How Much Money Should I Bring?

Unfortunately, this is a case of 'Every Situation is Different'.

How Much?
The general information handbook recommends that you bring ￥250,000. This should be more than enough. The amount you need will vary based upon your rent, any rental deposits, and the date of your first pay day. Your predecessor and your contracting organisation are great resources to help you estimate how much your first month in Japan may cost you. It is alway better to be overly prepared than broke.

Cash, Credit, or Cheque?
While Japan is a safe enough country that you could feasibly bring all of your money in cash, this is not recommended. JP50,000-60,000 yen in cash is a good amount, with the rest as Traveler's Cheques or withdraw it via ATM and your debit/ATM card. Travelers' cheques can be cashed in all major cities, but may be difficult to cash if you are in rural areas. You can withdraw money from your bank account in all postal ATMs, all ATMs in 7-11s, and some other ATMs. There have been reports of new JETs losing their wallet, their passport, and all of their money on their first night out of TOA, so be safe and be aware of your money.

Money and Customs
There is no limit to the total amount of means of payment that may be brought into or taken out of Japan. However, if you transport means of payment exceeding JP 1,000,000 yen or its equivalent or precious metal (more than 90% purity gold only) exceeding 1 kg. of total weight, you are required to report this to Japanese Customs.

For more information, please contact the Japanese Customs Service: Tokyo Customs HQ 5-30 Konan 5-chome Minato-ku, Tokyo 108

(T) 011-81-3-3742-7001