Money
What is the cheapest way to send money to Japan or change currency?
Compare how many yen the recipient will receive after all fees. The cheapest option depends on the amount, currencies, payment method and provider; a low transfer fee can be offset by a less favourable exchange rate. Get a current quote from your bank and the transfer services available to you.
For tuition, follow the school's payment instructions, including the required yen amount, reference and account name. If the instructions use katakana, copy the name exactly as supplied. Allow for any receiving-bank charges. Keep enough accessible money for your first days in Japan while you arrange a local account.
What may vary
Fees and exchange margins change with the provider and currency pair; the guide's comparison is not a recommendation to open any particular account. The customs declaration counts cash, cheques and securities together and applies on entry and exit. For emergency cash, Seven Bank (7-Eleven) and Japan Post Bank ATMs accept major overseas-issued cards; Japan Post Bank may charge ¥220 per withdrawal and caps each at ¥50,000. Once you pass six months or start working, ask a Japan Post Bank counter to switch your account to resident status; it is not automatic.
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Sources
- yuzu.help
- Japan Customs (Ministry of Finance)
- Japan Post Bank
- Japan Post Bank
- Japan Post Bank — published
- Japan Post Bank — published
- Seven Bank
- Japan Post Bank
- yuzu.help — published