How to Send Money From Japan: Best International Transfer Options in 2026

Whether you are supporting family back home, paying off student loans, or just moving savings between accounts, sending money internationally from Japan is something most foreign residents need to figure out sooner or later. And if you have ever tried doing it through a Japanese bank, you know the fees can be painful.

The good news is that in 2026, there are more affordable and convenient options than ever. Online transfer services have dramatically reduced costs, and the process has gotten much simpler. This guide compares the best ways to send money from Japan, so you can keep more of your hard-earned yen.

Best International Money Transfer Services From Japan

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is widely considered the gold standard for international transfers from Japan, and for good reason. It uses the real mid-market exchange rate (the one you see on Google) with no hidden markup. Fees are transparent and typically range from 0.4% to 0.8% of the transfer amount, plus a small fixed fee that varies by destination currency.

Pros:

• Real exchange rate with no markup
• Low, transparent fees clearly shown before you send
• Fast transfers (often same-day or next-day)
• Excellent English-language app and website
• Multi-currency account available (hold balances in different currencies)

Cons:

• Only sends to bank accounts (no cash pickup)
• Initial verification can take a few days
• Transfer limits may apply for new accounts

Best for: Regular transfers to bank accounts. The go-to choice for most expats.

2. Remitly

Remitly is another excellent option, especially popular among expats sending money to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Latin America. While it uses a slight exchange rate markup instead of charging a separate fee, the total cost is often competitive with Wise.

Pros:

• Cash pickup options available in many countries (great if recipients do not have bank accounts)
• Often offers promotional rates for first-time users
• Easy-to-use mobile app
• Supports many destination countries

Cons:

• Exchange rate includes a markup (not the mid-market rate)
• Rates vary significantly by destination country

Best for: Sending money to countries where cash pickup is needed.

3. SBI Remit

SBI Remit is a Japan-based service that offers very competitive rates for transfers to many Asian countries, particularly the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian nations. It partners with local banks and cash pickup networks throughout Asia.

Pros:

• Very competitive rates for Asia-bound transfers
• Cash pickup available through extensive partner networks
• Japanese-regulated service (added security)
• Can fund transfers from convenience store ATMs

Cons:

• Limited destination countries compared to Wise or Remitly
• Website and app primarily in Japanese (some English support)

Best for: Sending money to Southeast Asian countries, especially the Philippines and Vietnam.

4. PayPal

PayPal is widely known and accepted globally, but it is generally not the cheapest option for international transfers. It charges a currency conversion fee of around 3-4% above the mid-market rate, plus a transaction fee.

Pros:

• Widely recognized and trusted
• Easy to use if both sender and receiver already have accounts
• Good buyer/seller protections

Cons:

• High currency conversion fees (3-4% markup)
• Transaction fees on top of exchange rate markup
• Not ideal for large transfers

Best for: Small, occasional transfers when both parties already use PayPal.

5. Western Union

Western Union has a long history and an extensive network of physical locations worldwide. In Japan, you can send money from some convenience stores and banks. However, fees can be relatively high.

Pros:

• Massive global network for cash pickup
• Available at physical locations (no internet needed)
• Long-established, trusted brand

Cons:

• Fees start from around 400 yen for cash pickups and go up
• Exchange rate markup can be significant
• In-person process can be time-consuming

Best for: Sending cash to recipients in remote areas with limited banking access.

6. Japanese Bank Wire Transfer (Gaikoku Sokin)

Traditional bank transfers through Japanese banks like MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, or Japan Post Bank are reliable but expensive. A standard international wire transfer typically costs:

• Sending fee: 3,000-4,000 yen (flat fee)
• Lifting fee (intermediary bank charge): around 2,500 yen
• Exchange rate markup: 1-2 yen per dollar (or equivalent)
• Receiving bank may also charge a fee

For a typical 100,000 yen transfer, you could easily pay 7,000-10,000 yen in total fees and unfavorable exchange rates. That is 7-10% of your transfer amount.

