Choosing the Right Transfer Service
Sending money to family in Indonesia is a regular need for Indonesian citizens living in Japan. Choosing the right service can save hundreds of thousands of yen per year due to significant differences in transfer fees and exchange rates between services.
Comparison of Transfer Services
| Service | Transfer Fee | Exchange Rate | Speed | Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 1,000-3,000 yen | Market rate (best) | 1-2 business days | 1 million yen | App/Web |
| SBI Remit | 480-1,480 yen | Quite good | Instant - 1 day | 1 million yen | App/Konbini |
| GoRemit (Shinsei) | 2,000 yen | Good | 2-4 business days | 5 million yen | Online banking |
| Western Union | 2,000-5,000 yen | Not very good | A matter of minutes | Varies | Konbini/Agent |
| PayPay Remittance | 0 yen (promo) | Good | 1-3 days | 500,000/month | App |
| Yucho International | 2,500-7,500 yen | Not very good | 3-7 business days | Unlimited | Post office |
| Dokodemo Okuri | 500-1,500 yen | Quite good | 1-2 days | 500,000 yen | App |
Recommendation #1: Wise
Wise uses the mid-market rate without any hidden markups:
- Download Wise and create an account
- Verify your identity with your Residence Card
- Select the amount of JPY to send
- Enter the recipient's bank account details in Indonesia
- Transfer to the Wise Japan account via bank transfer or debit card
- The money arrives in 1-2 business days
Simulation: Send 100,000 yen via Wise (rate 107.5, fee 1,500 yen) = recipient gets Rp 10,588,750. Via a traditional bank (rate 104, fee 5,000 yen) = Rp 9,880,000. A difference of Rp 708,750 more via Wise.
Recommendation #2: SBI Remit
Popular among Indonesian citizens because you can send money via konbini ATMs 24 hours a day:
- Register on the SBI Remit app and verify your identity
- Create a transfer order in the app
- Pay at a konbini ATM (Lawson, FamilyMart) using the reference number
- The money arrives within a few hours to 1 business day
For Emergencies: Western Union
If the recipient doesn't have a bank account or needs the money immediately:
- Money can be picked up in minutes at a WU agent in Indonesia
- Send from a konbini or a WU agent in Japan
- Fees are higher and the exchange rate is less competitive; use only for emergencies
Tips for Saving on Transfer Fees
- Send larger amounts at once - Sending 200,000 yen once is cheaper than sending 50,000 yen 4 times
- Monitor the exchange rate - Use the Wise or XE app to track the daily rate
- Avoid weekends/holidays - Rates are usually less favorable outside of market hours
- Take advantage of promos - SBI Remit and Wise often offer free transfer promos for new users
- Compare in real-time - Check monito.com for a comparison of rates between services
Regulations to Be Aware Of
- Transfers over 1 million yen: Reporting to the Bank of Japan is mandatory
- My Number: Some services require a My Number for verification
- Large amounts: Proof of the source of funds may be required
- Keep proof of transfer: Important for claiming tax deductions for dependents
Alternative: Bringing Cash
When returning to Indonesia:
- Japan: A declaration is mandatory if carrying more than 1 million yen out of the country
- Indonesia: A declaration is mandatory if bringing in more than the equivalent of USD 10,000
- Exchanging yen for rupiah in Indonesia usually offers a better rate
For regular monthly transfers, Wise or SBI Remit are the best choices. For emergencies, Western Union is unparalleled. The key is to always compare exchange rates before sending and try to send large amounts at once.