💸 International Money Transfer Guide for Foreign Residents in Japan
How to send money abroad from Japan, comparing banks, money transfer services, and tips for getting the best exchange rates.
Quick Answer
Foreign residents in Japan can send money internationally through banks (2,000-7,000 yen per transfer), online services like Wise (typically lower fees and better rates), or money transfer operators. Compare fees and exchange rates before choosing a method.
International Money Transfer Options
Quick Answer
Main options include bank wire transfers (¥4,000-8,000/transfer), online services like Wise (around 1% fee), and physical remittance shops. Online services typically offer better rates.
🏦 Bank Wire Transfer
- • Available at most Japanese banks
- • Fees: ¥4,000-8,000 per transfer
- • Reliable but expensive + poor exchange rates
💻 Online Services
- • Wise, PayForex, Remitly
- • Lower fees (1-2%) + better rates
- • Set up entirely online
🏪 Remittance Shops
- • Western Union, SBI Remit
- • Cash-to-cash transfers
- • Found in areas with immigrant communities
📱 PayPal
- • Convenient online
- • Higher conversion fees (3-4%)
- • Best for payments, not remittance
Fee Comparison Guide
Quick Answer
For a ¥100,000 transfer to Vietnam: bank costs ~¥5,500 + poor rate, Wise costs ~¥1,000 + mid-market rate, PayForex costs ~¥2,000. Always compare total cost including exchange rate.
| Service | Fee for ¥100,000 | Exchange Rate | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Bank | ¥5,000-8,000 | Unfavorable markup | 3-5 business days |
| Wise | ~¥1,000 | Mid-market rate | 1-2 business days |
| PayForex | ~¥2,000 | Competitive | 1-3 business days |
| Western Union | Varies | Varies by country | Minutes to hours |
⚠️ Watch the Total Cost
Look at the total cost, not just the stated fee. The exchange rate markup is often more significant than the transfer fee. Some services advertise "zero fees" but use unfavorable rates.
Read more on this topic
Compare Remittance Services
Compare Remittance Services →Required Documents & My Number
在留カード
Required for transfers over ¥100,000/year
For funding your transfers
⚠️ Amount Thresholds
- • Over ¥100,000/year cumulative: My Number required
- • Over ¥1,000,000 single transfer: additional documentation (proof of income)
- • Over ¥2,000,000/year: may trigger reporting requirements
Read more on this topic
Tax Implications
💡 Good News: Sending Money Is Not Taxable
Sending your salary or savings abroad from Japan is not taxable in itself. No additional tax applies to remitting your own earned income.
⚠️ Exceptions to Be Aware Of
- • Money received as a gift or inheritance may have tax implications
- • Japan has tax treaties with many countries to prevent double taxation
- • Consult a tax professional if you are unsure about your specific situation
Compare Bank Accounts
Compare Bank Accounts →Tips for Getting the Best Rates
✅ Compare on the Day
Exchange rates fluctuate constantly — check before sending
✅ Batch Transfers
Send larger amounts less often to minimize per-transaction fees
✅ Set Rate Alerts
Use Wise or XE to notify you when rates are favorable
✅ Total Cost Focus
Consider fee + exchange rate, not just the headline fee
❌ Avoid Airport & Hotel Counters
These typically have the worst exchange rates and highest fees. Use online services for significantly better value.
Steps
- 1
Compare services and rates
Check fees and exchange rates on Wise, PayForex, and your bank for your destination country.
- 2
Prepare documents
Have your Residence Card, My Number, and bank account information ready.
- 3
Register and verify
Create an account with your chosen service. Complete identity verification (upload Residence Card photos).
- 4
Set up recipient
Enter the recipient's bank details, name, and address. Double-check all information.
- 5
Send and track
Confirm the transfer amount and fee. Track the status through the app or website.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to send money from Japan?
Is there a limit on how much I can send?
Do I need to report international transfers?
How long does a transfer take?
Compare Remittance Services
Compare Remittance Services →Detailed International Remittance Guides
Dive deeper into specific topics with our detailed guides.
Cryptocurrency & Digital Transfers from Japan: Legal Status
Japan's crypto regulation, FSA-licensed exchanges, tax implications, and using cryptocurrency for remittance. Covers legal requirements and reporting obligations.
My Number & International Transfers: What You Need to Know
Legal requirements for My Number and international money transfers from Japan. Covers reporting thresholds, tax authority reporting, and consequences of non-compliance.
PayForex vs Wise vs Western Union: Honest Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of PayForex, Wise, and Western Union for sending money from Japan. Real cost examples for Vietnam, Nepal, and China corridors.
Receiving Money in Japan from Abroad
How to receive international money transfers in Japan. Covers SWIFT bank wire, Wise borderless account, PayPal, and tips for avoiding double fees.
Sending Money to Nepal, Philippines & Indonesia: Country Guide
Country-specific remittance guide from Japan to Nepal, Philippines, and Indonesia. Covers best services by corridor, processing times, fees, and local receiving options.
Sending Money to Vietnam from Japan: Cheapest Methods
Complete guide to sending money from Japan to Vietnam. Covers PayForex, Wise, bank transfers, and cash pickup options. Includes real cost comparison and community tips.
Wise Japan: Complete Setup & Usage Guide
Step-by-step guide to using Wise (formerly TransferWise) from Japan. Registration, identity verification with My Number, fee structure, and cost examples for major corridors.
Related Procedures
International Remittance — Prefectures
Find international remittance information specific to your area: