International Money Transfers in Japan: Best Services (2025 Guide)

Key Takeaways

Japan's foreign resident population hit a record 3.41 million at end-2023, driving high demand for affordable remittances.

Wise's mid-market rates can yield up to ¥20,000–¥30,000 more to your recipient per ¥500,000 transfer (about $180 extra) compared to a major bank.

Rakuten Bank offers one of the lowest bank transfer fees (flat ¥750 per overseas remittance), versus ¥3,000–¥8,000 at traditional banks.

By law, you must submit your MyNumber (ID) when sending or receiving money abroad. Banks will require this, so have it ready to avoid delays.

Online services are faster: Wise can deliver funds in 1–2 days, while bank wire transfers often take 3–6 business days (with multiple intermediary bank slowing it down).

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Why International Money Transfers Matter in 2025

Global Workforce & Family Support: Japan has more foreign workers and students than ever, and most are sending money home regularly. In fact, supporting family is the #1 reason for remittances – about 95% of foreign residents cite "sending money to my family back home" as their primary purpose. With the yen's value fluctuating (recent JPY weakness means you need to send more yen for the same $100 or ₱5,000), every bit saved on transfer fees counts.

Legal Changes & Fintech Growth: The Japanese government has modernized money transfer laws, allowing new licensed operators to handle larger transfers. Since 2021, non-bank remittance providers can send up to ¥1 million (or more under new license categories) per transfer, which opened the door to global fintech services. As a result, digital providers like Wise have exploded in popularity – Wise now serves 16 million users worldwide – bringing cheaper, faster options to Japan. This is a huge contrast to a decade ago, when banks were almost the only option.

Crackdown on "Underground" Transfers: Authorities are also clamping down on informal remittance channels. Unlicensed "hawala" networks or asking a friend to carry cash are risky and illegal in Japan. If you use underground methods, you not only risk losing your money with no legal protection, but you also cannot claim tax deductions for supporting relatives abroad (Japan allows tax credit for dependents abroad only if you send money through official channels). In 2025, there's more awareness of these risks, and the government and banks actively encourage using licensed services for safety.

In short, international money transfers matter more than ever in 2025 due to a record foreign population in Japan, new fintech solutions that slash costs, and stronger enforcement of doing things the right way. Next, we'll break down your options and how to choose the best service for your needs.

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Banks vs. Money Transfer Services: Choosing the Right Option

Traditional Banks – Safe but Costly

Japan's big banks (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, etc.) have long offered international wire transfers from your bank account. The upside is trust and familiarity – you can walk into your bank or use online banking to send money. However, the fees are steep and the process can be slow. For example, MUFG Bank charges about ¥7,500 per overseas transfer at the counter (¥3,000 via online banking). Mizuho Bank's online app charges ¥5,000 per transfer (and ¥8,500 if done in branch). In addition to these fees, banks add a markup on the exchange rate (their "TTS" rate) which effectively hides extra costs. A bank might use a USD rate that's 0.5–1 yen worse than the real market rate, meaning you lose additional money on conversion. The benefit of banks is they can handle large amounts (Mizuho has no ceiling if done in person) and you know the transaction is secure. But if you're not sending very large sums, the cost difference is significant.

Specialized Money Transfer Services – Cheaper & Faster

In recent years, specialized international money transfer companies have become popular. These include both global fintech services and Japan-based remittance firms licensed as "資金移動業者" (Funds Transfer Business Operators). They generally charge much lower fees than banks and often use the real mid-market exchange rate. For example, Rakuten Bank, an online bank, offers overseas remittances for a flat ¥750 fee – dramatically lower than other banks. Many foreign residents choose Rakuten for its low cost, though note the limits (you can only send up to ¥1 million per transfer and per day with Rakuten).

