Comprehensive Guide on How to Receive International Money Transfers in Japan Without a Bank Account

• This article is for reference only as it is merely a translated version of the Japanese article below.
  銀行口座がなくても海外からの送金を日本で受け取る方法を徹底解説 (Japanese version)

For those wondering how to receive cash from overseas in Japan, especially without a local bank account, here is a detailed guide.

Foreign nationals arriving in Japan may face difficulties in opening a bank account immediately upon arrival, potentially leading to financial constraints.

In conclusion, using the CashPickup service provided by international money transfer operators allows one to receive money without needing a bank account.

This article provides basic knowledge about banks in Japan and explains how foreign visitors can receive international money transfers even without a bank account.

Anyone looking to receive money from their home country should find this information helpful.

[Comprehensive Guide] Opening a Bank Account for Foreign Nationals

This section explains the duration required, necessary documents, and potential challenges for foreign nationals to open a bank account in Japan.

Foreign nationals can only open a bank account in Japan after staying for more than six months.

As a general rule, foreign nationals can only open a standard bank account at a Japanese bank if they have been residing in Japan for over six months.
However, Japan Post Bank may allow foreign nationals to open an account after three months of stay.

Japan promotes the acceptance of foreign nationals but also places significant emphasis on countering international terrorism and money laundering, which is why opening a bank account is not immediately possible.

Reference: Examples of Initiatives for Foreign Customer Support

However, those with a stay of more than three months can open a non-resident JPY deposit account with certain restrictions on the procedures they can undertake.

As restrictions may vary by bank, it is advisable to inquire early if you wish to open an account quickly.

Without an account, one may face difficulties such as being unable to sign a rental contract or running out of living expenses in Japan, so caution is necessary.

Issues with Rental Contracts and Bank Account Opening

Foreign nationals moving to Japan may find themselves in a situation where they cannot sign a rental contract without a bank account, while also being unable to open a bank account without an address (rental contract).

As mentioned earlier, stringent measures against international terrorism and money laundering make it challenging to open a bank account.

Some landlords and management companies cater to foreign nationals who cannot open a bank account by accepting rent payments via bank transfer or in cash.

When moving to Japan, be aware of this “chicken-and-egg problem.”

Required Documents for Foreign Nationals to Open a Bank Account

The documents needed for foreign nationals to open a bank account in Japan are as follows:

• Identification documents: Residence card, passport, health insurance card, etc.
• Address verification documents: Certificate of residence, utility bill receipts, etc.
• Personal seal (inkan)

A personal seal is often required when opening a bank account in Japan, so it is advisable to prepare one in advance.

The seal can be made in katakana or Roman letters.

Additionally, a contactable phone number is essential beyond these documents.

To facilitate a smooth account opening process, it is recommended to prepare in advance to open an account as soon as the six-month residency period is completed.

Time Required to Open a Bank Account

The time required to open a bank account varies depending on the bank.

Here are the typical timeframes for opening an account at some of Japan’s major banks:

Most of Japan’s major banks typically take about 1 to 2 weeks to open an account.

However, if the account opening procedure is done at a branch, many accounts can be available for use on the same day.

It is essential to check with each bank, as the number of days required to open an account can vary depending on whether the procedure is done via the internet, an app, mail, or in person at a branch.

Monthly Living Expenses for Living in Japan

The monthly living expenses for a single person living in Japan are approximately 150,000 to 160,000 JPY.

This includes around 60,000 to 70,000 JPY for rent, about 40,000 JPY for food, and roughly 10,000 JPY for utilities. Additionally, there are communication and transportation costs.

In the worst-case scenario, the funds prepared for moving to Japan might run out. However, using cash pickup services for international money transfers can allow for support from family.

The next section will explain how to receive money transfers from abroad while in Japan.

Companies Supporting International Money Transfers to Japan

The following companies support receiving money transfers from abroad to Japan:

• Western Union
• MoneyGram (in partnership with affiliated businesses)

A detailed explanation of these two international money transfer service providers will follow.

Western Union

Western Union is a financial and communications company based in the United States with a history spanning over 170 years.

It enables money transfers and cash pickups across approximately 200 countries worldwide, and in Japan, transactions can be conducted at 150 locations.

The main partners of Western Union in Japan include:

• Travelex Japan
• Seven Bank (for sending money only)
• FamilyMart (for sending money only)
• City Express Japan
• KYODAI Remittance, among others

Additionally, there are numerous Western Union-affiliated locations throughout Japan where cash can be received. For those interested in learning more about Western Union, please refer to the article below.

Related Articles

• [In-Depth Guide] Comprehensive Review of Western Union’s International Money Transfer Fees and Limits

MoneyGram Partner Agents

MoneyGram partner agents also facilitate the receipt of money sent from overseas to Japan.

MoneyGram is a company that provides a network connecting over 200 countries and more than 350,000 locations, allowing money transfers and pickups through affiliated agents.

Similar to Western Union, MoneyGram is a U.S.-based company. The main partner agents of MoneyGram in Japan are:

• Kyodai Remittance
• SBI Remit Co., Ltd.
• enRemit (C-Square Co., Ltd.)
• DCOM
• City Express Japan

There are many MoneyGram-affiliated locations across Japan where money sent from abroad can be received.

For those who want to know more about MoneyGram, please see the related article below.

Related Articles

• 【Moneygram】How to Receive Overseas Money Transfers Without a Local Bank Account

[Western Union and MoneyGram] How to Send Money from Your Home Country to Japan

The basic process for sending money from your home country to Japan using Western Union or MoneyGram is generally the same.

This guide will explain the common steps and provide specific instructions for each service on how to send money to Japan.

