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This service will automatically notify you via Email, when, in the case of the former, the Yen has reached a rate of exchange specified by you and/or, in the case of the latter send you a daily update. Alternatively you can use our useful tools section to calculate the value of your currency and to track its value against the Yen.
There are a variety of methods of sending money back home: OVERSEAS REMITTANCE THROUGH THE POST OFFICE The Post Office allows you to send money home to any person through a money order at relatively cheap rates at lower amounts. The cheque can be made out to anyone but yourself. The person you send it to can then deposit the money order into your account. This is called gaikokuyuubin kawase or kokusai sokin. For sending up to ¥200,000, the P.O. charges a mere ¥1,000. From ¥200,000 to ¥500,000 the charge is ¥1,500, and beyond that it is ¥500 per 500,000 sent. The exchange rates are also favourable. This is one of the cheapest methods available. The cheque is made out in the destination country's currency. However, this method is not honoured in New Zealand and Ireland. Sending money through the post office can take time, between 6-14 days, and in the case of Canadian funds up to 20. Furthermore for funds going to Australia, the post office sends in via the UK, where an AU$ 10 charge is levied. If you have a Giro account in the United Kingdom it only costs ¥400 to transfer money from your Japanese Post Office account to your UK account. See above in 'Postal Savings Accounts' for details on setting up a post office account. OVERSEAS REMITTANCE THROUGH A BANK Telegraphic transfer or denshin sokin: This involves a telegraphic transfer from a bank that can deal in a foreign currency exchange to a specific account in your home country. The cost of a telegraphic transfer varies greatly, but can range up to ¥7,000 per remittance. Mail transfer or futsu sokin: This is a safe and fast method of transfer. Funds are changed to a foreign currency in Japan and the amount is written on a transfer statement which is then mailed overseas. When the statement arrives at your bank the amount is transferred into your account. This takes one or two weeks and costs around ¥2,500. Remittance check or sokin kogitte: A bank that is able to deal in foreign currencies will prepare a cheque which you can then send home by mail. The cheque will take about 4-5 days to prepare at regional banks and will cost around ¥2,500. There is however an inexpensive and convenient alternative to all these options and that is the service offered by Lloyds TSB of Japan: LLOYDS TSB BANK OVERSEAS REMITTANCE SERVICE
To register you can contact them directly by phone or fax. You may also apply online through their web site by clicking on the link below. Along with the online application form you will need to submit a copy of both sides of your alien registration card. Once you are registered for the service you will be sent details of your account by post. You will also receive precise instructions on how to use the service from your local cashpoint/ATM and a letter in Japanese should you need help from an assistant at the bank. After your first transfer you can print off a transfer card at your bank's ATM which stores the transfer details allows you to transfer funds with great ease. Your bank in your home country will also make a small charge for the transaction at the other end, so be aware of this.
TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES You can also go to the bank and get traveler's cheques. Then send them to your bank as a mail in deposit. The cost is the postage and 0.5%-1.0% of the transfer amount. Of course there is a risk involved in doing this.
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