Sending Money from Japan to Thailand: Best Remittance Options

Discover the most efficient ways to send money from Japan to Thailand. We compare top services like Wise, SBI Remit, and Seven Bank based on fees, exchange rates, and speed, helping you maximize the amount of Thai Baht that actually reaches your family.

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Why Sending Money Home Shouldn’t Be a Headache

Living in Japan is a wonderful adventure, but for many of us, our hearts—and our financial responsibilities—remain back home. Whether you are supporting aging parents in Bangkok, saving for a future house in Chiang Mai, or simply sending a birthday gift to a sibling in Phuket, moving money across borders is a regular part of expat life.

However, the world of international finance can feel incredibly opaque. You walk into a traditional Japanese bank, fill out a stack of papers, and days later, you realize a significant chunk of your hard-earned Yen has vanished in “handling fees” and poor exchange rates. It is frustrating, isn’t it?

The good news is that the landscape of remittances has changed dramatically in the last few years. You no longer have to rely on slow, expensive swift transfers from mega-banks. Today, there are digital-first options that are faster, cheaper, and completely transparent. In this guide, I will share the best strategies for sending money from Japan to Thailand, helping you ensure that your loved ones receive every Baht they deserve.

International Money Transfer Apps: Top Services for Expats in Japan

The Hidden Costs You Need to Watch Out For

Before we dive into the specific apps and services, we need to talk about how remittance companies make money. Understanding this will save you thousands of yen over the long run. There are generally two types of costs: the upfront fee and the exchange rate margin.

The upfront fee is easy to see. It is the 500 JPY or 2,000 JPY they charge you per transaction. But the silent killer is the exchange rate margin. This is the difference between the “real” exchange rate (the one you see on Google) and the rate the bank gives you.

For example, if the real rate is 1 JPY = 0.24 THB, a bank might offer you 1 JPY = 0.22 THB. On a small transfer, this might not seem like much. But if you are sending 100,000 JPY, that small difference adds up to significant money lost. When choosing a service to send money to Thailand, always compare the “Total Amount Received” rather than just looking at the transfer fee.

Understanding Japanese Bank Fees: How to Avoid Hidden Charges

Wise: The Champion of Transparency

If you are comfortable using smartphone apps and value transparency above all else, Wise (formerly TransferWise) is often the best choice for bank-to-bank transfers.

The philosophy behind Wise is simple: they use the real mid-market exchange rate—the same one you see on Google. They do not mark up the rate to make a profit. Instead, they charge a transparent fee which is shown to you before you hit send.

For transfers to Thailand, Wise is particularly strong because it allows you to send money directly to a Thai bank account. The recipient does not need a Wise account; the money just appears in their local Kasikorn, SCB, or Bangkok Bank account.

Pros of Wise:

• Real Exchange Rate: No hidden markups on the Yen to Baht conversion.
• Speed: Transfers often arrive within seconds or a few hours.
• Usability: The app is fully in English and very user-friendly.

Cons of Wise:

• No Cash Pickup: You must send to a bank account. If your family in Thailand prefers picking up cash at a counter, this won’t work.
• Setup: You need to verify your identity with your My Number card or Residence Card, which can take a few days for the first setup.

Opening a Bank Account in Japan: New Expat Starter Tips

SBI Remit: The Community Favorite

If you talk to long-term residents from Southeast Asia living in Japan, you will frequently hear the name SBI Remit. It is incredibly popular for a reason. SBI Remit has partnered with MoneyGram and Ripple to provide a service that is tailored specifically for the Asian market.

One of the biggest advantages of SBI Remit is the sheer number of ways you can fund the transfer. You can link it to your bank account, or you can use a “Remit Card.” This is a physical card that you take to a Japan Post Bank ATM or Lawson Bank ATM. You insert the card, deposit cash, and the money is automatically sent to your pre-registered beneficiary in Thailand.

Pros of SBI Remit:

• Cash Pickup Options: Through their MoneyGram partnership, your family in Thailand can pick up cash at thousands of locations if they don’t have a bank account.
• Convenience: The deposit card system is excellent for those who prefer handling cash.
• Language Support: They offer support in multiple languages, including Thai.

Cons of SBI Remit:

• Exchange Rate: The rate is usually competitive, but it might include a slight margin compared to Wise.
• ATMs Fees: Depending on the ATM you use to deposit funds, there might be an additional domestic deposit fee.

Navigating Japanese ATMs and Online Banking (Foreigner Guide)

Seven Bank: The 24/7 Option

We all love Japanese convenience stores (Konbini), and Seven Bank leverages this network perfectly. Seven Bank’s international money transfer service is widely used because of the ubiquity of 7-Eleven stores.

The process is similar to SBI Remit. You apply for an account and receive a debit card or a dedicated money transfer card. You can go to any 7-Eleven ATM, which are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to send money.

For transfers to Thailand, Seven Bank typically partners with Western Union. This means the receiver network in Thailand is massive. Whether your family lives in the bustling center of Bangkok or a rural village in Isan, there is likely a Western Union agent nearby.

Pros of Seven Bank:

• Accessibility: There is a 7-Eleven on almost every corner in Japan.
• Speed: Western Union transfers can often be picked up in minutes.
• Trust: It is a well-established Japanese banking brand.

Cons of Seven Bank:

• Cost: Western Union services can sometimes be more expensive than digital-first competitors like Wise.
• Fees: The fee structure is tiered, so sending small amounts can be relatively pricey.

