Sending Money from Japan to Pakistan: A Complete Guide
Sending money from Japan to Pakistan is now faster and cheaper than ever. In this easy guide, we explain all the main transfer methods, compare costs, and show simple steps so you can choose the best Japan–Pakistan remittance option for your situation.
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Why this Japan–Pakistan remittance guide matters
Many Pakistanis in Japan send part of their salary home every month for family expenses, education, or investments. At the same time, fees and bad exchange rates can quietly “eat” your money.
Global data from the World Bank shows that the average cost of sending remittances worldwide is still around 6.5% of the amount sent.
For the Japan → Pakistan corridor, comparison site Monito found that in the last 30 days:
- The cheapest provider at any time had an average total cost of only 0.3%.
- The most expensive provider cost around 6.1% on average.
- Instarem was the cheapest in about 79.8% of searches, with Western Union and Wise also appearing as cheap options in some cases.
So if you choose well, you can save a lot. This guide will help you do exactly that.
If you are still organizing your everyday finances in Japan, you might also like our guides on best banks in Japan for foreigners and how to open a bank account in Japan.
Key points before you send money from Japan to Pakistan
Before you pick a service, it helps to understand what really drives the cost of a Japan–Pakistan money transfer.
Transfer fees vs. exchange rate
- Visible fee
- Example: “1,000 JPY per transfer” or “1.0% of the amount.”
- Some companies charge a fixed fee; others use a percentage.
- Exchange rate margin
- The real mid-market rate (around what you see on Google) for JPY/PKR is used as a benchmark.
- Many providers give you a worse rate and keep the difference as profit.
- Comparison sites such as Monito, MoneyTransfers.com, and RemitFinder show that for Japan → Pakistan, the rate margin plus fees can be as low as 0.3% with the cheapest providers, and much higher with others.
Pay-in and pay-out methods
From Japan, you usually pay in by:
- Bank transfer from your Japanese bank account
- Debit or credit card
- Cash at a counter or ATM
In Pakistan, your recipient can often receive money as:
- A bank deposit in PKR
- Cash pickup at a partner location (for example via MoneyGram or Western Union)
- Sometimes a mobile wallet or digital account
Monito reports that for Japan → Pakistan, the main payout methods are bank accounts, cash pickup, and, in some cases, mobile wallet.
Speed
- Cheapest online services often deliver within minutes or hours, especially to bank accounts.
- Traditional bank transfers may take 1–3 business days or more.
- Cash pickup via networks like Western Union or MoneyGram can be almost instant, depending on opening hours.
If you are planning regular support payments, it can help to look at your full budget. Our article on cost of living in Japan for foreigners gives a clear overview of monthly expenses.
Main ways to send money from Japan to Pakistan
Here is a simple overview of the different options and how they compare.
Japan to Pakistan transfer methods overview
| Method type | Typical providers from Japan | Pay-in options | Pay-out in Pakistan | Typical cost range (fees + FX) | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online money transfer services | Instarem, Wise, WorldRemit, OFX, Panda Remit | Bank transfer, debit/credit card | PKR bank account (sometimes mobile wallet) | From about 0.3% with the cheapest providers up to around 3–4% | Minutes to 1–2 days |
| Japanese remittance companies and banks | National Bank of Pakistan (Tokyo, Osaka), SBI Remit, Seven Bank, local banks | Bank transfer, cash at branch, ATM | PKR bank account, sometimes cash pickup | Often around 3–7% total cost, depending on provider and method | Same day to a few business days |
| Cash pickup networks | Western Union (including via Seven Bank and Pakistan Post partners), MoneyGram (via SBI Remit) | Online, app, counter, ATM | Cash pickup in PKR | Around 2–6% total cost on average | Minutes to same day |
These are general ranges. The actual price changes daily with the exchange rate, so always check live quotes before you send.
Cheapest online services from Japan to Pakistan
In 2025, online money transfer services are usually the cheapest option for JPY → PKR if both sides use bank accounts.
