The best* options for sending money from Australia to Japan
Whether you're a Japanese national living in Australia trying to support a family back home, or an Australian buying a property or car in Japan, there's never been a better time to need to transfer money to the land of the rising sun.
There are now many banks and money transfer services available to help you send money overseas to Japan without high exchange rates and high fees.
Compare international money transfer companies which allow transfers to Japan
You can use the table below to sort through different money transfer options to Japan. Use the table headings to sort through fees, minimum transfer amounts, transfer methods and more. If you'd like to find out more about a product, click the 'more' link, or if you'd like to register with the service click on 'Go to Site'.
The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products finder.com.au has access to track details from and is not representative of all the products available in the market. Products are displayed in no particular order or ranking. The use of terms "Best" and "Top" are not product ratings and are subject to our disclaimer. You should consider seeking independent financial advice and consider your personal financial circumstances when comparing products.
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Definition: Best* way to send money overseas
There is no single best way to send money overseas, and the best way for you may not be the best for someone else. This is because there are other factors to consider when sending an international money transfer in addition to the exchange rate, including the transfer fees, the payment method, the speed of delivery and the level of customer service. One person may prioritise the exchange rate, while someone else may prioritise the payment method. You should consider a range of products when deciding which provider is most suited to your personal money transfer needs.
Banks vs money transfer companies - Case study
The Japanese company that Haruto works for has asked him to oversee their operations in Sydney. He agrees to the new position, but with young children in school does not think that an overseas move is in their best interest. Instead he decides to investigate ways in which he can continue to support them financially by sending money home weekly.
Haruto starts by comparing a bank’s money transfer services with a money transfer service company to see which will give him the most value for his money:
| Bank | Money transfer service | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | The exchange rate offered by the bank is 90.3 Yen for every Australian dollar. | The exchange rate offered by the non-bank service is 91.46 Yen for every Australian dollar |
| Transfer fee | There is a $22 fee charged to the sender. Check with your Japanese bank to see if they charge additional money when accepting the transfer. | There is a $70 fee charged to the sender. The recipient should not be charged. |
| Amount received for $1,000 AUD | Haruto’s wife will receive 89,860 Yen when he sends $1,000 Australian dollars. | Haruto’s wife will receive 91461.43 Yen when he sends $1,000 Australian dollars. If he chooses to have it deposited directly into his bank account, it will be 92030.69 Yen. Check with the recipient bank to see if they charge a fee for the receipt of funds sent from Australia. |
| Transfer time | Typically three to five business days. | The money is received within minutes after it is sent if it is to be pick up. For bank transfers it will take one to two days before the funds get to the bank. |
| Transfer options | This is a bank to bank service only. | This company will allow for transfers to be picked up in person or sent to a bank account in Japan. |
Difference. There is a difference of 1601.43 Yen if Haruto’s wife were to pick up the money and 2170.69 Yen for a bank transfer. This is a significant difference even when subtracting the approximate 4400 Yen that Haruto is paying in fees.
Back to topHow to compare transfer companies when transferring money to Japan
As you can clearly see from Haruto’s case study, it pays to do your homework when considering transferring money from Australia to Japan. Especially in a situation such as his where he plans on making weekly money transfers. Look closely at the following when comparing money transfer service providers to avoid paying more than you have to:
- Exchange rate. This is where you have the most opportunity to lose money without even knowing it. Check these carefully from provider to provider to find the one that gives the best* rates.
- Fees. Calculate the fees as well and figure them into the difference. While on the surface of the case study it appears that the fees of the transfer service are exorbitant, they still don’t make up the difference in the amount of money lost in the exchange rate.
- Pickup methods. This depends on your personal situation and that of the person who you are sending the money to. The flexibility of having options within one company can make things easier, especially if the money is needed immediately.
- Transfer time. For regular payments, waiting a few days may not be a problem but when you need the money fast you may like the option of a quicker transfer.
- Transfer amount. If you have plans of sending large amounts of money at a time, you will want to check with the provider first. Most will have a limit on the amount you can send per transaction.
Definition: Best* exchange rate
There is no single best exchange rate, and the best exchange rate for you may not be the best for someone else. Exchange rates are also affected by wider economic factors. Previous performance isn't an indication of future performance. You should consider a range of products when deciding which provider is most suited to your personal money transfer needs.