Digital providers like Wise (formerly TransferWise) charge no percentage markup on exchange; instead they take a small transparent fee. In one comparison, sending ¥500,000 to the US via Wise yielded about $4,586 to the recipient, while the same through SMBC's wire (¥6,000 fee + poorer rate) gave only $4,405. That's a difference of $180 on a single transfer – money that stays in your family's pocket rather than going to bank charges. Wise's fees on a ¥500k send were around ¥3,200 in that case, roughly 0.6%, and you get near-perfect exchange rates. Other companies like PayPal, Western Union, SBI Remit (GoRemit), PayForex, and Smiles also provide alternatives to bank wires. We'll compare the top services in the next section.

Consider Your Priorities

The best option depends on your needs:

• If cost savings are critical and your recipient has a bank account, a service like Wise or Rakuten Bank will usually be cheapest.
• If your recipient needs cash pickup (e.g. family in a rural area without bank access), services like Western Union (available via Seven Bank ATMs in Japan) let you send money for pickup in minutes.
• If you value using your existing Japanese bank account and need to send a very large amount in one go, a traditional bank transfer might be necessary (since most non-bank services cap around ¥1 million per transfer due to regulations). In that case, choosing a bank like MUFG or SMBC and using online banking will save some fees compared to doing it at the counter.
• For convenience and speed, fintech apps are generally superior – you can complete a transfer on your phone 24/7 and often get updates on when the money arrives.

In summary, banks offer reliability for large sums but at a high price, while specialized services offer big savings and speed for everyday remittances. Most foreign residents in Japan are now mixing and matching these options, using banks only when necessary and fintech for routine transfers.

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Costs and Exchange Rates: How to Save Money

One of the most important things to understand is how much an international money transfer really costs, beyond the obvious fees. There are two main costs:

Transfer Fees: This is the upfront fee the provider charges for sending money. It can be a flat fee (e.g. "¥3,000 per transfer") or a percentage. Banks usually have a flat fee that varies by channel (as we saw: ¥750–¥8,500 depending on bank and method). Some digital services also have flat fees (GoRemit is ¥2,000 flat; PayPal is ¥499 flat for personal international transfers). Wise uses a percentage-based fee that scales with the amount (roughly 0.4–0.6% for major currency corridors). Western Union's fee starts as low as ¥200 for small amounts, but can rise for larger amounts. Always check the fee schedule or use the provider's fee calculator for your specific amount. Small fees can make a big difference if you send money frequently.

Exchange Rate Markup: This is the hidden part. Many banks and providers don't give you the pure market exchange rate; they pad it with a margin. For example, if the real rate is ¥108.3 = $1, a bank might use ¥109.0 = $1 and pocket the difference. That difference of ¥0.7 per dollar is a 0.6% markup – on ¥500,000 it's around ¥3,000 extra you lose on the conversion. Wise and some other fintechs pride themselves on using the mid-market exchange rate (no markup). Rakuten Bank updates its rate twice a day and it's relatively competitive, but still includes a small margin. PayPal definitely uses a hefty exchange margin (several percent) in addition to its fees. GoRemit (Shinsei) uses the bank's TTS rate on the day of transfer, which includes a markup (in a 2020 test, Shinsei Bank's rate was about ¥0.66 worse per $1 than the real rate, similar to other banks).

How to save: The simplest way to save money is to choose a provider with low fees and a good exchange rate. Always compare both factors. Wise's website even shows a comparison of how much in destination currency you'll get versus other services – use these tools to your advantage. If using a bank, consider that doing it online is cheaper than in person (for example, MUFG online ¥3,000 vs branch ¥7,500; SMBC online ¥3,500 vs presumably higher in branch). And sending via Japan Post Bank (Yūcho) online ("ゆうちょダイレクト") costs ¥3,000 instead of ¥7,500 at the counter – so you can save 60% by doing it digitally with JP Bank.

Also, be mindful of intermediary bank and receiving bank fees. When you send through the SWIFT network, often intermediary banks take a cut (this can be $10–$30 deducted from the amount). Some Japanese banks offer options to pre-pay those fees (e.g. SMBC might charge ~¥3,500 extra to cover intermediary bank fees). If you don't, your recipient might get less on the other end. Services like Wise avoid SWIFT intermediaries by having local accounts in each country, thus no correspondent bank fee. Western Union also typically delivers the exact amount with fees paid upfront (especially for cash payout). To avoid surprises, check if your chosen method involves intermediary banks. If your recipient's bank also charges an incoming wire fee, consider sending a slightly higher amount or using a method like Wise or WU where the concept of an incoming fee may not apply the same way (since funds are often delivered locally).

