Send Money to Japan from France

Sending money from France to Japan sounds like it should be simple: you have euros, they need yen, the internet exists, let’s go.
And yet, the moment you try, you’re hit with a parade of acronyms (SWIFT! BIC!), surprise fees, exchange rates that somehow feel “creative,”
and a form that asks for the recipient’s bank address like you’re mailing a postcard to a vault.

The good news: you can absolutely send money from France to Japan quickly, safely, and without donating a chunk of your transfer to hidden FX markups.
The even better news: once you understand how the pricing works (spoiler: it’s not just “the fee”), you’ll start spotting the best option in about 30 seconds.

Quick Cheat Sheet: Pick the Right Method in 60 Seconds

• Cheapest for most everyday transfers: an online money transfer service that shows fees + rate upfront.
• Best for big, official payments (property, tuition, large invoices): a bank SWIFT wirereliable, paperwork-friendly, often pricier.
• Fastest for urgent situations: instant-ish services or cash pickup (but watch the exchange rate markup).
• Best for recurring monthly transfers: services that let you save recipients and repeat transfers easily.
• Best for recipients who prefer cash: cash pickup networks (convenient, but treat it like sending cashbecause it basically is).

The Two Costs You Always Pay (Even When Someone Says “No Fees”)

Every international transfer has two price tags:

1. The transfer fee (a fixed fee or percentage).
2. The exchange rate margin (the “spread” or markup baked into the rate).

If a provider advertises “zero fee,” that’s not automatically a win. It can simply mean the cost is hiding in the exchange rate like a cat under a bed:
technically not visible, definitely still there, and you’ll notice when you try to grab your money.

A simple mindset shift

Don’t ask “What’s the fee?” Ask: “How many yen will my recipient actually receive for my euros?”
That number is where the truth lives.

Option 1: Online Money Transfer Services (Often the Best Balance)

Online transfer services typically let you send from France using a bank transfer, debit card, or credit card, and deliver funds to Japan via bank deposit
(and sometimes cash pickup, depending on the provider and location). They’re popular because:

• They’re built for cross-border transfers (instead of being an “extra feature” inside a bank portal).
• They often show fees and delivery times upfront.
• They make it easier to compare total cost in one glance.

Common delivery methods to Japan

• Bank deposit: money goes directly into the recipient’s Japanese bank account.
• Cash pickup: recipient collects cash at a partner location (handy, but use with caution).
• Card or wallet options: sometimes available, depending on the service and region.

Pros

• Competitive pricing for small-to-medium transfers (especially compared with many banks).
• Speed can be excellentsometimes same-day, sometimes within 1–2 business days.
• Great user experience: saved recipients, tracking, notifications.

Cons

• Limits can apply (especially before you fully verify your identity).
• Card payments can be more expensive than bank transfers.
• Compliance checks can occasionally pause transfers (normal, not personal).

Option 2: Bank SWIFT Wire Transfer (The “Official, Paperwork-Friendly” Route)

A traditional bank wire from France to Japan typically runs through the SWIFT network (often called an “international wire”).
It’s the route people choose when:

• They’re sending a large amount and want bank-to-bank documentation.
• The recipient is a business that prefers wires for accounting.
• They’re paying tuition, rent deposits, or major invoices where a formal trail matters.

Why bank wires can cost more than you expect

Bank wires often stack costs in multiple places:

• Outgoing wire fee: what your French bank charges to send.
• Intermediary (correspondent) bank fees: banks in the middle can take a cut.
• Receiving bank fee: the recipient’s Japanese bank may charge for incoming foreign transfers.
• FX margin: banks often add a markup to the exchange rate.

OUR vs SHA vs BEN (the “Who Pays the Fees?” alphabet soup)

When wiring internationally, you may see fee-sharing options:

• OUR: you pay all fees (including intermediary fees), so the recipient should receive the full amount sent.
• SHA: shared fees (common). You pay sending fees; the recipient may pay receiving/intermediary fees.
• BEN: beneficiary pays fees; the recipient receives less.

If your goal is “recipient gets exactly ¥X,” the fee-sharing setting matters a lot.

Option 3: Cash Pickup (Fast and Convenient, but Treat It Like Cash)

Cash pickup can be a lifesaver when the recipient needs cash quickly or doesn’t want funds landing in a bank account.
But it comes with two big cautions:

1. Scam risk: once money is picked up, it’s usually gone.
2. Pricing risk: “fast” options often have higher FX markups and/or fees.

