Managing money in Japan can be confusing at first, but this guide will help you navigate banking, ATMs, transfers, and more with ease.
1. Opening a Bank Account
Documents You Need:
- Passport
- Residence Card (在留カード, zairyu kaado)
- Personal Seal (印鑑, inkan/hanko) (Some banks accept signatures, but a seal is safer.)
Steps to Open an Account:
- Visit a bank (open 9 AM–3 PM, some until 5 PM).
- Request to open an account:
- Say: “Ginkou kouza wo hirakitai no desu ga.” (銀行口座を開きたいのですが。)
- Fill out forms (name, address, job details).
- Make a small deposit (usually ¥1,000–¥3,000).
- Set a 4-digit PIN and receive a bank book (通帳, tsuucho).
- Wait 5–10 days for your ATM card to arrive by mail.
⚠️ No permanent address yet? Some banks let you use a temporary address.
2. Best Banks for Foreigners
| Bank | Features | English Support? |
|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi UFJ | Visa debit card | No |
| Mizuho Bank | JCB debit card | Phone support |
| Resona Bank | Visa debit, English app | No |
| Shinsei Bank | Prepaid Visa, full English support | Yes |
| Japan Post Bank | Basic ATM card | No |
| SMBC | Visa debit | Limited |
| Suruga Bank | Visa debit | No |
Best for English speakers: Shinsei Bank or Resona Bank (app in English).
3. How to Use a Japanese ATM
Most ATMs (especially in convenience stores) have English menus.
Common ATM Options:
- 引き出し (Hikidashi) → Withdraw money
- お預入れ (Oazukeire) → Deposit cash (notes only)
- 残高照会 (Zandaka shoukai) → Check balance
- 振込 (Furikomi) → Bank transfer (complicated; ask for help)
Steps to Withdraw Money:
- Insert card → Select “Withdraw”
- Choose “Accept fees” (if any)
- Enter 4-digit PIN
- Type amount → Confirm
- Take cash & receipt
💡 Tip: Use 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) ATMs—they’re foreigner-friendly!
4. Getting a Credit Card
Foreigners often face rejections due to short-term visas or lack of credit history.
How to Apply:
- Documents needed:
- Proof of income (payslips)
- Residence card & passport
- Proof of address
- Best options:
- Rakuten Card (easy online approval)
- EPOS Card (Mitsubishi UFJ)
- Apply in person during promotions (higher approval chance).
🚫 Rejected? Wait 3 months before reapplying.
5. Sending Money Overseas
| Method | Speed | Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | 3–7 days | High | Large transfers |
| Wise (TransferWise) | 1–2 days | Low | Best rates |
| GoRemit (Shinsei Bank) | 2–3 days | Medium | Reliable |
| Western Union (7-Eleven) | Instant | High | Urgent needs |
💸 Best choice? Wise for low fees & good exchange rates.
6. Currency Exchange
| Where? | Exchange Rate | Convenience |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Fair | Very easy |
| Banks | Good | Slow process |
| Exchange Shops (Travelex) | Best | Fast & English help |
| Hotels | Worst | Avoid if possible |
💵 Best option: Exchange shops near train stations (e.g., Shinjuku, Shibuya).
7. Useful Banking Vocabulary
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| ATM | 現金自動預け払い機 | Genkin jidou azukeharai-ki |
| Withdraw | 引き出し | Hikidashi |
| Deposit | 預け入れ | Azukeire |
| Bank book | 通帳 | Tsuucho |
| Transfer | 振込 | Furikomi |
| Credit card | クレジットカード | Kurejitto kaado |
Final Tips:
✔️ Always carry cash—some places don’t accept cards.
✔️ Use ATMs at convenience stores (open 24/7).
✔️ Check fees before international transfers.
With this guide, banking in Japan will be much easier! 🏦💰
Would you like help with anything else? 😊