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MONEY IN JAPAN

When one decides to go study abroad, the first question is always about the money. Before going to Japan, there are a few things one needs to know. So here are some information about Money in Japan.

The Japanese currency is the Yen (¥).

For Exchange rates, please refer to Currency Converter by OANDA.com, The Currency Site.

It is important to note that Japanese people usually pay by cash.  So one will often need to go to an ATM to withdraw cash. Thankfully, Japan is a very safe country so there is no reason to be afraid to carry cash.

 

Shopping, saving money in Japan:

It is a cliche to say that the cost of living in Japan is high. One must simply be smart to find the right places to shop in. People get accustomed quickly to their surroundings and easily find out where to get what and for what price.

Also, there are the famous “100 Yen shops” (Can do, Daiso …) which one can see all over the country. It is possible to find almost everything there. If you need something, it is a must to check the 100 yen shop first before going to other shops. 

Check out our blog on how to save money in Japan:

Japan is a country of Mobile Coupons

 

 

Means of payment:

Japanese people usually pay by cash. Therefore, in order to make life easier in Japan, we do recommend to own a card that can be used in most ATMs. So it is necessary to open a bank account in Japan (see below) to avoid bank fees in case you are using international cards. Also, card issued abroad may not work in ATMS in Japan. 

 

How to open a Bank account in Japan:

Most of Japanese Banks provide foreign currency exchange. For foreign issued cards, some ATM may not be accessible. Please call your bank first before doing any transaction in Japan. 

If student intends to study in Japan for more than 3 months, we recommend to open a bank account. It will be convenient (and less costly) to withdraw cash from ATMs with an account in a Japanese bank. Furthermore, monthly bills (rent, phone, water, electricity, gas …) can be withdrawn directly from the bank account through the automatic transfer service, thus avoiding the troubles of having to pay the bills one by one and making sure the payments are timely. When working part-time, that will also be quite convenient. 

To open a bank account, you will need your Residence cardStudent Card and hanko.
Bankbooks are needed to manage money in Japan

Upon opening your bank account, you will be provided with a debit card and a “bankbook” on which transactions will be printed from the ATM.

When you need to close your account, you only have to bring to your bank your card(s), Residence card, bankbook and your hanko (seal) (if applicable).

To learn more about Japanese banks, formalities and other pertaining information, please click here.

 

Costs of living in Japan

In order for you to get an idea of the living cost in Japan, we have gathered some common prices for your daily life commodities:

Japanese cuisine

How much does it cost to eat out in Japan?

 

 

Products Qties Prices (in ¥)
Water (plastic bottle) 1.5 liter 100
Complete meal (inexp. restau.) 1 person 800
Eggs 12 pieces 200
Milk 1 liter 170
Butter 200 grams 250
Lettuce 1 piece 175
McDonald’s 1 set 600
Coca-Cola 0.33 l. 150
Coca-Cola (in vending machine) 0.33 l. 150
Cappuccino (in a cafe, regular size) 1 cup 350
Spaghetti 250 grams 200
Toilet paper (pack of 12 rolls) 1 pack 300
Gasoline 1 liter 150
Smartphone basic subscription 1 month 4,000
Internet provider subscription 1 month 3,500
Subway ticket (local) 1 way 200
Rent (Center of City) studio 1R 1 month 80,000
Rent (not in the center) studio 1R 1 month 55,000
Rent (Center of City) 3 bedrooms 1 month 175,000
Fitness club subscription 1 month 8,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statistics about costs in Japan

 

 

To see a simulation of the budget of an international student in Japan, you may want to check this page.