Cash vs Cashless in Japan: Navigating a Society in Transition

Smiles Mobile Remittance: The Rising Star

Smiles is a mobile remittance app that has gained a lot of traction recently, winning the Good Design Award in Japan. It is built by Digital Wallet Corporation and is very popular among the Filipino, Vietnamese, and Thai communities.

The app allows you to accumulate points for every transaction, which you can use to pay for fees on future transfers. This gamification element, combined with a very clean user interface, makes it a strong contender. They offer both bank transfers and cash pickup in Thailand.

Pros of Smiles:

• Loyalty Points: The points system effectively lowers the cost for frequent senders.
• High Rates: They often advertise very competitive exchange rates for Asian currencies.
• User Experience: The app is modern and intuitive.

Best Budgeting Apps for Expats in Japan to Manage Yen Expenses

Comparison of Key Features

To help you decide, here is a quick comparison of the major players for Japan-to-Thailand transfers.

Feature	Wise	SBI Remit	Seven Bank	Smiles
Transfer Method	App / Online	ATM Card / App	ATM / Online	App
Receiving Method	Bank Account	Bank / Cash Pickup	Cash Pickup / Bank	Bank / Cash Pickup
Exchange Rate	Mid-market (Real)	Bank Rate (Markup)	Western Union Rate	Competitive
Transparency	Very High	High	Medium	High
Best For	Tech-savvy users	Cash depositors	24/7 Access	Frequent senders

The “My Number” Requirement

This is a crucial step that catches many new expats off guard. In Japan, strict anti-money laundering laws require that you provide your “My Number” (Individual Number) to any financial institution that handles international transfers.

Whether you sign up for Wise, SBI, or Western Union, you will be asked to upload a photo of your My Number Card or the Notification Card (if it has your current address). You cannot send money abroad without this.

If you have recently moved and haven’t updated your My Number card address, you must go to your local ward office to update it before you can register for these services.

MyNumber in Japan What Expats Need to Know for Banking and Taxes

Tax Benefits: The Silver Lining

Sending money home isn’t just an expense; it can also be a tax deduction. Under Japanese tax law, if you financially support relatives living abroad (like your parents or children in Thailand), you may be eligible for the “Dependent Deduction.”

To claim this, you need to prove two things:

1. Relationship: Birth or marriage certificates showing the relationship.
2. Remittance: Proof that you sent money to them.

This is why using official remittance services like Wise or SBI Remit is so important. They provide official statements that you can attach to your tax return (Kakutei Shinkoku) or Year-End Adjustment (Nenmatsu Chosei). Hand-carrying cash in an envelope during your holiday trip to Thailand does not count for tax deductions because there is no paper trail.

Tax Deductions in Japan: How Expats Can Claim Medical and Dependent Expenses

Using Traditional Banks: Is It Worth It?

You might be wondering, “Can’t I just use my account at Mitsubishi UFJ (MUFG) or SMBC?”

Technically, yes, you can. Major Japanese banks offer SWIFT transfers to Thailand. However, I generally advise against this for personal remittances for a few reasons.

First, the fees are high. You might pay 4,000 to 6,000 JPY just to initiate the transfer. Second, there are often intermediary bank fees deducted along the way, meaning your recipient gets less than you expected. Third, you usually have to visit a branch in person during business hours (9 AM to 3 PM), which is difficult if you are working full-time.

The exception to this rule is Sony Bank or Shinsei Bank (SBI Shinsei). These “net banks” offer much better foreign currency services than the traditional mega-banks. Sony Bank, in particular, has an excellent English wallet app that allows for relatively cheap international transfers.

Best Banks in Japan for Foreigners: Account Comparison

Safety First: Avoiding Scams

While Japan is a safe country, the world of online finance is rife with scams. Be very careful of “underground” remittance services. You might see posts on Facebook or Line groups offering “Zero Fee” transfers or exchange rates that look too good to be true.

These are often unlicensed brokers. Using them is risky. First, your money could simply be stolen. Second, if the broker is involved in money laundering, your funds could be frozen, and you could face legal trouble. Always stick to services that are licensed by the Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA).

Limits on Transfer Amounts

When sending money from Japan, there are limits to keep in mind. Most services have a per-transaction limit (often 1 million JPY) and a monthly or annual limit.

If you need to send a very large amount—perhaps you are buying a property in Bangkok—you will likely need to use a traditional bank wire transfer despite the higher fees, as apps like Wise may have caps or require additional extensive verification for large sums.

Also, remember that taking large amounts of physical cash out of Japan (over 1 million JPY) requires a customs declaration at the airport.

Taking Money Out of Japan: Currency Limits & Rules

Conclusion: Which Service Should You Choose?

Choosing the best option depends on your specific situation.

If your family in Thailand has a bank account and is comfortable with technology, Wise is likely your best bet. It puts the most money in their pocket thanks to the fair exchange rate.

If your family prefers cash pickup or if you prefer depositing cash at an ATM in Japan, SBI Remit or Seven Bank are fantastic, reliable choices.

If you send money frequently and want to earn rewards, give Smiles a try.

Sending money home is a tangible way to care for the people you love. By choosing the right service, you ensure that your hard work in Japan translates into the maximum benefit for your family in Thailand. Take a moment to set up one of these accounts this weekend—your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.

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.