F I N A N C E
How to Send Money from Japan Internationally (2026)
Compare Wise, bank transfers, SBI Remit, and Revolut. Real fees, exchange rates, speed, and step-by-step setup for sending money home from Japan.
Quick Answer
- Tourists rarely need to send money from Japan. This guide is for residents.
- If you need cash in Japan, use 7-Eleven ATMs — they accept most international cards.
- Need to send a small amount? Wise (wise.com) works from your home country bank account without a Japanese setup.
- Use Wise for most transfers. Fees: 0.4–1.5% of the amount. Mid-market exchange rate (no hidden markup). Arrives in 1–2 business days. Set up online with passport + address proof.
- Never use your bank for international transfers unless forced. Banks charge ¥3,000–¥7,500 per transfer + 1–2% exchange rate markup + intermediary bank fees. You lose ¥10,000+ on a ¥500,000 transfer.
- Sending to Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia? Check SBI Remit — cash pickup available, competitive rates for Asian corridors.
- Transfers over ¥1,000,000 require extra documentation (anti-money-laundering rules). Plan ahead.
What This Article Covers
✅ What you’ll be able to do:
- Send money home from Japan at the lowest possible cost
- Compare services side-by-side (Wise, banks, SBI Remit, Revolut)
- Handle large transfers (¥1M+) without compliance issues
⏱️ Setup time: 10–15 min (Wise) / 30 min (bank wire, in person)
💰 Cost comparison on ¥100,000 transfer:
- Wise: ~¥600–¥1,500 total cost
- Bank: ~¥5,000–¥10,000 total cost (fees + rate markup)
- PayPal: ~¥4,000–¥5,000 total cost
⚠️ Watch out for:
- “Zero fee” bank ads that hide costs in the exchange rate
- PayPal’s 3–4% exchange rate markup
- ¥1M+ transfers triggering extra documentation
The Hidden Cost Most People Miss
Banks advertise “low fees” or even “zero commission.” But the real cost is in the exchange rate markup.
Here’s how it works: The mid-market rate (what you see on Google) for USD/JPY might be ¥150.00. Your bank offers ¥148.50. That ¥1.50 difference on every dollar is a 1% hidden fee. On a ¥500,000 transfer, that’s ¥5,000 you lose — on top of the ¥3,000–¥7,500 “official” transfer fee.
Wise uses the mid-market rate. No markup. The fee you see is the fee you pay. That’s why it’s almost always cheaper.
Service Comparison
Side-by-Side: Sending ¥100,000 to USD
| Service | Transfer fee | Exchange rate | Total cost | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | ~¥600 | Mid-market (real rate) | ~¥600 | 1–2 business days | Most people, most currencies |
| SBI Remit | ¥480–¥1,480 | Slightly above mid-market | ~¥1,000–¥2,000 | 1–3 business days | Philippines, Vietnam, cash pickup |
| Revolut | ¥0 (weekday, under limit) | Mid-market | ~¥0 (with limits) | Instant–1 day | Small amounts, weekday transfers |
| Bank wire (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho) | ¥3,000–¥7,500 | 1–2% above mid-market | ~¥5,000–¥10,000 | 2–5 business days | When required (mortgage, legal) |
| PayPal | ¥0–¥499 | 3–4% above mid-market | ~¥3,500–¥4,500 | 1–3 business days | When recipient only has PayPal |
| Western Union | ¥1,000–¥5,000 | 1–3% above mid-market | ~¥3,000–¥8,000 | Minutes–1 day | Cash pickup, no bank account needed |
Bottom line: Wise wins for most people. Revolut wins for small, frequent transfers. SBI Remit wins for Asian cash pickup.
Wise: The Best Option for Most People
Why Wise
- Uses the real mid-market exchange rate — the same rate you see on Google
- Transparent fee shown before you confirm (typically 0.4–1.5%)
- Sends to 140+ countries
- 1–2 business days for most corridors
- Multi-currency debit card available (useful for travel and online shopping)
How to Set Up Wise in Japan
- Go to wise.com and create an account
- Verify identity: Upload passport + proof of Japanese address (utility bill or residence card)
- Add your Japanese bank account as the funding source
- Make a transfer: Enter amount → Choose currency → Confirm → Pay via bank transfer from your Japanese account
- Done. Track delivery in the Wise app.
Verification takes 1–2 business days. Set up your account before you need it.
Wise Fees from Japan (Examples)
| Sending ¥100,000 to… | Fee | Recipient gets | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD (United States) | ~¥600 | ~$664 | 1–2 days |
| EUR (Europe) | ~¥700 | ~€610 | 1 day |
| GBP (UK) | ~¥600 | ~£520 | 1 day |
| PHP (Philippines) | ~¥800 | ~₱37,000 | 1 day |
| INR (India) | ~¥550 | ~₹56,000 | 1 day |
Rates as of February 2026. Check wise.com for live rates.
