Differences between PASMO and SUICA? (if any)

[dxr]

I am confused. I don't think the Suica card was offered the last time I went to Japan, or at the very least, I never knew about it ^_^ (just looked, I was in Japan last in 2006, and Suica was WELL underway. Ah well, learn something new...).

So, upon reading about what to do when you get to Narita (again, it has been a while), I saw a special on Suica cards that allow you a round trip on the Tokyo Express plus an extra 1500Y to start you off. Sounds like a good deal, until I saw the PASMO card.

I have not come across any similar deals with it, but it seems to be a more versatile card than the Suica. Or is it? I have been comparing the two, but I can't seem to see the advantage over the other. Then again, I have been literally 'hard-planning' my trip all day, and am probably need of some sleep at this point.

At the very least, I assume both of these cards are available for purchase once in NRT, correct? Can I buy them from the train ticketing counter? Or is there a kiosk?

Thanks for any tips in advance

[WingsToDiscovery]

As far as I know they're the exact same except that you can get some better travel package deals with Suica (for more of Japan instead of just the Tokyo area). I also find, based on my friends, that people who use the trains more use Suica and people who use the subways more use Pasmo, so there might be something to that.

[siokan]

There is basically no great difference.
The automatic debit from the credit card etc. have a slight difference.
Suica of the area that can be used provided that is wider.

[dxr]

Thanks for the help, guys. SUICA it is

[SHAD0W]

One has an awesome penguin on it. The other has a train.

[dxr]

Well if it wasn't unanimous before...!

[Firebird]

U cannot get a monthly pass on the private railways in Tokyo with the Suica (like Inokachira sen) but i think thats doesn´t matter for you so i´d recommend a Suica as its more common.