Instarem
Monito’s real-time comparison shows that for Japan → Pakistan, Instarem was the cheapest provider in 79.8% of searches over the past 30 days, with the lowest total cost around 0.3% of the transfer amount in some cases.
Key points:
- Very competitive exchange rates for JPY to PKR.
- Clear fee structure.
- Pay in by bank transfer or card; receive in a PKR bank account.
Good for:
- Regular salary remittances.
- Medium and large transfers where every percent matters.
Wise
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is another popular service among people in Japan sending money abroad. Independent sites that track JPY → PKR often list Wise as one of the best options, especially for transparency and speed.
Features:
- Uses the real mid-market rate and charges a separate fee.
- Supports transfers to PKR bank accounts (via their JPY → PKR route).
- Easy app and web interface in English.
MoneyTransfers.com notes that Wise currently offers one of the best JPY–PKR exchange rates, and is often picked as the top overall choice for this corridor.
Other online competitors
Other providers that often show up for this route include:
- WorldRemit – strong global network, sometimes with mobile wallet options.
- Panda Remit – highlighted by MoneyTransfers.com as very cost-effective for bank transfer payments.
- OFX – more suitable for larger transfers with bank-style service.
To choose between them, it is smart to compare several services each time. RemitFinder and other comparison websites let you check JPY → PKR rates and fees in one screen.
If you are curious how these services fit into your long-term financial plan in Japan, our article on saving and investing as a foreigner in Japan can give more context.
Using Japanese remittance companies and banks
Some people feel more comfortable using a Japanese institution or a bank that understands Pakistan well. Fortunately, there are several strong options.
National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) – Tokyo and Osaka
The National Bank of Pakistan has branches in Tokyo and Osaka that specialize in home remittances.
According to NBP Japan:
- They offer remittances to a network of 1,490+ NBP branches and other banks in Pakistan.
- They promote “best conversion / exchange rate for PKR” and no NBP sending bank fee for home remittances (you still need to consider FX margin and possible receiving bank fees).
Advantages:
- Staff who understand Pakistani customers, often with Urdu or English support.
- Direct link to a major Pakistani bank.
Things to watch:
- You may need to visit a branch in Tokyo or Osaka, especially for registration.
- The total cost (including exchange rate) can still be higher than the very cheapest online fintech services, so it is worth comparing with Instarem or Wise before sending large amounts.
If you are considering using NBP Japan as your main account, you might also like our guide to Best bank in Japan for a foreigner.
SBI Remit
SBI Remit is one of Japan’s major remittance companies. For Pakistan, SBI Remit partners with MoneyGram to offer cash pickup in PKR.
According to SBI Remit:
- You can send money for cash pickup at MoneyGram locations across Pakistan.
- In many cases, the money is available in about 10 minutes, but it can take several hours to up to three business days, depending on the method and local conditions.
This is a good option when:
- Your family does not have a bank account in Pakistan.
- You need fast cash availability through MoneyGram’s network.
To use SBI Remit, you register once, then fund transfers via bank transfer or other methods into a “reserve account.”
Seven Bank International Money Transfer
Seven Bank, linked to 7-Eleven ATMs, offers an international money transfer service using Western Union’s global network.
Key points:
- Transfers available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from Seven Bank accounts to Western Union locations in about 200 countries, including Pakistan.
- You can initiate transfers via the app, online banking, or Seven Bank ATMs.
- There are maximum transfer limits per transaction and per period; Seven Bank publishes a detailed table of limits and payout options.
Seven Bank recently reduced international transfer fees for many corridors (example shown for the Philippines), which suggests they are trying to stay competitive.
This suits you if:
- You already use Seven Bank or 7-Eleven ATMs often.
- You like the idea of sending money while doing other errands at a convenience store.
To see how Seven Bank compares you can also read our separate article on navigating ATMs in Japan.
Cash pickup services from Japan to Pakistan
Sometimes the recipient in Pakistan needs cash, not a bank transfer. In this case, cash pickup services are very useful.
