If you’re a foreigner living in Japan, knowing how to send money abroad from Japan is one of the most practical financial skills you’ll need. Whether you’re supporting family back home, paying overseas bills, or simply moving your savings, Japan offers several reliable options — but the fees, exchange rates, and processes vary significantly. Choosing the wrong service could cost you thousands of yen every single transfer.
Your Main Options for Sending Money Overseas
There are three realistic routes most expats use: Japanese bank wire transfers, Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行), and dedicated international money transfer services like Wise, Revolut, or SBI Remit. Each has its own strengths depending on how much you’re sending, where it’s going, and how fast you need it to arrive.
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is widely considered the best option for most expats. It uses the mid-market exchange rate with a small transparent fee — typically 0.5% to 1.5% of the transfer amount. Sending ¥100,000 to a US bank account, for example, usually costs around ¥800–¥1,500 in fees and arrives within one to two business days.
SBI Remit is a strong local alternative, especially popular for sending money to Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. It integrates directly with Seven Bank ATMs, making it accessible even without a Japanese bank account.
Japanese bank transfers through major banks like MUFG, SMBC, or Mizuho are reliable but expensive. Expect a flat fee of ¥2,500–¥4,000 per transfer, plus a poor exchange rate that often costs you an extra 1–3% compared to the mid-market rate. For large sums, this can add up to a serious loss.
Step-by-Step: How to Send Money with Wise from Japan
Wise is the most beginner-friendly option and a great starting point for first-time senders. Here’s exactly how it works:
Step 1: Create a free account at wise.com. You’ll need your residence card (在留カード), a Japanese phone number, and a form of ID such as your passport.
Step 2: Enter the amount you want to send and the destination country. Wise will show you the exact fee and the exchange rate before you confirm anything — no surprises.
Step 3: Add the recipient’s bank details. For US transfers, you’ll need their routing number and account number. For UK transfers, a sort code and account number.
Step 4: Pay from your Japanese bank account via bank transfer (振込). Wise provides a dedicated Japanese bank account number to send the yen to. Once received, they convert and send it within one to two business days.
A real-world example: sending ¥200,000 to a UK bank account via Wise in 2026 costs roughly ¥1,800 in fees and arrives the next business day. The same transfer through a Japanese bank could cost ¥6,000 or more in total when fees and exchange rate loss are combined.
Important Rules and Restrictions to Know
Japan has regulations around large international transfers. If you send more than ¥1,000,000 in a single transaction, your transfer service is legally required to verify the purpose of the transfer. Be prepared to provide documentation such as a pay slip, invoice, or written explanation.
Additionally, your residence card must be valid and registered at your local municipal office (市区町村). If your address isn’t up to date, some services will reject your registration or flag your transfer.
Always double-check recipient bank details before confirming. International transfers sent to incorrect accounts are extremely difficult to reverse and can take weeks to resolve — if they are recovered at all.
FAQ
Can I send money abroad from Japan without a Japanese bank account?
Yes. Services like SBI Remit and Seven Bank Remittance allow you to fund transfers directly from a convenience store ATM using cash or a debit card. This is especially useful for newer residents who haven’t set up a full bank account yet.
How much money can I send abroad from Japan per year?
There is no strict annual limit for personal transfers, but amounts over ¥1,000,000 per transaction require documentation. Some services also have their own monthly limits — Wise, for example, currently allows up to ¥1,000,000 per transfer for personal accounts.
Is it better to transfer money in yen or convert before sending?
Always send in yen and let the transfer service handle the conversion. Services like Wise use the real mid-market rate, which is almost always better than any rate your Japanese bank or foreign bank will offer for pre-converted currency.
Conclusion
Sending money abroad from Japan doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive — as long as you choose the right service. For most expats, Wise offers the best combination of low fees, fast delivery, and transparency. For transfers to Southeast Asia, SBI Remit is worth checking. Avoid defaulting to your Japanese bank for international transfers unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Ready to make your first transfer? Head to wise.com or sbiremit.co.jp to compare your options and set up your account today. A few minutes of setup now can save you tens of thousands of yen over your time in Japan.
