I plan to study in Japan next Spring, thus I need to open up a bank account there. I’ve checked some of the advices, and it seems I should first open the account at Japan post bank with a cash card. Is it really difficult to open up account in large banks like MUFG as an international student? Some people told me that Japan post bank only offers a cash card, which is different from normal debit card, so I have to open up a debit card account elsewhere after a few months. Is this really the case?
Also since my programme is English-taught, I might not be able to communicate fluently by then. Am I still able to go through the process by myself?
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**Opening up a Bank account after arriving in Japan**
I plan to study in Japan next Spring, thus I need to open up a bank account there. I’ve checked some of the advices, and it seems I should first open the account at Japan post bank with a cash card. Is it really difficult to open up account in large banks like MUFG as an international student? Some people told me that Japan post bank only offers a cash card, which is different from normal debit card, so I have to open up a debit card account elsewhere after a few months. Is this really the case?
Also since my programme is English-taught, I might not be able to communicate fluently by then. Am I still able to go through the process by myself?
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yes, you will more than likely need to open a JP Post Bank account. Part of it has to do with having limits on overseas payments which you can lift after 6 months of residency (obviously visa length dependent) and by getting your My Number card.
They will probably not speak English to you. Depends where you study, though. I lived in Kyoto for a year and my amount of English interactions was next to nil – no joking. You will get very good at Japanese! I recommend go with a translation app or try find someone to help you from your student services.
There is very little English here other than at tourist trap locations. Don’t expect English basically anywhere that tourists don’t visit, such as a bank or post office.
But they are very kind and will put up with you using translation, the application can also be mostly done online self service which is easier to translate.
You will need to start with JP post if you’re a student, major banks won’t touch you unless you’re a well paid expat with a large company behind you saying ‘give this person a bank account please’.