How to Transfer Money from My Home Country to a Japanese Bank Account or from Japan Back Home?

International Money TransferCross-Border PaymentsBanking ServicesForeign ExchangeFinancial GuideRelocating to Japan
Created At: 8/11/2025Updated At: 8/17/2025
Answer (1)

Hello! Judging by your question, you're either planning to go to Japan or already living there and need to handle money transfers between the two countries. Don't worry, it's not complicated. Let me walk you through it step by step to make everything crystal clear.

Part 1: Sending Money from China to Japan (For Those New to Japan)

When you first arrive in Japan, whether it's for tuition, rent, or initial living expenses, you'll likely need to transfer money from China. Here are the main methods:

Method 1: Traditional Bank Wire Transfer (Most Secure, Suitable for Large Amounts)

This is the most "official" and traditional method.

  • How to do it?

    1. Prepare Documents: You need the recipient bank's details in Japan, including:
      • Bank Name (in English)
      • SWIFT Code/BIC Code (The bank's international code, very important!)
      • Branch Address and Name (in English)
      • Your Account Name (in English, must exactly match your passport and residence card)
      • Your Account Number
      • Your Japanese Address and Phone Number
    2. Visit the Bank: Take your ID card, bank card, and the recipient information to a major Chinese bank branch (e.g., Bank of China, ICBC). Tell the staff you need to make an "overseas remittance." They'll give you a form to fill out. Many banks' mobile apps now support online processing, which is more convenient.

  • Pros:

    • Secure & Reliable: Bank-handled, ensuring fund safety.
    • High Limits: Within China's annual foreign exchange quota of $50,000 USD per person, you can transfer relatively large sums per transaction.

  • Cons:

    • High Fees: Typically involves three fees: the Chinese bank's handling fee + telegraphic fee + the Japanese bank's incoming transfer fee (usually 1500-4000 JPY). If an intermediary bank is involved, there might be an intermediary fee. Altogether, this can easily cost you hundreds of RMB.
    • Slow: Usually takes 2-5 business days to arrive.
    • Poor Exchange Rate: Bank exchange rates are often not the best; they make a profit on the spread.

Tip: Use a bank for your first large transfer (e.g., tuition). Remember to state the purpose as "tuition" or "living expenses," avoiding sensitive terms.

Method 2: New Cross-Border Remittance Platforms (Most Cost-Effective & Convenient, Suitable for Daily Use)

Many specialized international remittance apps and websites are popular among students and overseas workers.

  • Popular Platforms: Wise (formerly TransferWise), Panda Remit, etc.

  • How to do it?

    1. Download their app and register using your Chinese phone number and ID.
    2. Enter the JPY amount you want to send. The app will show the real-time exchange rate, fees, and the amount the recipient will receive.
    3. Fill in the Japanese bank recipient details (same as required for a bank wire).
    4. Pay the RMB amount via Alipay, WeChat Pay, or your bank card.

  • Pros:

    • Low & Transparent Fees: Much lower fees than banks, using the real mid-market exchange rate. All costs are clear upfront.
    • Fast: Can arrive in minutes, or at most within a day.
    • Convenient: Entire process can be done on your phone; no need to visit a bank.

  • Cons:

    • Per-Transaction Limits: Limits might be lower than banks, but are sufficient for living expenses.
    • Requires Trust: First-time users might find it less "solid" than banks, but reputable platforms are secure.

My Personal Experience: I mostly use platforms like Wise for small, frequent transfers like living expenses and rent – fast and saves money.

Part 2: Sending Money from Japan to China (For Loved Ones Back Home)

Earning money in Japan and want to send some home? Or moving back and need to transfer funds? It's straightforward too.

Method 1: Japanese Banks (Cumbersome Process, Not Recommended)

Banks like MUFG, SMBC, Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) can handle international transfers.

  • How to do it? Similar to sending from China: visit a branch or use online banking. You need the recipient's bank details in China (including SWIFT Code).

  • Pros:

    • Secure.

  • Cons:

    • Very Expensive! Japanese bank fees for international transfers are high, often costing 4000-7500 JPY per transfer – very poor value.
    • Cumbersome Process: Online interfaces can be unfriendly for foreigners; visiting a branch involves forms and queues.
    • Slow.

Honest Advice: I strongly advise against using Japanese banks for sending money to China unless absolutely necessary due to the high costs.

Method 2: The Return of New Remittance Platforms (Highly Recommended!)

Platforms like Wise and Panda Remit also excel at sending money from Japan to China.

  • How to do it?

    1. In the app, select sending JPY to CNY.
    2. Enter the amount to see fees and the exchange rate.
    3. Choose Receiving Method: This is the best part! You can have the recipient receive funds directly into their Alipay, WeChat Wallet, or UnionPay bank card.
    4. Enter the recipient's Alipay/WeChat ID or bank card details.
    5. Transfer JPY from your Japanese bank account to the platform's designated Japanese account (this is a domestic transfer within Japan, with low or zero fees). Once the platform receives it, they send CNY to your recipient.

  • Pros:

    • Super Convenient: Recipients get CNY directly in Alipay/WeChat – no bank visit needed.
    • Low Fees, Good Rates, Fast Speed. (Same advantages as sending to Japan)

  • Cons:

    • Similar per-transaction and annual limits apply.

Method 3: Dedicated Remittance Services (Convenience Store Option)

Japan also has established remittance companies like SBI Remit and Seven Bank (the bank affiliated with 7-Eleven).

  • How to do it? Typically, register online first to receive a remittance card. Then, take the card and cash to a convenience store ATM (e.g., 7-Eleven, FamilyMart) to send money.

  • Pros:

    • Convenient: Operate 24/7 at convenience stores; cash-friendly.
    • Wide Network: Convenience stores are everywhere in Japan.

  • Cons:

    • Exchange rates and fees might not be as competitive as pure online platforms like Wise.

Summary: Your Quick Reference Guide

  • Large Amounts / Prioritizing Security:
    • China → Japan: Use Chinese Bank wire transfer.
  • Daily Transfers / Prioritizing Cost & Convenience:
    • China → Japan: Use platforms like Wise or Panda Remit.
    • Japan → China: Highly recommend platforms like Wise or Panda Remit for direct deposit to Alipay/WeChat – easiest for recipients.
  • Prefer Cash / Don't Want to Use Apps (Japan → China only):
    • Japan → China: Consider SBI Remit or Seven Bank for convenience store transfers.

Final Important Reminders!

  1. Safety First: Always use licensed, reputable banks or remittance platforms! Never trust private individuals or unknown groups offering currency exchange – extremely high risk of scams or illegal activity.
  2. Double-Check Details: Before sending, meticulously verify the recipient's name, account number, bank code (SWIFT Code) – not a single letter wrong! Ensure the name spelling order matches the bank account exactly.
  3. Foreign Exchange Quota: Remember, Chinese citizens have an annual foreign exchange purchase/settlement quota equivalent to $50,000 USD. Remittance platforms also adhere to this.
  4. Test First: If unsure, send a small test amount first (e.g., 10,000 JPY) to confirm the process works and details are correct before sending larger sums.

Hope this information helps! Managing your money well is key to life in Japan. Wishing you all the best!

Created At: 08-11 12:51:04Updated At: 08-12 03:01:58