Quick Answer: The cheapest methods for sending money from Japan to Vietnam are typically PayForex and Wise, both offering total costs under ¥1,000 for a ¥100,000 transfer. PayForex is particularly popular among Vietnamese residents in Japan due to its Vietnamese-language support and competitive VND rates. Bank wire transfers through Japanese mega banks cost significantly more (¥4,000-6,000+).
PR Disclosure: This article references specific remittance services for informational purposes. Zairyu Navi may receive compensation through our comparison pages.
Japan → Vietnam: Method Comparison
| Method | Total Cost (¥100K) | Speed | Delivery | Vietnamese Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayForex | ~¥800 | 1-2 days | Bank account | Yes (app & support) |
| Wise | ~¥750 | 1-2 days | Bank account | No (EN/JP only) |
| Western Union | ~¥2,500 | Minutes | Cash pickup / bank | Limited |
| Bank wire (MUFG/SMBC) | ~¥5,000-6,000 | 2-5 days | Bank account | No |
PayForex: Popular Among Vietnamese Residents
PayForex has built a strong user base among Vietnamese residents in Japan. Key advantages for the Vietnam corridor:
- Vietnamese-language app and customer support
- Competitive VND exchange rates with low or zero transfer fees
- Direct transfers to major Vietnamese banks (Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank, Agribank)
- Convenience store payment option (pay at FamilyMart, Lawson, etc.)
Wise: Transparent Pricing
Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with a clear fee (~0.75% for JPY→VND). While it doesn't offer Vietnamese language support, the total cost is often comparable to PayForex. Transfers go directly to Vietnamese bank accounts.
Cash Pickup Options in Vietnam
If your recipient doesn't have a bank account, Western Union offers cash pickup at thousands of agent locations across Vietnam. This is typically the most expensive option but provides the fastest delivery (sometimes within minutes).
Community Tips from Vietnamese Residents
💡 Tips shared by the community:
- Compare rates on the day you send — PayForex and Wise alternate on which offers the better VND rate
- Sending larger amounts less frequently can reduce per-transaction costs
- Confirm your recipient's bank account number format (Vietnamese bank accounts are typically 10-14 digits)
- Set up rate alerts on Wise to catch favorable exchange rate moments
Q: Which Vietnamese banks receive transfers fastest?
Vietcombank and Techcombank generally process incoming international transfers quickly, often within the same business day once funds arrive. BIDV and Agribank may take slightly longer. Processing times also depend on the sending service.
Q: Is there a limit on how much I can send to Vietnam?
Each service has its own per-transaction and monthly limits. Wise allows up to ¥1,000,000 per transfer. PayForex has similar limits. Note that cumulative international transfers over ¥1 million per year require My Number reporting to Japanese tax authorities.
Disclaimer: Costs are approximate and based on rates at the time of writing. Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Please use each service's calculator for current pricing. This article references specific financial services for informational purposes.
