Managing Finances Without Japanese Fluency

A Practical Guide for Foreign Residents in Tokyo

Living in Tokyo without knowing Japanese can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to managing your finances. From opening a bank account and understanding your bills, to paying taxes and sending money home, the Japanese financial system comes with its own language and cultural barriers. But don’t worry: thousands of non-Japanese speakers thrive in Tokyo every day. This guide will walk you through practical, step-by-step strategies to handle your personal finances—even if you don’t speak a word of Japanese.

1. Open a Foreigner-Friendly Bank Account

Your financial life in Japan begins with a bank account.

Best Banks for Non-Japanese Speakers:

• Shinsei Bank (English online banking and phone support)

• Prestia SMBC (Multilingual staff at major branches)

• Japan Post Bank (Yucho) (Widespread ATM coverage, simple procedures)

• Rakuten Bank / Sony Bank (Online-only, can be used with translation tools)

Requirements:

• Residence card

• Japanese phone number

• Proof of address (utility bill or lease)

• Hanko (stamp) may be requested

Tip: Use a bank with English online banking to monitor your account and make transfers without stress.

2. Understand Your Bills and Statements

Monthly bills in Japan include:

• Electricity / Gas / Water

• Internet / Mobile Phone

• Credit cards / Insurance / Pension

Common Terms:

• ご請求書 (Goseikyūsho) – Billing statement

• 支払期限 (Shiharai kigen) – Payment due date

• 合計 (Gōkei) – Total amount

• 振込先 (Furikomisaki) – Bank account for transfer

Tools to Help:

• Google Translate app with camera scan

• DeepL or Yomiwa app for real-time translations

• Japanese friends or coworkers (don’t hesitate to ask)

3. Paying Bills Without Japanese

Even if the bill is in Japanese, payment is easy with:

Option 1: Convenience Stores

• Use the barcode on the bill

• Go to Lawson, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, etc.

• Say: 「これを払いたいです」(Kore o haraitai desu) – “I’d like to pay this.”

Option 2: Online Banking or App

• Shinsei, Prestia, and Rakuten offer English-friendly platforms

• Use kanji copy/paste from your bill for furikomi (bank transfer)

Option 3: Automatic Debit

• Set up through your provider or bank

• Avoids late fees and paperwork

4. Mobile Payment Apps

Cashless life is possible without Japanese.

Recommended Apps:

• PayPay – Japan’s most popular, widely accepted

• Rakuten Pay

• LINE Pay

• Suica / PASMO (transport cards that double as payment tools)

These apps have partial English UI and can be linked to your credit/debit card.

5. Budgeting Without Japanese Tools

Stay in control of your money with tools like:

• Money Forward ME (with browser auto-translate)

• Zaim – Advanced budget tracking (Japanese UI)

• Google Sheets + manual entry

• YNAB (You Need a Budget) – Great for USD/JPY dual tracking

If possible, link your Japanese bank to your budgeting app. Some foreigner-friendly banks like Shinsei and Rakuten allow this.

6. Managing Taxes and Government Payments

Japan’s tax system is paperwork-heavy and largely in Japanese.

What You Might Need to Pay:

• Resident tax (住民税)

• National health insurance (国民健康保険)

• Pension (年金)

• Income tax (所得税)

Strategies:

• Use the English tax guide from your city or ward office (many now provide one)

• Ask your HR department or school admin for help

• Hire an English-speaking tax accountant (from ¥10,000 per session)

• Use translation apps to read tax bills

Tip: Resident tax and insurance are often billed by mail with QR or barcode for combini payment.

7. Currency Exchange & International Transfers

Best Ways to Send Money Abroad:

• Wise (formerly TransferWise) – Low fees, great exchange rate, English UI

• Revolut – Supports multi-currency wallets, no Japanese needed

• Western Union / MoneyGram – Available at convenience stores or banks

• Bank wire transfer – Shinsei and Prestia offer English support

Avoid ATM withdrawals with foreign cards unless necessary—they come with high fees.

8. Credit Cards for Non-Japanese Speakers

Easy-to-Apply Cards:

• Rakuten Card

• EPOS Card (English applications sometimes available)

• Line Pay Card / Prepaid Visa

What You Need:

• Stable income

• Address and residence card

• Japanese phone number

Note: Some banks reject foreign applicants without long-term status. Start with prepaid or debit cards if needed.

9. Investing Without Japanese

While many local investing platforms are Japanese-only (e.g., SBI, Rakuten Securities), options exist:

English-Friendly Investment Options:

• Interactive Brokers – Global platform, JPY support

• Wise Assets – For USD-based investing

• Cryptocurrency platforms like Binance Japan (limited English support)

You can also:

• Use international robo-advisors like WealthNavi (basic Japanese but visual UI)

• Buy foreign ETFs via global accounts

10. Health Insurance and Unexpected Medical Costs

National Health Insurance (NHI)

• 70% of basic care is covered

• Enroll at your ward office

• Bills can be paid monthly via convenience store or auto-debit

Private Insurance:

• Providers like AXA, Sompo, or Cigna offer English services

• Useful for dental, maternity, or hospitalization

Always bring your insurance card to the hospital or clinic.

11. Dealing with Scams or Fraud

Scams targeting foreigners include:

• Fake “bank update” emails

• “You missed your utility bill” phone calls

• Overpriced remittance agents

What You Can Do:

• Never send money or info without verifying

• Stick to well-known banks and providers

• Report to local police or city hall foreigner helpdesk if unsure

12. Financial Help & Support Services

You’re not alone. There are many services for expats:

• Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL) – 24/7 English support

• Your city’s international exchange center (e.g., Shinjuku Multicultural Plaza)

• Foreigner support desks at ward offices

• Facebook expat communities – Tokyo Expat Network, Tokyo Free Advice

13. Banking for Digital Nomads or Remote Workers

If you earn income from abroad:

• Use Wise or Revolut to receive payments

• Open a multi-currency account with Shinsei or Prestia

• Maintain USD savings if needed

You may still owe Japanese taxes if residing more than 183 days/year.

14. When You Leave Japan

Before leaving:

• Close your bank account

• Settle all utilities and taxes

• Notify insurance and pension offices

• Use Wise or another service to transfer your remaining funds

Final Words

You don’t need fluent Japanese to manage your finances in Tokyo. With the right tools, trusted providers, and a little preparation, you can confidently handle budgeting, bills, banking, and taxes. Choose English-friendly services, embrace technology, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Living in Japan becomes much easier when your money is under control.