How much Japanese Yen should I exchange when going to Japan? An article explaining the costs and timing of exchanging New Taiwan Dollars for Japanese Yen

Do You Really Know How Much Yen You Need to Exchange?

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you might have already googled “JPY exchange rate,” but the real question to ask is: How much money should I exchange? How can I exchange it without overspending?

As of December 2025, the TWD to JPY rate hits 4.85, which sounds good, but the actual cost varies greatly depending on whether you exchange at the bank counter, online app, or withdraw cash at an ATM. The same 50,000 TWD could cost you an extra 2,000 TWD if you choose the wrong method.

This article will help you calculate exactly how much yen to prepare and which method is the smartest for exchanging.

First, Understand: Cash Exchange Rate vs. Spot Rate

Many people don’t realize there are several types of exchange rates banks quote. Understanding this can save you a lot of unnecessary expenses.

Cash Rate is the rate banks offer for physical cash and coins. When you walk into a bank or airport and exchange TWD directly for cash yen, you’re using this rate. The downside is obvious: it’s usually 1-2% worse than the market rate, plus possible handling fees, making it the most expensive option overall.

Spot Rate is the “real” rate in the foreign exchange market, used for electronic transfers, online currency conversions, and other non-cash transactions. This rate is close to international market prices, about 1% cheaper, but settlement takes T+2 days.

Example: Using Taiwan Bank’s rates on December 10, 2025:

• Cash sell rate: 1 JPY = 0.2060 TWD (1 TWD = 4.85 JPY)
• Online spot rate: 1 JPY ≈ 0.2053 TWD (1 TWD = 4.87 JPY)

A difference of 100 JPY may seem small, but for 500,000 JPY, it adds up to 5,000 TWD.

How Much Yen Should You Bring to Japan?

It depends on your travel days, spending habits, and payment methods.

Conservative estimate (mainly using credit cards):

• 3-5 days: prepare 200,000-300,000 JPY (about 4-6 million TWD)
• 7-10 days: prepare 300,000-500,000 JPY (about 6-10 million TWD)

Moderate spending (mix of cash + credit card, recommended approach):

• 3-5 days: 300,000-400,000 JPY (about 6-8 million TWD)
• 7-10 days: 500,000-700,000 JPY (about 10-14 million TWD)

Cash-centric (small shops, rural areas):

• Over 7 days: 800,000-1,000,000 JPY (about 16-20 million TWD)

Currency exchange calculation formula: Yen amount = TWD amount ÷ current exchange rate

At 4.85 rate, 10,000 TWD = 48,500 JPY; 50,000 TWD = 242,500 JPY.

Four Methods to Exchange Yen: Cost and Efficiency Comparison

Method 1: Bank Counter Cash Exchange (Most traditional but most expensive)

Bring cash TWD to a bank or airport counter and exchange for yen cash on the spot. Simple and convenient, but the cost is the “spread” and “handling fee.”

Rates and fees as of December 10, 2025:

Pros: Safe, convenient, full denominations, immediate cash Cons: Worst exchange rate, limited by business hours (usually 9:00-15:30), possible handling fees Estimated cost (for 50,000 TWD): loss of 1,500-2,000 TWD Suitable for: Urgent needs, unfamiliar with online methods

Method 2: Online Currency Exchange + Foreign Currency Account + ATM Withdrawal

Use bank app or online banking to convert TWD to JPY at a better spot rate, deposit into a foreign currency account. When cash is needed, withdraw from ATM. Suitable for patient users observing exchange rates.

Steps:

1. Open a foreign currency account (most banks free)
2. Use “spot sell” in app to convert
3. Withdraw cash at counter or foreign currency ATM (additional withdrawal fee)

Pros: 24/7 operation, about 1% better than counter rate, allows averaging costs over multiple transactions Cons: Need to open an account beforehand, withdrawal fees (around 100-200 TWD) Estimated cost (for 50,000 TWD): loss of 500-1,000 TWD Suitable for: Forex experienced users, those who frequently hold foreign currency accounts, or want to invest in yen (current deposit rate 1.5-1.8%)

Method 3: Online Currency Conversion + Designated Branch Pickup (Most clever pre-trip plan)

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