Western Union
Western Union lets you send money from Japan to Pakistan online, in person, or via partners such as Seven Bank.
Important details:
- You can check the live JPY → PKR rate on Western Union’s currency converter for Japan.
- Money can often be received in minutes, depending on the pickup location and business hours.
- Western Union makes money on both fees and exchange rates, so always check the total cost.
In Pakistan, Western Union is also available through partners such as Pakistan Post, which handles instant cash payouts across the country.
MoneyGram via SBI Remit
As mentioned earlier, SBI Remit uses MoneyGram for Pakistan:
- You send money from Japan through SBI Remit.
- The recipient collects cash in Pakistan at a MoneyGram location.
This is particularly helpful if there is a convenient MoneyGram or partner location near your family.
Cash pickup is ideal for emergencies or when your recipient does not have a bank account, but for regular monthly support, bank-to-bank transfers via cheap online services are usually more cost-effective.
Cost comparison: banks vs. online services vs. cash pickup
To see the effect of fees and exchange rates more clearly, let’s use a simple example.
Imagine you send 100,000 JPY from Japan to Pakistan.
| Option type | Example providers | Approx. total cost (fees + FX margin) | PKR your family gets (conceptual) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest online provider | Instarem, sometimes Wise or Panda Remit | Around 0.3–2% of the amount | Equivalent of 98,000–99,700 JPY in PKR | Best choice in most months according to Monito |
| Mid-range remittance company or NBP | NBP Japan, SBI Remit, Seven Bank | Around 3–5% | Equivalent of 95,000–97,000 JPY in PKR | Good when you want branch support or cash pickup |
| Traditional bank transfer with poor rate | Some Japanese banks with SWIFT transfers | 5–7%+ | Equivalent of 93,000–95,000 JPY in PKR | Fast for large SWIFT transfers, but often the most expensive |
The numbers are approximate, but the difference is clear: choosing the right method can mean your family receives a few thousand yen more in PKR each time you send.
If you also plan to move savings or pension payments when you leave Japan, see our guide on taking money out of Japan when you move home and Japan pension refund guide for foreigners.
Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) and government support
Pakistan has a special program called the Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) to encourage overseas Pakistanis to use formal channels.
According to information shared by WorldRemit and recent news:
- PRI is a joint initiative of the State Bank of Pakistan, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Ministry of Finance, launched in 2009. Its goal is to make remittances faster, cheaper, and more convenient.
- Under PRI, the government pays a rebate (a transfer fee support) to remittances that meet certain rules (such as minimum amounts).
- In 2025, Pakistan’s central bank expanded PRI to include more foreign exchange companies and raised the minimum eligible transaction for the government-paid fee rebate from USD 100 to USD 200, starting 1 July 2025.
What this means for you:
- Using formal channels like banks and licensed money transfer operators is even more important.
- In many cases, you benefit from better rates and lower costs because your transfer qualifies for the government rebate (this is handled between institutions, so you usually do not see it directly, but it helps keep prices lower).
If you want to know how these remittances fit into your tax situation, our article on double taxation and foreign income for residents in Japan explains the key points in simple language.
Step-by-step: how to send money from Japan to Pakistan
Here is a simple process you can follow every time you send money:
Step 1 – Decide how much and how often
- Are you sending small amounts (for example 20,000 JPY) or large amounts (over 200,000 JPY)?
- Is this a one-off transfer or a monthly remittance?
This will affect which provider is cheapest, because some services are better for small amounts and others for big transfers.
Step 2 – Ask your recipient how they want to receive
- Bank account in Pakistan (ideal for online services).
- Cash pickup via Western Union, MoneyGram, or another network.
- Specific bank such as NBP, HBL, MCB, etc.
If your family does not yet have a bank account, it might be helpful for them to open one. That can make future transfers cheaper and safer.
Step 3 – Shortlist 3–4 providers
A good shortlist might include:
- 1–2 online services (Instarem, Wise, WorldRemit, Panda Remit).
