Opening a bank account in Japan

There are many banks in Japan. Check your current bank to get information about partnerships that could exist between your bank and Japanese banks.

An Alien card is compulsory to open a bank account in Japan. The address on your Alien card must be valid. Postal boxes are forbidden. Your bank in Japan may ask you to provide an « Inkan » signature, which is a kind of personal seal that you can buy in specialized stores. You will get a debit card without difficulties.

With a Japanese debit card, you can withdraw cash in ATM's, pay your bills and transfer money abroad.

For your information, the documents checklist to open a bank account at Shinsei Bank is available at http://www.shinseibank.com/.

 Good to know:

Foreign credit cards are barely accepted in Japan (excepted in major department stores, post offices, airports…).

 Useful links:

Shinsei Bank

http://www.shinseibank.com/english/

HSBC Japan

http://www.hsbc.co.jp/1/2/home

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