Finally, timing can matter if exchange rates are volatile. Most services lock in the rate when you execute the transfer. Some (like JP Bank) update rates only once or twice a day. If the JPY is moving, you might get a better rate by checking at different times. In 2025, the yen has seen large swings, so paying attention to rates can pay off – but don't stress too much; focusing on minimizing fees usually yields more savings than trying to time the forex market.

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Top Money Transfer Services in Japan (2025 Comparison)

With many options available, here's a breakdown of the best services for sending money from Japan, and what each is best for:

1. Wise (ワイズ) – Best all-around for low cost. Wise is known for using the real exchange rate with a modest fee. You can send money abroad via their app or website from your Japanese bank account or card. Wise supports a wide range of currencies and 200 countries. Typical fee example: ~0.6% (¥3,000 on a ¥500,000 send). Speed is usually 1–2 business days to arrive in the destination (often within seconds or minutes to some popular corridors). No hidden fees – what you see is what you get. Using Wise is great for bank-to-bank transfers and has become extremely popular among expats because it often gives the highest yen-to-foreign-currency payout. Limit: Up to ¥1 million per transfer (as a licensed provider in Japan). If you need to send more, you'd have to break it into multiple transfers.

2. GoRemit (SBI Shinsei Bank) – Great for bilingual support. GoRemit is an international wire service run by SBI Shinsei Bank. You don't need an account at Shinsei Bank; you register for GoRemit and then can wire funds by furikomi (domestic transfer) to GoRemit's account, and they send it onward abroad. Fee is ¥2,000 flat per transfer. They support transfers to 170+ countries in 12 currencies (basically most major currencies). The exchange rate used is Shinsei Bank's TTS rate on the processing day. While that rate has a small markup, the total cost is still usually lower than other banks' because the ¥2,000 fee is reasonable. This service has full English support and is trusted by many long-term expats (GoRemit's lineage goes back to the old Lloyds TSB remittance service). Limit: ¥1,000,000 per transfer (standard under Japanese regulations for non-Japanese-bank transfers). One downside is speed – it typically takes 2–4 days to reach the recipient's account.

3. Rakuten Bank Overseas Remittance – Cheapest bank option. Rakuten Bank is an online bank that many foreigners use for its ease of account opening and low fees. It charges a super-low ¥750 fee for international transfers, which is unbeatable among banks. It also has an easy-to-use online interface (in Japanese; some English guidance available). Exchange rates are set twice daily and are fairly competitive. Limits: ¥1,000,000 per transfer, ¥1,000,000 per day, and ¥5,000,000 yearly (since it's using a money transfer license for remittances). Rakuten is ideal if you already bank with them or want a Japanese bank option that doesn't gouge you on fees. Do note it's online-only; there's no branch to visit if you need in-person help.

4. Seven Bank / Western Union – Best for cash pickup. Seven Bank (the banking arm of 7-Eleven) has a partnership with Western Union to allow money transfers through its ATMs and app. This is a popular choice for foreign workers sending money to family who may not have bank accounts. You can initiate a remittance at any 7‑Eleven ATM or via the Seven Bank app, and the recipient can pick up cash at a Western Union location in their country (or sometimes receive into a mobile money wallet or bank account, depending on country). Fees start from ¥200 for small amounts. For example, sending ¥10,000 might incur a ¥200–¥300 fee; sending larger amounts will have higher fees on a sliding scale. Western Union's exchange rates do include a markup, so compare the total. The big advantage is speed – the money is often available to the recipient within minutes after you send. Limit: Initially ¥100,000 per transfer for first-timers; once you complete verification (provide ID etc.), your limit increases up to ¥1,000,000 per transfer. Western Union/Seven Bank is great for countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Nepal, etc., where a lot of recipients prefer to pick up cash at an agent or where banking infrastructure is less accessible in rural areas.