Bank Wire Transfers: Expensive but Sometimes Necessary
When You Might Need a Bank Transfer
- Mortgage payments to your home country
- Legal settlements or government fees
- Your recipient requires a SWIFT transfer specifically
- Transfers to countries Wise doesn’t support
How to Send a Bank Wire from Japan
At the branch counter (most common method):
- Visit your bank with your passbook (通帳), cash card, My Number notification, and passport
- Fill out the 海外送金依頼書 (overseas transfer request form)
- Provide: recipient’s bank name, SWIFT/BIC code, account number (or IBAN for EU), recipient’s full name and address
- State the purpose of transfer (送金目的): e.g., “family support” (家族への生活費), “savings” (自己資金の移動)
- Pay the fee (¥3,000–¥7,500 depending on bank)
- Wait 2–5 business days
What to say at the bank: You: 「海外送金をしたいのですが」 (Kaigai sōkin o shitai no desu ga — “I’d like to make an international transfer”)
Bank Fee Comparison
| Bank | Transfer fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MUFG (三菱UFJ) | ¥3,000–¥7,500 | Depends on method and destination |
| SMBC (三井住友) | ¥3,500–¥6,500 | Online slightly cheaper |
| Mizuho (みずほ) | ¥3,500–¥5,500 | Branch only for most foreigners |
| Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ) | ¥2,500–¥4,000 | Cheapest bank option, limited countries |
| Shinsei Bank (新生) | ¥2,000–¥4,000 | Online available, GoRemit service |
Remember: These fees don’t include the exchange rate markup (1–2%) or intermediary bank charges ($10–$25 deducted from recipient’s amount).
SBI Remit: Best for Asian Corridors
SBI Remit specializes in transfers to Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, and other Asian/South American countries. Key advantage: cash pickup at partner locations (recipient doesn’t need a bank account).
- Fee: ¥480–¥1,480 per transfer
- Speed: 10 minutes for cash pickup; 1–3 days for bank deposit
- Register at convenience store kiosks (Seven Bank ATM) or online
- Website: sbiremit.co.jp
Best for: Sending money to family in Southeast Asia who may not have bank accounts.
Revolut: Best for Small, Frequent Transfers
Revolut offers free currency exchange during weekday market hours (up to a monthly limit depending on your plan). Good for:
- Small, regular transfers
- Spending abroad with the Revolut card
- Holding multiple currencies
Limitations:
- Free exchange has monthly limits (Standard plan: ~¥150,000/month)
- Weekend transfers add a 0.5–1% markup
- Large transfers may require additional verification
- Japan features are still expanding
Transfers Over ¥1,000,000: Extra Rules
Japan’s anti-money-laundering laws require additional documentation for transfers over ¥1,000,000 (or equivalent).
What to expect:
- Bank or transfer service may ask for proof of source of funds (salary slips, tax returns)
- Purpose of transfer must be documented
- Processing may take 3–7 extra business days
- You may need to visit the bank branch in person
Tip: If sending a large amount, split it into transfers just under the threshold? Don’t. This is called “structuring” and is itself illegal. Send the full amount and provide the documentation.
Tax note: If you’re sending savings earned in Japan to your home country, this is generally not taxable in Japan. But your home country may tax incoming funds. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
When Things Go Wrong
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer stuck / delayed | Compliance check or intermediary bank delay | Contact your service's support. For banks, call the branch directly. Have your transfer receipt ready. |
| Recipient received less than expected | Intermediary bank deducted fees | Common with bank wires. Switch to Wise for future transfers — no intermediary deductions. |
| Wise account verification rejected | Document mismatch or low-quality photo | Re-upload clearer photos. Ensure name matches passport exactly. Contact Wise support. |
| Bank refuses transfer | Incomplete documentation or suspicious pattern | Provide clear purpose of transfer. Bring supporting documents. Ask what's needed. |
| Over ¥1M and getting extra questions | AML compliance | Normal. Provide source of funds documentation. Don't split the transfer. |
FAQ
Q: What’s the cheapest way to send money from Japan?
A: Wise for most currencies. Fee is 0.4–1.5% with the real exchange rate. For small amounts on weekdays, Revolut can be free. Banks are the most expensive option by far.
Q: Can I send money without a Japanese bank account?
A: Wise accepts debit card funding in addition to bank transfers. SBI Remit can be funded at convenience store ATMs. Bank wires require a Japanese bank account.
Q: How long does a transfer take?
A: Wise: 1–2 business days. Bank wire: 2–5 business days. Western Union / SBI Remit cash pickup: minutes to 1 day.
Q: Do I need to report international transfers for tax purposes?
A: Japan doesn’t tax outgoing transfers of your own money. But transfers over ¥1,000,000 are reported to authorities automatically. Keep receipts — your home country may have its own reporting requirements. Consult a tax advisor for large or regular transfers.
Q: What about crypto?
A: Some expats use Bitcoin or stablecoins (USDC, USDT) for speed. But: Japan taxes crypto gains at up to 55% (miscellaneous income). The tax complexity usually outweighs the speed benefit. Stick with Wise unless you’re already deep in crypto.
Related Guides
- Open a Bank Account — Required for most transfer services
- Pay Bills in Japan — Utility payments and other regular bills
- Payment Methods — How money works day-to-day in Japan
- File Your Taxes — Tax implications of sending money abroad
- Convenience Store ATMs — Withdraw cash from international cards