Best for: Large transfers where you need an official bank record, or if required by the receiving institution.

Cost Comparison: Sending 100,000 Yen to the US

To give you a concrete idea of the differences, here is a rough comparison of costs for sending 100,000 yen (approximately $640 USD) to a US bank account:

Service	Total Fee (approx.)	Recipient Gets (approx.)
Wise	500-800 yen	$635-637
Remitly	0-500 yen	$630-636
PayPal	3,000-4,000 yen	$610-620
Japanese Bank	6,000-10,000 yen	$580-605

Note: These figures are approximate and vary based on exchange rates at the time of transfer. Always check current rates before sending.

What You Need to Send Money From Japan

Regardless of which service you choose, you will generally need:

• Residence Card (Zairyu Card) or passport for identity verification
• My Number (Individual Number) – Required by Japanese law for international transfers
• Japanese bank account to fund the transfer (some services also accept credit/debit cards). See our guide to opening a bank account if you have not done this yet.
• Recipient’s bank details: account number, bank name, SWIFT/BIC code, and routing number (if applicable)

About My Number Requirements

Since 2016, Japanese regulations require your My Number (Individual Number) for international money transfers. Most online services will ask you to upload a photo of your My Number card or notification letter during the verification process. This is a one-time requirement – once verified, future transfers are smooth.

Practical Tips for Sending Money From Japan

1. Compare rates at the time of transfer, not just once. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly. Services like Wise show you the exact amount the recipient will receive before you confirm. Check 2-3 services each time for the best deal.
2. Watch out for “fee-free” promotions. Some services advertise zero fees but make up for it with a poor exchange rate. Always look at the total amount the recipient will receive, not just the stated fee.
3. Set up rate alerts. Wise and other services let you set alerts for when the exchange rate hits a target you are happy with. This is especially useful if you are not in a rush to send money.
4. Send larger amounts less frequently. Since some services charge a flat fee component, sending one larger transfer monthly is usually cheaper than several small ones weekly.
5. Keep records for tax purposes. International transfers over 1 million yen may trigger reporting requirements. Keep receipts and records of all transfers, as the tax office (zeimusho) may ask about them. If you are unsure about tax implications, consult a tax professional.

FAQ

Is there a limit on how much money I can send from Japan?

There is no legal limit on the amount you can transfer, but transfers exceeding 1 million yen must be reported to the Bank of Japan. Additionally, individual transfer services may have their own limits (Wise, for example, has per-transfer and annual limits that increase as you verify your identity further).

How long does an international transfer take?

Online services like Wise and Remitly typically deliver within 1-3 business days, with many transfers arriving same-day. Traditional bank wire transfers usually take 3-5 business days. Cash pickup services like Western Union can be available within minutes.

Do I need to pay taxes on money I send overseas?

Sending your own earned income abroad is not a taxable event in itself. However, if you are sending money as a gift, the recipient may be subject to gift tax rules in their country. Large transfers may also attract attention from tax authorities on both ends, so keep documentation of the source of funds.

Can I send money from Japan if I am on a tourist visa?

Most online transfer services require Japanese residency (a residence card and My Number) for compliance reasons. If you are a tourist, your options are limited to services like Western Union that accept passport-only identification at physical locations, though there may be lower limits on the amount you can send.

What is the cheapest way to send money from Japan?

For bank-to-bank transfers, Wise consistently offers the lowest total cost due to its real exchange rate and low fees. For cash pickup transfers, SBI Remit and Remitly are typically the most affordable, depending on the destination country. Always compare the total received amount (not just the fee) across services for your specific transfer.

Need Help Managing Life in Japan?

Figuring out money transfers is just one part of settling into life in Japan. If you want to connect with other foreigners who have navigated the same challenges – from finding an apartment to understanding health insurance and cost of living – come meet people at our international exchange events. It is a great way to get real, firsthand advice from people who have been in your shoes.

Also check out our guides on finding a job in Japan and learning Japanese to make the most of your time here.