5. PayPal – For person-to-person or small transfers. PayPal isn't traditionally a remittance service, but many people use it to send money to friends and family abroad. If both sender and receiver have PayPal accounts, you can transfer money instantly. PayPal's fee for an overseas personal payment from Japan is ¥499 plus a currency conversion fee (around 3% on the exchange rate). This ends up being expensive for large amounts (3% of ¥300,000 is ¥9,000!). However, for small amounts or splitting bills with someone internationally, PayPal is convenient. It's also commonly used to send money to Japan (e.g. freelance payments) because of its ubiquity. Limit: ¥1,000,000 per transaction for PayPal accounts. PayPal is best when speed and convenience matter more than cost, and typically for a few hundred dollars equivalent at a time, not large remittances.

6. Other Services (Japan-specific): A few other notable mentions: Smiles Mobile Remittance – a service by Digital Wallet Corporation, popular among Filipino and Vietnamese communities for its user-friendly app and point rewards (fees are competitive, e.g. ~¥770 fee to send ¥30k to the Philippines, with decent FX rate). Kyodai Remittance – a long-running service catering especially to South American communities (staff speak Spanish/Portuguese; fees around ¥1,500 and flexible delivery options like cash pickup in some countries). JTB MoneyT – offered by JTB and Sumitomo Corp, allows remittances at convenience store kiosks (targeted at Southeast Asian users). And of course, Japan Post Bank (Yūcho) itself: Yūcho's international transfer is reliable and now can be done online, but as noted, costs ¥3,000 online or ¥7,500 at the counter, plus ¥2,500–¥3,000 intermediary bank fee in many cases.

To help summarize the key differences, here's a quick comparison table of major options:

Service	Upfront Fee	Exchange Rate Markup	Typical Speed	Send Limit (per transfer)	Best For
Wise	~0.5–1% of amount (e.g. ¥3k/¥500k)	None (mid-market rate)	0–2 days	¥1,000,000 (licensed limit)	Lowest cost, bank deposits
GoRemit (Shinsei)	¥2,000 flat	Yes (bank TTS rate)	~2–4 days	¥1,000,000	English support, expats
Rakuten Bank	¥750 flat	Yes (small margin)	1–5 days	¥1,000,000 (daily)	Low-fee online bank users
Seven Bank / W. Union	From ¥200 (scaled)	Yes (WU sets rate)	Minutes – 1 day	¥100k→¥1M (after ID)	Cash pickup, urgent needs
PayPal	¥499 + ~3%	Yes (approx 3%)	Instant (to PayPal)	¥1,000,000	Small peer payments
JP Bank (Yūcho)	¥3,000 online / ¥7,500 counter	Yes (uses TTS rate)	2–6+ days	¥5,000,000 (monthly)	Traditional bank customers

Note: The "limit" for banks like Yūcho or SMBC can be higher if done in person or with special arrangements; the listed limits are common online or per transaction caps. Always check your provider's current limit and documentation requirements for large transfers.

As you can see, you have plenty of choices. In 2025, a majority of foreign residents in Japan are opting for fintech services for routine remittances due to the cost savings. In a recent survey, about 27% said they primarily use a licensed money transfer operator (vs. banks), and another significant chunk were using informal methods (which is discouraged). The trend is clearly toward digital, legitimate services as awareness grows. In the next section, we'll cover how to manage risks and ensure your money gets home securely.

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Risk Management & Best Practices

International transfers involve large sums and personal data, so it's important to avoid common pitfalls. Here are the top three risks or mistakes people encounter – and how to mitigate them:

Risk 1: Sending through Unlicensed Channels – It might be tempting to hand off cash to a friend traveling home or use an unregistered agent offering a "good rate." However, these underground remittances are illegal and dangerous. You have zero protection if the money disappears, and you could even face legal penalties.
Mitigation: Always use licensed services or banks. Japan's Payment Services Act requires providers to be registered; stick with well-known remittance companies. Not only is it safer, but you'll also get an official receipt – helpful if you want to claim tax deductions for supporting family.

