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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 transfers
Quickly compare what your transfer to Japan could cost with our comparison table by entering the amount you want to send and clicking Calculate.
Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
What's the best way to send money to Japan?
Online money transfer providers typically offer the strongest exchange rates and lowest fees on money transfers to Japan. Some offer cash pickup in as little as a few minutes, while others seamlessly transfer to bank accounts. Sending money through PayPal or your bank is also an option, but you'll typically face higher fees and weaker exchange rates when going that route.
Digital money transfer services
Companies like XE specialize in foreign currencies, making them some of the most cost-effective transfers. Most offer transfers directly to your recipient's Japanese bank account, often in as little as a day or two.
Cash transfers
Services like MoneyGram and Western Union allow you to transfer cash for pickup at a local branch in Japan — often in 15 minutes. While it's a fast way to send money, you'll pay for the convenience in weak exchange rates and high fees.
Banks
Japanese yen are a popular currency, so your local bank may be able to exchange them. If your bank supports Japanse yen, beware of high fees and wide margins on the exchange rate compared to digital and other options when sending a wire transfer to Japan.
Let's crunch the numbers: Sending $1,000 to Japan
Let's say you need to send $1,000 to family in Japan. Here's what you might face as far as fees and exchange rates as of June 9, 2020.
| Digital money transfer service | Cash transfer | Bank transfer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | $9.80 | $60 | $9 + additional correspondent bank fees |
| Exchange rate | 1 AUD = 76.84 JPY | 1 AUD = 72.06 JPY | 1 AUD = 74.37 JPY |
| Transfer speed | 1-2 day | Same day | 2-5 days |
| Amount received | JPY 76,090 | JPY 72,068 | JPY 73,705 |
| Verdict |
|
|
|
The digital money transfer option ends up being the best value, while a cash transfer is faster.
How to send money to Japan online
Sign up and send money with a digital money transfer specialist in four steps:
- Sign up for a free account. Pick a provider and sign up for a free online account using your contact information, proof of ID and preferred payment method.
- Provide transfer details. Submit your recipient's contact information and pick a delivery method. If transferring to a bank, you'll need their Japanese bank account information.
- Confirm transfer details. Double-check your payment method, expected fees and destination.
- Save your receipt. Record your receipt's confirmation number to track the progress of your transfer to Japan. Some money transfer providers send a text or email when your transfer is complete.
What are the ways that I can send money to Japan
- Bank transfers. Many major Australian banks will allow you to send money to Japan.
- Money transfer providers. Providers like XE and Wise can help you quickly and easily transfer your money online.
- Providers with cash pickup. Western Union and MoneyGram allow you to send funds for cash pickup at agent locations.
- PayPal. Electronic payment giant PayPal allows you to send money from Australia to Japan.
- Checks and money orders. Although not a quick option, you could send an international check overseas if necessary.
Learn more about using Japanese yen in Japan
How to get the most out of your money transfer to Japan
Weigh costs and fees against convenience to learn how to compare money transfer providers that send to Japan to best meet your needs:
- Exchange rates. The AUD-JPY relationship fluctuates often, so using a service that allows you to lock-in exchange prices may help you save money down the line if the Japanese yen rises against Australia dollar.
- Transfer fees. Transferring money overseas nearly always requires fees, but they might be hidden in the exchange rate. When sending large amounts, it may be cheaper to pay a flat fee to secure a stronger AUD-JPY exchange rate.
- Transfer limits. How much you can send varies by company, and different amounts can attract higher or lower fees. Shop around for the best deal on the amount of Japanese yen you're sending to Japan.
- Turnaround. Transferring money through a local bank can take a business week or longer. If you need the funds delivered quickly, seek out a digital specialist that offers instant transfers to Japan.
- Sending limits. Comparing prices for one large transfer instead of many small transfers is typically easier, so picking the service you use based on how much you're sending is a valid strategy for saving money.
- Transfer methods. Whether you want money sent to a Japanese bank account or picked up as cash at a local agent, narrow down a company that matches your preferred delivery method.
Emergency cash transfer to Japan
When urgency trumps cost to get your money to Japan quickly, look for money transfer companies that support cash pickup in minutes. You can pay with a credit or debit card for fast pickup, but fees are higher than other methods.
How to send money to Japan without a bank account
Cash transfer services can help you if you don't have a bank account, look for a local company that supports storefronts for cash payments. These services include agent locations in other countries that allow your recipient to pick up cash without a bank account.
Japan's exchange rates explained
The exchange rate determines how much one country's currency is worth in another country's currency. When a country's currency is strong, it yields more money when exchanging it in a country with a weaker currency. Japan's exchange rate is flexible compared to the Australian dollar, but the AUD-JPY relationship typically doesn't make sharp, drastic movements. Factors that influence the exchange rate include interest rates, economic stability and inflation.
Track how the Japanese yen trades against the Australian dollar in our historical rate chart.
Today's exchange rate AUD to JPY
Documents needed for sending to and receiving money in Japan
To send money to Japan from Australia, you'll need government-issued ID and other documents, while documents needed to pick up money in Japan may differ by company.
Documents to send money from Australia
To send money from Australia to Japan, you'll need documentation and details that include:
- Identification. Most services require a driver's license, passport or other government-issued ID.
- Payment method. Your service may accept credit or debit cards, cash, bank accounts or personal checks.
- Recipient information. Submit your recipient's name as it appears on their ID, along with their phone number and Japanese bank account information.
Documents to receive money in Japan
To pick up money in person, documentation can include:
- Transfer number. The person sending you money can forward the transfer's confirmation details — called a PIN, an MTCN, a reference number or a tracking number, depending on the company.
- Government-issued ID. A Japanese Passport, Japanese ID or similar official ID may be required to pick up your transfer.
- Amount sent. You may need to know how much was sent, usually within 10% of the total.
- Sender's information. Take along your sender's full name, the sending country and their address, if known.
What to watch out for
Sending money to Japan may be subject to taxes on the money transfer, but it depends on a lot of variables.
Bottom line
Sending your hard-earned money to Japan shouldn't cost a fortune. Compare money transfer companies that specialize in foreign transactions for the strongest rates, lowest fees and flexible delivery. For transfers to other countries, rely on our country specific guides the next time you need to make a transfer.
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