaining balance may be lost after expiration
• The card itself becomes unusable

If your card is less than 10 years old:

• Your balance should still be there
• Just tap it at a ticket gate or convenience store to check

How to Check Your Balance

“How do I know if my card still works?”

At a ticket machine:

• Insert your card at any JR or metro station
• The balance will display on screen
• You can also top up here

At a convenience store:

• Ask the cashier to check your balance
• Or try to make a small purchase

On iPhone:

• Hold the card to the back of your phone
• Some apps can read IC card balances

Getting a Refund

“Can I get my money back?”

Yes, at JR stations (Suica) or metro stations (PASMO):

• Refund = remaining balance - ¥220 processing fee
• Plus ¥500 deposit back
• Bring the card to a service counter
• If balance is under ¥220, you just get the ¥500 deposit back

What Japanese People Actually Do

Most locals:

• Have switched to Mobile Suica (no expiration worries)
• Keep old cards as backup
• Know that 10 years is a long time - most cards don’t expire
• Use auto-charge linked to credit cards

Extra Travel Tips

1. Bring your old card - It probably still works

2. Consider switching to Mobile Suica - More convenient, no expiration

3. Don’t throw away old cards - They likely still have money on them

4. Physical cards are hard to buy now - Due to chip shortages, keep yours

5. Suica and PASMO are interchangeable - Use either one anywhere

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