Risk 2: Hidden Fees and Exchange Surprises – A big mistake is focusing only on the stated fee and ignoring the exchange rate. Some services lure you with "0 fee!" but give a poor rate, so you lose money unknowingly. For example, a bank may charge only ¥2,000 fee but use a rate that gives you $20 less than a fintech would.
Mitigation: Compare effective payout. Before you send, use comparison tools or manually calculate how much your recipient will receive after all fees and conversion. Many providers publish examples; Wise even showed that a ¥500k transfer netted $4,586 via Wise vs $4,405 via a bank. By checking the total outcome, you ensure you're choosing the best deal. Also, consider using a service like Wise or PayForex for a small test transfer (e.g. ¥10,000) to see speed and rates before entrusting a huge amount.

Risk 3: Incorrect Recipient Details – A simple but common mistake is entering the wrong account number, SWIFT code, or recipient name. If details don't match, your transfer could be delayed for weeks or bounced back minus fees. In worst cases, money sent to a wrong account might be hard to recover.
Mitigation: Double-check all info. When using an online form, verify the recipient's name spelling (must match their bank's records), the account number, and especially the SWIFT/BIC code or routing number. If you're unsure of the SWIFT code, look it up on the bank's official site or confirm with the recipient. Many Japanese services have you register beneficiary details – take your time with this step. It helps to send a small "test" amount first if you plan to regularly send to a new recipient, just to ensure everything is correct.

Other best practices include: keep your transfer references and receipts (in case something needs investigation, you have proof), and be mindful of tax implications. Japan generally does not tax personal remittances going out, but if you're sending a very large amount (especially above ¥1 million), be prepared to explain the source if asked – large transfers might trigger compliance checks under anti-money laundering rules. And remember to provide your MyNumber to your bank or service when required; failing to do so can stop your transfers. As of 2016, all financial institutions in Japan need your Individual Number for overseas remittances to report them properly. This is routine, so cooperate with any verification requests to avoid your transfer being flagged.

Let's summarize the key risks in a quick reference table:

Risk	Impact	How to Avoid
Using unlicensed "underground" remittances	Money may be lost with no recourse; legal trouble	Stick to licensed banks and services; never hand cash to uncertified agents
Not accounting for exchange rate markup	Recipient gets much less money than expected	Compare total recipient amount across services; favor mid-market rate providers
Errors in beneficiary details	Delays or return of funds (with fees deducted)	Double-check names, account/IBAN, and SWIFT codes; do a small test transfer if unsure

By following these best practices, you can greatly reduce the chance of any unpleasant surprises. Next, we'll walk through the exact steps to send money from Japan to ensure you don't miss anything.

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Step-by-Step Workflow: Send Money from Japan

No matter which service you choose, the process of sending an international remittance from Japan typically follows these steps:

1. Prepare Your Documents and Info – Gather the details you'll need. This includes your MyNumber card/notification (or number itself) for ID, your residence card (if using a new service that requires identity verification), and the recipient's information. Recipient info usually means their full name (as on their bank account), bank name and branch, account number (or IBAN for countries that use IBAN), and the bank's SWIFT/BIC code or routing number. If you're sending via a cash pick-up service, you'll need the recipient's full name as on their ID and their country/city details. It saves time to have this all written down in advance.

2. Choose a Service & Create an Account – Decide which platform you're using (refer back to our Best Services section for guidance). If it's a bank, you might do it through online banking or at a branch. If it's a new remittance app/service (Wise, PayPal, GoRemit, etc.), you'll need to sign up. Registration typically involves entering your personal info and verifying your identity. For example, with Wise or GoRemit, you'll register online and upload scans of your ID (residence card/passport) and MyNumber document. This verification can take a day or two the first time, so plan ahead. Pro tip: Many services have an app – downloading the app can streamline sending and let you track status easily.

