💸 How to Send Money from Japan to Your Home Country
Sending money home is a regular need for many foreign residents in Japan. Traditional bank transfers are expensive (¥4,000~¥8,000 per transfer). Here are better options.
Wise (Recommended)
Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers the best exchange rates with fees around 1%. Transfers arrive in 1-2 business days. Available in Vietnamese, Chinese, and English. Sign up online with your Residence Card.
PayForex
PayForex supports many Asian countries including Vietnam, Nepal, and Indonesia. Fees are around 2%. Multilingual support available. Popular among Vietnamese and Nepali communities in Japan.
Western Union
Western Union has the widest reach (200+ countries) and offers cash pickup options. Fees vary but can be higher. Useful when recipients do not have a bank account.
Bank Transfer vs Online Services
Japanese bank international transfers cost ¥4,000~¥8,000 plus unfavorable exchange rates. Online services like Wise save you 70-80% on fees. Always compare the total cost (fee + exchange rate) before sending.
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FAQ
What is the cheapest way to send money from Japan?
Wise typically offers the lowest total cost (fees + exchange rate). For Vietnam and Nepal, PayForex is also competitive.
How long does a transfer take?
Wise: 1-2 business days. PayForex: 1-3 business days. Western Union: minutes to days depending on the method.
What documents do I need?
Residence Card and My Number are typically required. Some services also need proof of income for larger transfers.
Is there a limit on how much I can send?
Most services have limits (e.g., Wise: ¥1,000,000 per transfer). For larger amounts, you may need to provide additional documentation.
Related Procedures
※ The information on this site is for reference only. Please confirm procedure details at your local municipal office.