Use cash pickup for trusted people and legitimate emergenciesnot for strangers, “online deals,” or anyone who insists it’s the only option.
That’s not a payment method; that’s a red flag wearing a trench coat.

What You Need From the Recipient in Japan (Don’t Start Without This)

The #1 cause of delays and returned transfers is missing or mismatched recipient details.
Before you hit “Send,” collect the information below and confirm spelling exactly as shown on the recipient’s bank account.

For a bank deposit to Japan, you typically need:

• Recipient full legal name (exactly as registered at their Japanese bank)
• Recipient address (sometimes required for compliance)
• Bank name
• Branch name and/or branch code (common in Japan)
• Account number (format depends on bank)
• SWIFT/BIC code for the recipient’s bank
• Bank address (some forms require it)
• Purpose of transfer (gift, family support, tuition, invoice, etc.)

Important Japan-specific note

Japan generally doesn’t use IBAN. If your French bank form insists on an IBAN field, don’t paniclook for an alternative field for account number and SWIFT/BIC,
or ask your bank how they want Japan accounts entered. Some Japanese banks publish specific instructions for inbound international remittances.

Mini checklist you can paste into a message

“Can you send me: your full name (as on bank), bank name, branch name/code, account number, bank SWIFT/BIC, bank address, and your address?”

How to Compare Providers Like a Pro (Without Becoming a Spreadsheet Person)

You don’t need to build a 14-tab Excel workbook titled “JPY TRANSFER DOMINATION PLAN.”
You just need three numbers:

1. Total fees (including card fees if you pay by card)
2. Exchange rate used (and whether it includes a markup)
3. Final amount received in JPY

A realistic example (hypothetical numbers)

Say you’re sending €1,000 to Japan.

• Provider A: €2 fee, but a slightly worse rate. Recipient gets ¥X.
• Provider B: €6 fee, but a better rate. Recipient gets ¥X + 1,500.

Provider B can be cheaper overalleven with a higher feebecause the exchange rate difference matters more than the headline fee.
Always compare by JPY received, not by “fee size.”

Speed and Timing: Why “Today” Sometimes Means “Next Tuesday”

Transfer timing depends on:

• Payment method: bank transfer vs card
• Delivery method: bank deposit vs cash pickup
• Bank processing windows: cutoff times, weekends, and holidays
• Compliance checks: larger or unusual transfers can trigger verification

Common timing patterns

• Online services: minutes to 1–2 business days (varies by provider and method).
• Bank SWIFT wires: often 1–3+ business days, sometimes longer if intermediaries are involved.

Pro tip: If you need the money to arrive on a specific date in Japan, send it early and avoid Fridays.
Time zones plus bank schedules can turn “Friday afternoon in Paris” into “Monday morning in Tokyo… eventually.”

Safety Tips: Keep Your Money Out of the Hands of Weirdos

International transfers are magnets for scams because they can be hard to reverse. A few habits reduce your risk dramatically:

• Verify identity: if you’re sending money to a person, confirm via a second channel (call, video, known contact).
• Double-check bank details: one wrong digit can send your money on a vacation you didn’t fund.
• Don’t trust urgency: “Send now or else” is the scammer’s love language.
• Use official apps/sites: avoid links from messages; type the site yourself.
• Save receipts and reference numbers: tracking matters.

Step-by-Step: Send Money to Japan from France (Two Easy Playbooks)

Playbook A: Online transfer service (fast setup, often best value)

1. Choose your provider based on JPY received, speed, and delivery method.
2. Create an account and complete identity verification (KYC) if prompted.
3. Enter the amount in EUR (or sometimes JPY) and review the final JPY payout.
4. Select delivery method (bank deposit or cash pickup).
5. Add recipient details carefully: name, bank, branch, account number, SWIFT/BIC, address if needed.
6. Pick payment method (bank transfer is often cheaper than card).
7. Confirm and send, then track the transfer.
8. Share tracking details with the recipient if relevant (especially for cash pickup).

Playbook B: Bank SWIFT wire (best for large, formal transfers)

1. Get recipient’s bank wire instructions (SWIFT/BIC, bank/branch details, account number, bank address).
2. Log into your French bank (or visit a branch if required).
3. Choose international transfer / SWIFT wire and enter recipient details.
4. Select currency (EUR or JPY) and fee type (OUR/SHA/BEN) if offered.
5. Review fees and confirm the exchange rate being applied.
6. Submit and save proof (receipt, reference number, confirmation message).
7. Follow up if the recipient doesn’t see funds after the estimated window.