3. Input the Transfer Details – Once your account is set up, initiate a new transfer. Select the destination country and currency, then enter how much you want to send (either in yen or the foreign currency). The system may show you an estimate of fees and the exchange rate – review this carefully. Next, input the recipient's details from Step 1. Be extremely careful here; a single digit off in the account number can misroute the money. If the service allows you to save beneficiaries, save it so you don't have to re-enter in the future. Double-check spelling of names (Western name order if applicable) and numbers. Mistakes here are the top cause of delays.

4. Pay for the Transfer – After confirming the transfer info, you need to fund it. Different services have different payment methods:

   • If you're using your Japanese bank's online service, it will debit your account automatically for the remittance amount and fees. Just ensure you have sufficient balance on the chosen debit date (some banks send the money 1–2 days after you set it up).
   • If you're using an app like Wise, you have options: you can do a local bank transfer (furikomi) to Wise's account, use a debit card, or sometimes a credit card. Using a Japanese debit/credit card might incur an extra fee, so bank transfer is often cheapest. The app will show you the instructions (e.g. transfer ¥X to Wise's SMBC account with reference code 1234).
   • For Western Union via Seven Bank, you would insert cash at the ATM or have it debited from your Seven Bank account.
   • For PayPal, you'll fund the payment by linking your Japan bank or card to your PayPal account and then send (PayPal will pull the funds in yen and convert).

   Complete the funding step as instructed. If doing a furikomi from your bank to the service, note that cutoff times matter – if you send after the cut-off (usually 3 PM on weekdays for most banks), it will process the next business day.

5. Confirm and Send – After payment is arranged, you'll typically hit a "Send" or "Confirm" button. The service will then process the transaction. You should receive a confirmation number or receipt. Save this confirmation (screenshot or email) until the transfer is completed. If your service provides tracking, use it. For example, Wise will update you ("Conversion complete, sending to recipient bank") etc., and GoRemit shows status on their online portal. Western Union gives an MTCN number that your recipient will use for pickup – you'll need to communicate that number to your recipient securely.

6. Notify the Recipient – It's a good practice to let your family or recipient know you've sent the money, how much to expect, and by what method. If it's a bank deposit, they can watch their account. If it's cash pick-up, tell them the location options and the transfer code (e.g. WU's MTCN). Many services will also send a notification to the recipient if you provide their email or mobile, which is handy.

7. Money Received – Verify Completion – Finally, follow up to ensure the money was received. If it's a bank transfer, you or the recipient should verify the deposit in the destination account. If a few days pass beyond the expected date and money isn't there, contact the service support – delays can happen due to intermediary banks or compliance checks. For cash pick-up, confirm your recipient successfully collected the funds. Keep your receipts; if something goes wrong, you'll need the reference to inquire. Thankfully, most transactions go through without issue.

8. Record-Keeping (Optional but Recommended) – Keep a log of your transfers, especially if you do many. Note the date, remittance amount in yen and foreign currency, fees, and reference numbers. This can help at tax time (if claiming dependent deductions) or simply to track how much you've sent over the year. Some services provide annual summaries. Also, it's wise to periodically re-shop and compare rates – what was best last year might not be best this year if fees changed or new players arrived.

By following this workflow, you ensure you haven't missed any key step. The first time might take a bit of setup (especially registration and beneficiary info), but subsequent transfers can often be done in a few taps or clicks since everything is saved.

Diagram: Traditional bank transfers often involve multiple intermediary banks, each adding fees and causing delays. Fintech services simplify this chain by sending money directly to the destination, reducing fees and transfer time.

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FAQs

Q1: What is the cheapest way to send money from Japan?
For most people, using a specialist service like Wise tends to be the cheapest overall because it offers mid-market exchange rates and low fees. Rakuten Bank is the cheapest traditional bank (¥750 fee), and Western Union via Seven Bank can be cheap for smaller amounts (a few hundred yen fee). Always compare the total cost – sometimes a ¥0 fee service might have a poor rate, so look at what your recipient actually gets.

Q2: How long do international transfers take from Japan?
It depends on the method. Bank wires typically take 3–5 business days on average (some arrive within 1–2 days, others up to a week). Services like Wise can often complete in 1–2 days, and Western Union cash transfers are often instant or within minutes. If speed is critical, avoid using standard bank transfers over a weekend or holiday, as those will delay until banks reopen.

