Money & Banking

Quick Answer Credit card rejections in Japan are common for foreigners in the first 1–2 years due to zero Japanese credit history. Cards foreigners reliably get approved for: Rakuten Card (easiest), Japan Post Bank Cash+ Visa Debit (not a credit card but works everywhere), SMBC Prestia Debit, and Wise Card (Mastercard, instant issuance). After 1 year in Japan with stable employment, standard credit cards become accessible. Avoid applying for multiple cards simultaneously — each rejection hurts your score. ...

Quick Answer Japanese domestic bank transfers (振込, furikomi) require: bank name, branch name (支店, shiten), account type (普通 = savings), and 7-digit account number. Transfers between same-bank accounts are usually free or low cost. Cross-bank transfers cost ¥110–880 depending on amount and whether done online vs. at a counter. Online banking (especially Rakuten Bank and PayPay Bank) makes transfers free or very cheap. ATM transfers work but cost more. International transfers from Japan require a separate process — use Wise for those. ...

Quick Answer Your first year in Japan will cost significantly more than your monthly salary calculations suggest. Major unexpected costs: apartment move-in fees (4–6x monthly rent upfront), National Health Insurance back-payments if you enroll late, residence tax bills in year two (based on year one income), pension contributions starting month one, and a second security deposit when you eventually move apartments. Budget at minimum ¥1.5–2M in non-recurring first-year costs beyond your regular living expenses. ...