Sending money from Japan to your home country — or receiving salary from abroad — is routine for foreign residents. This guide compares the major transfer services available in Japan by fee, exchange rate margin, speed, and ease of use, with step-by-step instructions for the most popular options.
Which service is right for you?
Find your situation below — each links to the official site so you can verify the current fee before sending.
Disclosure: The links above go directly to each service’s official website. JapanWiseLife earns no commission from these links. See our affiliate disclosure for details on how this site is funded.
Full Service Comparison Table
| Service | Transfer fee (JPY→USD example) | FX rate margin | Speed | App / English | Countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | ~¥300–¥800 fixed + 0.41% variable | Mid-market rate (best) | Minutes–1 day | Full English app | 80+ |
| SBI Remit | ¥0 (USD/AUD/THB/PHP) or ¥1,000 | Slightly above mid-market | Same day–2 days | Japanese-primary | 240+ |
| Western Union Japan | ¥1,200–¥4,000 | 1–3% above mid-market | Minutes (cash) – 2 days | English available | 200+ (cash pickup) |
| Japan Post | ¥2,500 flat | Fixed TTM rate | 3–5 days | Counter; some English | 100+ |
| SMBC / MUFG / Major banks | ¥2,500–¥5,000 | 1–3% above mid-market (TTS) | 2–5 days (SWIFT) | Japanese-primary | Worldwide |
Wise: Step-by-Step
- Create an account at wise.com — email, password, select Japan as your country.
- Verify your identity: upload your residence card (在留カード) or passport plus a selfie. Approval takes minutes to a few hours.
- Add your Japanese bank account as the funding source (bank name, branch code, account number, account holder name in katakana).
- Set up the transfer: enter amount in JPY, choose target currency and destination country.
- Enter recipient bank details: IBAN or account number, SWIFT/BIC code, recipient full name and address.
- Review the total: Wise shows the exact fee and exchange rate before you confirm.
- Send the JPY to Wise’s Japanese bank account (they show you the account details for the transfer).
- Track delivery in the app — most transfers complete in minutes to 24 hours.
SBI Remit: Step-by-Step
- Register at sbiremit.co.jp — residence card details, email, and Japanese mobile number required.
- Identity verification: submit residence card scan + face photo; takes 1–3 business days for first-time approval.
- Register your recipient: bank name, account number, SWIFT code, recipient name and address.
- Create a transfer: enter amount, choose destination. Zero-fee routes are clearly marked.
- Pay via bank transfer from your Japanese bank account to SBI Remit’s account.
- Check delivery status in your SBI Remit dashboard.
Documents Required
| Document | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residence card (在留カード) | Identity verification | Required for all services; must be valid |
| Japanese bank account details | Funding source | Bank name, branch code, account number, katakana name |
| Recipient bank details | Destination account | IBAN (Europe), account + routing (US), SWIFT/BIC code, full name + address |
| My Number (optional) | Large transfers / tax reporting | May be required for transfers over ¥1,000,000/year via some services |
See the Japan Bank Account Guide — Japan Post Bank and Seven Bank are the easiest to open for new residents.
FAQ
Is there a limit on how much I can send abroad from Japan?
No legal cap for personal remittances, but individual services have their own limits. Wise allows up to ~¥1,000,000 per transaction for verified accounts; higher with additional verification. Banks can process any amount but may require documentation for large transfers.
Do I need to pay tax on money I send home?
Sending money you already earned and paid income tax on in Japan is not itself taxable again. However, if you have overseas assets exceeding ¥50 million, you may need to file an overseas asset report. Consult a tax accountant (税理士) for your specific situation. (R2: general information, not tax advice.)
Can I use Wise without a Japanese bank account?
Wise requires a Japanese bank account or a Japanese credit/debit card to fund transfers. If you have neither, Western Union via 7-Eleven accepts cash payments for transfers to 200+ countries.
Why is the exchange rate at my bank worse than Wise?
Banks use their own “TTS” (telegraphic transfer selling) rate, which includes a margin of roughly 1–3% above the mid-market rate. Wise uses the mid-market rate and charges a transparent fee instead. For a ¥200,000 transfer, the difference can be ¥2,000–¥6,000.
How long does it take for the recipient to receive the money?
Wise: minutes to 24 hours for major currency routes. SBI Remit: same-day to 2 business days. SWIFT bank transfers: 2–5 business days. Western Union cash pickup: often within minutes of confirmation.
Sources & Official References
- Financial Services Agency of Japan (FSA) — regulates money transfer operators in Japan
- Wise Japan — current fees and exchange rates
- SBI Remit — current fee schedule
- Western Union Japan
- National Tax Agency — Individual Taxation