Q3: Is there a limit to how much money I can send overseas from Japan?
Yes. If you're using a licensed money transfer service (non-bank), the legal limit per transaction is usually ¥1,000,000 (about USD $7,000) for personal remittances. Banks often allow more – for example, Mizuho has no set maximum if you do it at the branch. However, large amounts (generally ¥1 million and up) will require you to provide your MyNumber and possibly additional verification. Also note, transfers ≥ ¥1 million are reported to tax authorities, and splitting into smaller transfers won't avoid this, so it's best to just comply and provide necessary documents if asked.

Q4: Do I have to provide my MyNumber for every transfer?
You typically provide your MyNumber (個人番号) to the bank or service once, and they keep it on file. All major banks (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, etc.) and services like Wise will ask you for it when you set up overseas remittances. This is required by law since 2016 to help prevent tax evasion and money laundering. If you haven't registered your MyNumber with your bank yet, you might be prompted before making a transfer (for example, Japan Post Bank Direct will require you to submit MyNumber documents before allowing an online remittance). It's a one-time process in most cases.

Q5: What details do I need from the recipient to send money?
For a bank transfer: you'll need the recipient's full name (as per their bank account), their bank's name and branch, the account number or IBAN, and the bank's SWIFT code (also called BIC). For some countries, you might also need a routing number or sort code. If sending via a cash pick-up service: you usually need the recipient's full name as on their ID, and sometimes their address and phone number. Always double-check these details with your recipient – one small error can result in a failed transfer.

Q6: Can I use my Japanese credit card to send money overseas?
Generally, Japanese credit cards cannot be used directly for money transfers (banks won't let you fund a remittance with a credit card). Services like Wise in Japan do not accept credit cards for funding (they did in some countries but have restrictions in Japan). PayPal is the one platform where you could technically use a credit card to send money, but it will incur cash advance fees or higher handling charges. It's usually more cost-effective to use a bank debit or direct transfer. There are also cash advance services, but those come with hefty interest. In short: plan to use money you have in your bank rather than a credit line for remittances.

Q7: Are there any tax on remittances or things to be aware of for taxes?
Sending money overseas from Japan for personal support is not taxed by Japan (it's your after-tax income you're sending). However, if you're sending extremely large amounts, Japanese authorities might inquire to ensure it's not undeclared income. More importantly, if you are a Japan tax resident and you financially support relatives abroad, you can claim them as dependents on your Japanese tax return if you send support funds through official channels and can show proof (receipts). So keep those records. In the receiving country, whether it's taxed depends on laws and regulations (most countries don't tax personal remittances from family, but it's worth checking if you're sending very large sums as it could be seen as a gift or income in some jurisdictions).

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Related Articles

[How to Open a Bank Account in Japan as a Foreigner] — Step-by-step guide to get your own bank account, including required documents and the most foreigner-friendly banks (like Japan Post Bank, Shinsei Bank, and more). Helpful before you start sending money.

[Best Credit Cards in Japan for Foreigners: 2025 Complete Guide] — A comprehensive look at credit card options for expats in Japan. Covers application tips, top cards for rewards or low fees, and how to build credit as a newcomer.

[Credit Score in Japan: Does It Exist and How Does It Work?] — Demystifies Japan's credit system (hint: no universal FICO score here). Learn about the credit bureaus, how your payment history is tracked, and ways to build credit as a resident.

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Conclusion

Transferring money internationally from Japan has become much easier and cheaper in recent years. By leveraging the right services and following the steps in this guide, you can save a significant amount in fees and ensure your hard-earned money reaches your loved ones quickly. The main takeaway is that you have options – you're no longer stuck with one expensive bank solution. With a bit of setup, you'll be sending money with confidence, lower costs, and faster delivery. Your family back home will thank you, and your wallet will too!

Written by Dimash Nurzhau, a real estate marketing specialist based in Tokyo. Dimash creates content that helps international residents navigate Japan’s housing market with clarity and confidence.