Back to topHow to send money to Japan from Australia
Japanese nationals have many options available to them for sending money back home including:
- Banks. Almost all Australian banks which offer international money transfers will allow you to transfer funds to Japan. This includes Australia's big four banks and a large number of smaller banks. Some bank accounts, such as multi currency accounts, can be used to keep your funds in JPY and convert them to other currencies when you want to, and others, such as Citibank's Plus Transaction Account will allow you to send free money transfers from your internet banking.
- Money transfer services. Transfer services including the ones mentioned in the table above, and others including Western Union and MoneyGram allow you to make transfers to Japan. Some of these services allow you to schedule regular transfers, forward contracts and limit orders.
Emergency cash transfers in Japan
Australian visitors to Japan can also take advantage of money transfer services if they suddenly find themselves without any cash:
- Money transfer companies. Even non-residents of Japan are permitted to pick up money if a family member or friend sends them emergency funds from Australia. So long as you have the transfer number and passport you should be able to easily retrieve this money.
- Travel insurance. When travelling overseas, it is essential that you purchase a travel insurance policy. This can help you with quick access to money if you are the victim of a crime or lose your wallet while visiting Japan.
Western Union and MoneyGram cash pickup locations in Japan
There are a number of locations in the major cities in Japan where you can pick up money from a transfer service company:
MoneyGram - Tokyo
Kyodai Remittance-Shinjuku 2
1 F Root Bldg
1-11-19 Hiyakunin-Cho
Tokyo, 169-0073
32-801-029
Open Monday through Friday 10:30 am to 6:30 pm Saturday and Sunday 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Digital Tokyo
7F Union Roppongi
2-3-9 Roppongi
Tokyo, 106-0032
0345-308-323
Open Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Sunday closed.
Fukui
SBI Jyutaku Loan Kanazawa
4-1-22 Izuminode-Machi
Kanazawa, 921-8116
762-451-001
Open Monday through Saturday 9 am to 6 pm Closed on Wednesday and Sunday.
Kyodai Remittance - Nagoya
1 F Marukoshi Bldg
4-6-5 Sakae
Nagoya, 460-0008
0522-520-551
Open Thursday through Tuesday 10 am to 6 pm Closed on Wednesday.
Western Union-Tokyo
Western Union - Tokyo
Tokyo-eki-mae Shop
1F The 2nd Daikoku Bldg, 1-6-19 Yaesu
Chuo-ku, Tokyo
0034-800-400-733
Open Monday through Friday 10 am to 7:30 pm Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm
Suitengu Shop
1F Oshima Bldg
1-15-4 Nihombashiningyo-cho
Chuo-ku, Tokyo
0034-800-400-733
Open Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 6:30 pm Saturday 10 am to 3:30 pm
TIS Kyoto Shop
C/O Tis Kyoto, JR Kyoto Station
Higashi-shio koju cho, Shiokoju-kudaru
Karasuma-dori, Shimokyo-ku
Kyoto-city, Kyoto
0034-800-400-733
Open Monday through Sunday 10:30 am to 6:30 pm
Ticket Shop Tokai Kyotoekimae-Ten
1F ON Bldg, 544-2 Higashishiokojicho
Shinmogyo-ku
Kyoto-city, Kyoto
075-344-0330
Open Monday through Sunday 11 am to 8 pm
Tips for picking up cash in Japan
Japan is a safe vacation destination for Australian travellers. You should, however, exercise caution when picking up your cash. If possible go during the day and use a taxi or hotel-supplied form of transportation to get to the pickup location.
Back to topHow to send money to Japan
Sending money from Australia to Japan will be relatively easy once you learn the steps. If you have set up a bank account for these transactions you can typically do the transfer online. For money transfer service providers be prepared with the following information:
- Recipient name. With cash transfers it is important that the name you send the money to matches perfectly with the recipient’s identification. Double check that the agent made no errors before leaving the location.
- Amount sent. The agent at the pickup location is going to ask a number of questions to make sure that the money is being given to the individual it was intended for. Make sure that you let your family member know the exact amount.
- Tracking number. Transfers are tracked using a distinct set of numbers. For security purposes the recipient will need to give these numbers at the pickup agency.
- Your name. The recipient should also know your name and contact information.
You will be given documentation once the transaction is complete. Provide your recipient with the correct information and keep those papers in case there is a problem with picking up the money.
Finding a reliable company to send your money from Australia to Japan can provide you with peace of mind that your family is always being taken care of. Explore the options available, both banks and transfer companies, to find the one that meets your needs for the best price.
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