Send Money from Ireland to Japan

Send Money from Ireland to Japan: The Complete EUR to JPY Transfer Guide

Sending money from Ireland to Japan is a common need for families with relatives abroad, expats supporting loved ones back home, or businesses making international payments. The EUR to JPY corridor involves converting euros to Japanese yen, and you'll typically send between €100 and €10,000 per transfer. Your choice of provider will determine whether you pay 3-8% more than the real exchange rate, and whether your money arrives in hours or days. This guide walks you through every step so you get the best rate and lowest fees.

Step 1: Understand Hidden Fees Before You Start

Banks and money transfer services make money two ways: flat fees (€5-€25 per transfer) and exchange rate markup. The markup is the sneaky one. When you transfer €1,000, the provider converts it to yen at their internal rate, not the real market rate. A typical bank might give you a rate that's 4-6% worse than the mid-market rate. Digital providers (Wise, Remitly, Revolut, WorldRemit) are transparent about this: Wise typically marks up by 0.5-1%, while banks hide a 4-8% markup inside their quoted rate. Always ask: what is the real exchange rate today, and what rate are they actually giving you?

Step 2: Choose Between Banks and Digital Providers

Your Irish bank can send money to Japan, but you'll pay heavily for convenience. Banks typically add €8-€20 in fees plus that hidden 4-8% exchange rate markup. Digital providers beat them decisively. Wise shows you the exact mid-market rate and charges only 0.5-1% markup plus a small flat fee (usually €1-€3). Remitly, Revolut, and WorldRemit offer similar transparency and pricing. For a €1,000 transfer, your bank might cost you €60-€90 in hidden costs. The same transfer with Wise costs €5-€15. The difference is worth switching providers.

Step 3: Decide on Speed: Instant or Standard

Most providers offer two speeds. Standard transfers take 1-3 business days and cost less (or are free). Instant transfers arrive within hours but charge a premium—typically €2-€5 extra. Use standard for routine transfers. Use instant only when you genuinely need the money in Japan within hours, such as an emergency or a time-sensitive business payment. For most senders, standard transfers arrive by the next business day anyway, making the instant option unnecessary.

Step 4: Set Up Your Account and Verify Identity

Choose your provider (Wise is the gold standard for transparency), download the app, and verify your Irish identity with a passport or driver's license. Link your Irish bank account. The app will ask for your recipient's details: their Japanese bank account number, bank code, and branch code. This information is printed on their Japanese bank statement or available through their bank's website. Japan Post Bank (Yucho), the largest bank by depositors in Japan, has branches nationwide, making it a common choice for receiving transfers. MUFG Bank is the other major recipient bank. Most digital providers can deliver directly to accounts at both banks.

Step 5: Send the Money and Confirm Delivery

Enter the amount in euros you want to send. The app shows you the exact yen amount your recipient will get, the fee, and the exchange rate. Review these numbers carefully—they're locked in. Authorize the payment from your Irish bank account. Keep your confirmation email. Standard transfers typically arrive within 1-2 business days. Digital providers send a tracking number so you can check status anytime.

Step 6: Know the Regulatory Context

Standard banking regulations apply for sending money from Ireland to Japan. Both countries are in the SWIFT system, and transfers are processed through established international banking channels. No special tax forms are required from the Irish side for personal transfers under €10,000.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Send on weekdays: Transfers initiated Friday evening may not process until Monday, delaying arrival.
• Watch rate alerts: Set up a rate alert in Wise or your provider's app. When EUR/JPY hits your target rate, send immediately rather than waiting for a better rate.
• Batch smaller transfers: Sending €500 monthly costs less in cumulative fees than sending €100 weekly.
• Use the recipient's bank account rather than cash pickup: Bank deposits arrive faster and are fully traceable.