- 1 Japan-based company or bank (NBP Japan, SBI Remit, Seven Bank).
- 1 cash pickup option for emergencies (Western Union or MoneyGram via SBI Remit).
Step 4 – Compare live quotes
Visit each provider’s website or app and check:
- Total fee in JPY.
- Exchange rate (how many PKR for 1 JPY).
- Final amount your recipient will receive in PKR.
- Estimated delivery time.
Comparison tools like Monito, MoneyTransfers.com, InternationalMoneyTransfer.com, and RemitFinder make this very easy: you enter your amount, select Japan → Pakistan, and see the cheapest and fastest options.
Step 5 – Register and verify your account
Most providers will ask for:
- Your residence card or passport.
- Your Japanese address and phone number.
- Often your My Number (Individual Number) when you use Japanese banks or remittance companies such as Seven Bank and SBI Remit.
This is normal and required by law for anti-money-laundering and tax reporting.
Step 6 – Make the transfer
- Follow the steps in the app or at the counter.
- Double-check your recipient’s name, bank details, and contact information.
- Save the receipt or confirmation until the money arrives.
Step 7 – Confirm receipt
Ask your family in Pakistan to confirm:
- The exact amount they received in PKR.
- The time it took.
- Any extra fees (for example from their bank).
Use this information to decide which provider you want to use regularly.
If you are also managing other financial tasks like pension contributions and insurance, our guide on Japan’s social insurance and pension system for foreigners can help you see the bigger picture.
Frequently asked questions
Is Instarem always the cheapest way to send money from Japan to Pakistan?
No. Monito’s data shows that Instarem was the cheapest in about 79.8% of searches over the last month, but not 100%. Sometimes Western Union or Wise become cheaper for specific amounts or times.
So it is always smart to compare at least two services before each large transfer.
Can I send money from Japan to Pakistan without a Japanese bank account?
Yes, but your choices are more limited and may cost a bit more. You can:
- Use cash at branches of NBP Japan, SBI Remit counters, or Kyodai-style remittance offices.
Still, opening even a simple Japanese bank account makes everything easier and often cheaper in the long run. See our article on how foreigners can open a bank account in Japan easily for a step-by-step guide.
Are online remittance services safe to use from Japan?
Licensed providers such as Instarem, Wise, WorldRemit, OFX, SBI Remit, Seven Bank, and NBP Japan are regulated either in Japan or in their home countries and must follow strict security and anti-money-laundering rules.
To stay safe:
- Use only official websites and apps.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Never share passwords or one-time codes with anyone.
How do I get the best JPY to PKR rate?
- Check live rates on comparison sites like Monito, MoneyTransfers.com, or RemitFinder.
- Avoid sending through banks that hide large margins in the exchange rate.
- For larger amounts, consider waiting for a slightly better rate if your situation allows.
What if I am moving back to Pakistan and want to transfer all my savings?
For larger one-off transfers, you may combine:
- A series of cheaper online transfers over several weeks or months.
- A carefully planned bank transfer through NBP Japan or another trusted bank.
In that case, pay extra attention to documentation and tax rules in both countries. Our dedicated guides on taking money out of Japan when you leave and double taxation and foreign income for residents in Japan are useful starting points.
Final tips
- Compare providers every time, especially for big amounts. Prices change often.
- Prefer cheap online services (Instarem, Wise, Panda Remit, WorldRemit) for normal bank-to-bank transfers.
- Use NBP Japan, SBI Remit, or Seven Bank if you need branch support, Urdu/English help, or cash pickup through MoneyGram or Western Union.
- Choose cash pickup only when necessary; it is convenient but usually more expensive than bank transfers.
- Keep records and receipts for your remittances for visa, tax, or personal budgeting purposes.
If you apply these simple steps, you can usually reduce your total remittance cost from 5–7% down to around 1–3%, and make sure that more of your hard-earned yen arrives safely in Pakistan for your family and future.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
