Daily Life Lessons · Banks
Be able to send money abroad by choosing a bank or a registered funds transfer service provider, handle procedures such as questions about the purpose of the transfer, and avoid getting involved in crimes such as unregistered businesses or selling accounts.
To send money from Japan to another country, use a financial institution such as a bank, or a funds transfer service provider (資金移動業者) registered with the government. Funds transfer service providers are services that let you send money through an app or at a shop, and you can check them on the Financial Services Agency's list of registered businesses. Businesses that send money without registration (so-called underground banks, 地下銀行) are illegal. Do not use them.
When you send money, in addition to an identity check using your residence card (在留カード) or other documents, you may be asked about the purpose of the transfer and where the money came from. These checks are to prevent money from flowing to crime or terrorism, and your transfer may take longer or be refused. Answer honestly.
Fees, exchange rates and the number of days until the money arrives differ by provider, so compare before you choose. Letting another person use your account is a crime. When you return to your home country, close your account.
海外（かいがい）に お金を 送る ときは：
- 銀行 - 国に 登録（とうろく）された 送金の 会社（資金移動業者：しきんいどうぎょうしゃ）
を 使います。 登録が ない 会社（地下銀行：ちかぎんこう）は 違法（いほう）です。使わないで ください。
送る とき、在留カードなどを 見せます。お金を 送る 理由も 聞かれます。正直（しょうじき）に 答えましょう。
手数料（てすうりょう）は 会社で ちがいます。比べて（くらべて）から 選びましょう。
自分の 口座を 人に 使わせては いけません。犯罪（はんざい）です。 帰国（きこく）する ときは、口座を 解約（かいやく）しましょう。
Which may you use to send money abroad?
Use a financial institution such as a bank, or a registered funds transfer service provider. Unregistered businesses are illegal.
How can you check whether a funds transfer service provider is registered?
You can check registered businesses on the Financial Services Agency's website.
What should you do if you are asked the purpose of the transfer?
It is a check to prevent money from flowing to crime or terrorism. Answer honestly.
What happens if you use an "underground bank"?
Sending money without registration is illegal. The money may not arrive, or you may get involved in a crime.
What should you do with an account you no longer use when returning home?
Selling or transferring your account is a crime. Close it before you return home.
Q. How long does a transfer take, and what are the fees?
A. It depends on the financial institution or provider, the destination country and how the money is received. In addition to fees, there may also be a margin on the exchange rate. Before you apply, check how much it will cost in total.
Q. Is there a limit on how much I can send at once?
A. There are different types of funds transfer service providers, and some have a set limit per transfer (for example, 1,000,000 yen or less per transfer). When sending a large amount, check with the bank or the provider you use. Also, there is a system under which financial institutions report overseas transfers of more than 1,000,000 yen to the tax office.
Q. What if someone asks, "Let me use your account"?
A. Refuse. Letting others use your account, cash card, or internet banking ID and password is illegal and may lead to punishment or deportation.
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-09-28
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original