Sending money to family back home, paying off a loan, or moving savings out of Japan can feel daunting at first — the forms look intimidating, the fees are hard to see, and you are never quite sure which option is cheapest. The good news: international remittance from Japan is very doable, and you have far more choices than the counter at your local bank. This guide walks through the main routes so you can pick what fits your needs, then compare the real numbers yourself before you send.
Your main options
- Bank wire transfer (海外送金) — sending through your Japanese bank, often via the international SWIFT network. It is familiar and well established, but it tends to be slower (often a few business days) and is usually one of the pricier routes once the sending fee, any intermediary-bank fees, and the bank's exchange-rate margin are added up.
- App-based specialist services — providers built for international transfers, such as Wise and Revolut. They are largely app- or web-based, often settle faster, and are frequently cheaper because their pricing is more transparent. Many show the mid-market exchange rate and a clear upfront fee. You typically fund the transfer from a Japanese bank account or card.
- Japan-based remittance providers — companies registered in Japan for cross-border transfers, such as SBI Remit, which are popular with foreign residents. They often support cash pickup or wallet payout in the recipient's country and have multilingual sign-up. You generally register with your residence card and send via their app.
- Cash pickup and wallet services — some providers let your recipient collect cash at an agent or receive money into a mobile wallet rather than a bank account. Handy if the person at the other end does not have a bank account, though the route and payout method affect the total cost.
How to send your first transfer
- 1Work out what matters most for this transfer — lowest cost, fastest arrival, or a specific payout method (bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet) in the destination country.
- 2Shortlist two or three options that reach your country and pay out the way your recipient needs.
- 3Gather your ID. To use any regulated service you will generally need identity verification (本人確認) — usually your residence card (在留カード), and sometimes a passport. For an overseas transfer you are also required by law to provide your My Number (個人番号): under Japan's tax and anti-money-laundering rules, remittance providers must collect it for international transfers, so this is not optional and is not just one provider's policy. A Japanese bank account is often needed to fund the transfer. Other requirements vary by provider, so check the provider's own page first.
- 4Compare the current rate and fees on each provider for the exact amount you are sending — look at the total your recipient will actually receive, not just the headline fee, since the exchange-rate margin is part of the cost.
- 5Register, verify your identity, enter the recipient's details, and send. Double-check the recipient's name and account number carefully — corrections after sending can be slow or impossible.
The single most important thing to know: fees and exchange rates change constantly and differ a lot between providers, so always compare the current rate and total cost on each service for your specific amount before you send — there is no one provider that is cheapest for everyone. And remember that larger transfers can trigger identity and source-of-funds checks under Japan's anti-money-laundering rules, which may ask where the money came from and delay the transfer until you provide documents.
Tips for a smooth transfer
- Compare on the actual amount, not a round number — fees and rates can scale, so the cheapest option for 50,000 yen may not be cheapest for 500,000 yen.
- Look at the amount received, not just the fee. A 'zero-fee' transfer can still cost more if the exchange rate is marked up.
- Check the payout method matters to your recipient — bank deposit, cash pickup, or mobile wallet are not all available everywhere.
- Keep your residence card and your My Number on file and up to date with the provider — your My Number is legally required for overseas transfers, and expired or mismatched information is a common cause of delays.
- For a large or unusual transfer, expect extra checks and have proof of where the funds came from ready (such as a payslip or sale record). This is normal compliance, not suspicion of you.
- Watch cut-off times and weekends — a transfer started late on Friday may not move until the next business day.
- Do I need a Japanese bank account to send money abroad?
- Often, yes — many services fund the transfer from a Japanese bank account, and some also let you pay by card. Japan-based remittance providers typically let you register with your residence card and may accept cash or bank funding. Requirements differ by provider, so check the one you choose.
- Which provider is cheapest?
- There is no single cheapest provider for everyone — it depends on the destination, the amount, how fast you need it, and the payout method. The only reliable way is to compare the current rate and fees on each service for your exact transfer and look at the total amount your recipient receives.
- Why is my large transfer being held or questioned?
- Under Japan's anti-money-laundering rules, services must verify identity and may ask about the source of funds, especially for larger amounts. Being asked for documents like a payslip or proof of a sale is routine. Providing them promptly usually clears the transfer.