Common Steps for Sending Money to Japan with Western Union and MoneyGram

The steps for sending money to Japan using Western Union or MoneyGram are as follows:

1. Check if Cash Can Be Received Near Your Stay in Japan
2. Register with a Partner of Western Union or MoneyGram in Your Home Country
3. Send Money to Japan via Website, App, Branch, or ATM
4. Receive the Money Sent from Your Home Country in Japan

It is advisable to research and register with an international money transfer operator before heading to Japan. This preparation ensures peace of mind, even if financial difficulties arise.

Choosing an international money transfer operator that allows transactions through an app or website is recommended for convenience.

The recipient address in Japan can be a hotel or a training facility.

In some cases, it might also be acceptable to use the address of the university you are associated with, so confirm this with the money transfer operator when sending funds.

[Western Union] How to Send Money to Japan and Receive It

To send money to Japan and receive it using Western Union, the first step is to search for a location where the cash can be picked up in Japan.

Go to the Western Union official website.

Click on the menu icon at the top of the homepage and choose “Find Locations.”

Under the “Address” tab, enter an address or postal code in the field labeled “City, province, or postal code,” then click the search (magnifying glass) icon.

The search results will be displayed in order of proximity.

Clicking on a search result allows for the verification of available services. If there is a checkmark next to “Pick up cash,” the location is available for cash pickup.

Next, register with Western Union.

Click on “Register” at the top of the official website and follow the instructions to complete the registration.

Once registration is complete, money transfers can be initiated.

Sending money through Western Union can be done via their website or app, which is recommended if there is a nearby pickup location in Japan.

Choose “Send Money” on the website or app and follow the prompts to complete the transaction.

Once the money is sent, it can be collected after arriving in Japan.

Go to the pickup location initially searched, fill out the required personal information, and present identification documents.

Valid identification documents include:

• Passport
• Residence Card
• Driver’s License
• My Number Card

Upon completing these steps, the cash pickup is finalized.

[MoneyGram] How to Send Money to Japan and Receive It

To send money to Japan and receive it using a MoneyGram affiliated agent, the first step is to search for a receiving location on the official MoneyGram website.

Visit the MoneyGram website to begin the process.

Navigate to the section on how to send money and choose the option to learn more about the process.

In the “Find a Location” section, select “Find a MoneyGram Location.”

Switch the country tab to Japan and input the address or postal code of your stay to search for nearby locations.

The search results will display the locations in order of proximity, providing information such as distance and address.

If there is a checkmark under “Services” for “Receive Money,” the location is eligible for cash pick-up.

After finding a pick-up location in Japan, the next step is to locate a MoneyGram affiliated agent in your home country.

Switch the country tab to your home country and enter your home address or postal code to search.

A list of MoneyGram affiliated agents will be displayed. Select “Services” to see what options are available.

If there is a checkmark for “Send Money,” then international money transfers can be made through that agent.

Register through the MoneyGram affiliated agent’s website or at a physical location.

The method of sending money may vary depending on the MoneyGram affiliated agent, but using a website or app is recommended for convenience. Choose a service that is easy to register for and allows for straightforward money transfers in your home country.

Be sure to check the specific procedures for each MoneyGram affiliated agent through their website or other resources.

After sending money to Japan, collect the cash at the receiving location initially searched for.

As with Western Union, receiving cash requires identification documents, so do not forget to bring them along.

By using the apps of Western Union or MoneyGram affiliated agents, it is also possible to send money to oneself after arriving in Japan.

However, be aware that depending on the country, this may be prohibited by law, so always comply with the laws of your home country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Receiving Money Transfers from Overseas to Japan

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding receiving money transfers from overseas to Japan.

For those wondering whether they will be asked about the reason for receiving money or if taxes will apply, this guide provides useful information.

Are There Services for Individuals to Receive Money Transfers to Japan?

Yes, there are services specifically for individuals who need to receive money transfers from their home country to Japan. The two recommended services are:

• Western Union
• MoneyGram (via affiliated businesses)

These services allow for sending and receiving money without a bank account, making them particularly convenient when visiting Japan.

For more details on how to send money to Japan or receive funds, refer to the article “[How to Send Money from Your Home Country to Japan with Western Union and MoneyGram].”

Will You Be Asked for the Reason When Receiving Money Transfers from Your Home Country to Japan?

According to Japanese law, there is an obligation to report if the amount sent to Japan exceeds 30 million JPY. If the amount is below 30 million JPY, it is unlikely that you will be asked for the reason.

Regarding the procedures required when transferring money between Japan and overseas, please refer to the Ministry of Finance.

Depending on the method and the country of transfer, there might be cases where the reason for the transfer is requested in your home country.

When sending money through websites or apps, there might not be a section to state the reason for the transfer, so be sure to check carefully.

Are There Taxes on Receiving Money Transfers from Overseas to Japan?

If you are transferring your own money from overseas to Japan and receiving it yourself, there are no taxes applied.

However, if the money transferred from overseas is considered income, you will need to file a tax return in Japan and pay taxes if the amount exceeds a certain threshold.

Summary: Receiving Money Transfers from Overseas to Japan via Western Union and MoneyGram

This article has explained the knowledge needed for foreign visitors regarding banks, potential issues, and how to receive international money transfers in Japan without a bank account.

Foreign nationals may find it difficult to open a bank account immediately after moving to Japan, which could result in running out of the funds they have prepared.

As a countermeasure, there is a way to receive funds sent from your home country to live in Japan without using a bank account.

The two services that support international money transfers and receiving funds are:

• Western Union
• MoneyGram (via affiliated businesses)

Those planning to visit or who have just arrived in Japan are advised to refer to this article for ways to receive money from their home country without needing a bank account.

By managing your funds or receiving support from family, it is possible to ensure a stable and fulfilling life in Japan.