Common Problems (and How to Fix Them Without Crying)

1) “Recipient name doesn’t match”

Japanese banks can be strict about exact name matching. Ask the recipient for the precise spelling and formatting used on their bank account.

2) “Money arrived short”

This often happens with bank wires when intermediary or receiving fees are deducted (especially under SHA or BEN).
If you need an exact amount delivered, consider OUR (if available) or use a service that quotes a guaranteed recipient amount.

3) “Transfer pending / compliance review”

Not uncommonespecially for first-time transfers, larger amounts, or unusual patterns. Provide requested documents promptly (ID, proof of funds, invoice, etc.).

4) “My bank form demands IBAN”

Japan generally doesn’t use IBAN. Look for a workaround in your bank’s international transfer fields (account number + SWIFT/BIC),
or contact support for the correct entry method for Japanese accounts.

FAQ

Is it cheaper to send EUR and let the recipient convert, or send JPY?

It depends on who offers the better exchange rate and what fees apply. If your provider’s EUR→JPY conversion is competitive and transparent,
sending JPY can make the recipient experience smoother. If the recipient has access to great FX rates on their side, sending EUR might be fine.
Compare both paths by the final JPY value after all costs.

What’s the safest method?

Safety is about the provider’s security and your own verification habits. Bank wires are formal and trackable, but not always reversible.
Online services can be extremely secure toojust make sure you use official apps, enable two-factor authentication, and verify recipients.

Will the recipient need to do anything in Japan?

For bank deposits, typically they just receive fundsthough their bank may contact them for compliance questions for certain transfers.
For cash pickup, they’ll usually need an ID and a reference number.

Wrap-Up: The Best Way to Send Money to Japan from France

Most people get the best mix of price, speed, and convenience using an online money transfer serviceespecially for personal transfers,
family support, and everyday needs. Bank SWIFT wires shine when you need formal documentation for large transfers,
but they can be more expensive and less transparent on final costs.

Whichever route you choose, the winning formula is always the same:
compare by JPY received, confirm recipient details, and treat urgency as suspicious until proven otherwise.

Real Experiences: What It’s Actually Like Sending Money France → Japan ()

The first time I sent money from France to Japan, I thought it would be a two-click situation: enter amount, enter name, done.
Instead, I met the international transfer formthe digital equivalent of an airport customs line. It wanted the recipient’s bank address.
Not the branch name. Not the city. The address. I had to text my friend in Tokyo like, “Hey, quick question: where does your bank live?”
(Turns out banks have very specific homes.)

On attempt #1, I made the classic mistake: I focused on the fee. The provider I picked had a smaller fee, so I felt like a financial genius.
Then I checked how many yen the recipient would get and realized the exchange rate was doing its own little side hustle.
The “cheap” transfer quietly became more expensive than the option with the slightly higher fee. Lesson learned: the fee is just the cover charge.
The exchange rate is where the club makes its money.

Another time, I tried a bank wire for a larger payment and discovered the joy of intermediary bank fees. My transfer arrived in Japan,
but the recipient got less than expected. Nobody “stole” itfees were deducted along the way like toll roads on a cross-country trip.
After that, whenever I needed an exact amount delivered, I either chose an option that clearly quoted the recipient’s final amount
or I paid closer attention to who was responsible for fees (the whole OUR/SHA/BEN thing).

Timing has its own personality too. I once sent a transfer late on a Friday in France, feeling smug about “getting it done before the weekend.”
Tokyo did not share my enthusiasm. Banks don’t process everything on weekends, and time zones don’t care about my feelings.
The money showed up after a couple of business days, which is normalbut it taught me to send earlier when the date matters.
If the recipient needs funds by Tuesday in Japan, I send on Thursday or Wednesday in France and sleep better.

The most practical habit I’ve picked up is the “recipient details copy-paste ritual.” I ask for the recipient’s details in one message,
paste them into the transfer form, then read them out loud (yes, out loud) digit by digit for account numbers and codes.
It sounds ridiculousuntil you realize one wrong number can delay a transfer or bounce it back.
Also, I always confirm the recipient name exactly as registered at their bank. Japan can be strict about name matching,
and that small detail can be the difference between “delivered” and “why is this still pending?”

Finally: scams. Any time someone pushes for a wire or cash pickup “right now,” I slow down. Real emergencies are real,
but scammers love urgency because it bypasses your common sense. My rule is simple: if someone pressures me to send money fast,
I verify them twice. If they get mad about verification, that’s basically the scam admitting defeat.