Transfer Money to Japan

When it comes to transferring money from Australia to Japan, you need a service that is reliable, fast, and budget-friendly. At S Money, we recommend Wise as your ideal money transfer partner. Renowned for its clear fees, low costs, and excellent exchange rates, Wise ensures your funds reach Japan quickly and without any hidden surprises.

To give you more options, we've also listed a few alternatives to Wise, offering you the flexibility to choose the service that best fits your needs. Whether you're sending money for personal reasons, business transactions, or any other purpose, our well-researched recommendations will help you manage the transfer process with ease and confidence.

Instructions on How to Transfer Money to Japan

1. Setting Up Your Wise Account

1. Visit Wise Website or Download the App: Begin by navigating to the Wise website or downloading the mobile app available on iOS and Android platforms.
2. Sign Up: Click ‘Sign Up’ and choose whether to create an account using your email address, Google account, or Facebook account.
3. Enter Personal Information: You must provide your name, address, and phone number. This information helps Wise verify your identity and ensure compliance with international financial regulations.

Verification Process:

1. Identity Verification: Wise requires identity verification for security purposes. You may need to upload a photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID card) and possibly a recent utility bill or bank statement as proof of address.
2. Verification Time: Depending on the documents provided and your country of residence, this process can take from a few minutes to a few days. Once verified, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

2. Initiating a Transfer  

1. Log In to Your Account: Once your account is set up and verified, log in to your Wise account.
2. Select ‘Send Money’: Click the ‘Send Money’ button on the dashboard to start a new transfer.
3. Choose Currencies: Select the currency you are sending from (e.g., USD, GBP) and the currency you are converting to.
4. Enter Amount: Input the amount you wish to send. Wise will automatically calculate the recipient’s amount after fees and conversion.

Recipient’s Details:

1. Recipient’s Name: Ensure the recipient’s name matches the name on their bank account to avoid delays.
2. IBAN and BIC/SWIFT Code: For transfers to Japan, you’ll need the recipient’s International Bank Account Number (IBAN) and Bank Identifier Code (BIC/SWIFT).
3. Additional Information: In some cases, you may be asked for the recipient’s bank name and address.

Understanding the Fees and Exchange Rates

Transparent Fee Structure:

1. Breakdown of Fees: Wise charges a small, transparent fee, typically a percentage of the sent amount. For example, sending $1,000 might incur a fee of $7.80.
2. No Hidden Costs: All fees are disclosed upfront, and there are no hidden charges.

Real Exchange Rates:

1. Mid-Market Rate: Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate, the fairest possible rate. This is the rate you see on Google or Reuters.
2. Rate Lock: Wise locks in the exchange rate for a short period to ensure you get the rate you were quoted.

4. Payment Methods

1. Bank Transfer: You can fund your transfer by transferring money from your bank account to Wise. This is often the cheapest option.
2. Debit/Credit Card: Paying with a debit or credit card is faster but may incur higher fees compared to a bank transfer.
3. Apple Pay/Google Pay: Available in certain regions, providing added convenience for mobile users.

Fees by Payment Method:

1. Bank Transfer: Typically has lower fees but may take a bit longer.
2. Debit/Credit Card: Higher fees but faster processing.
3. Digital Wallets: Fees and processing times can vary.

5. Review and Confirm 

Review Transfer Details:

1. Summary: Before confirming the transfer, review the summary of your transaction, including the amount sent, fees, exchange rate, and the recipient’s amount.
2. Estimated Delivery Time: Wise provides an estimated delivery time based on the chosen payment method and currencies involved. Transfers typically take 1-2 business days.

Confirm and Pay:

1. Payment: Complete the payment using your chosen method.
2. Security Measures: Wise employs robust security protocols to protect your transaction and personal information.

6. Tracking Your Transfer

Real-Time Tracking:

1. Email Notifications: Wise sends notifications at each stage of the transfer process, from initiation to completion.
2. Tracking Link: Use the unique tracking link provided to monitor the progress of your transfer in real time on the Wise website or app.

Support:

1. Customer Support: Wise offers customer support via email and phone if you encounter any issues.
2. Help Center: The Wise Help Center answers common questions and detailed guides.

7. Receiving Money in Japan

Direct Bank Deposit:

1. No Recipient Fees: The recipient in Japan will receive the full amount as Wise does not charge additional fees on receipt.
2. Bank Processing: The money is deposited directly into the recipient’s bank account within 1-2 business days.