Banking

Banks are open from 9 am - 3 pm, Monday to Friday and closed at the weekend and on national holidays.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs ) are available at varying times. Since the so called "Big Bang" of April 1st 1998, bank machines have been opening longer on working days, at the weekend and on national holidays. In Tokyo many banks now have 24 hour ATMs available for daily use. However, opening hours for ATMs will vary by city, bank and branch. In Sayama, some ATMs are closed on national holidays. However, the branch of Asahi Bank near the west side of Sayama Station is available for business from 8 am - 9pm on weekdays, and from 9 am - 5 pm at weekends or on national holidays.

Using an ATM out of the bank’s working hours often results in a charge for a withdrawal depending on the time. For example, the Sanwa Bank charges Y105 for a withdrawal made between 6 pm - 9 pm. Check your bank’s policy on this to avoid unnecessary fees.

Almost anything can be done at an ATM. Look at the ATM page for a few more details.

You can use your bank card in machines of other banks that are part of the same ATM network.

For example, Sanwa is part of MICS. If you have an account at Sanwa and use an ATM of another bank belonging to MICS you will be charged a small fee (about Y105) and this will double if using it out of working hours (about Y210).

It is possible to pay bills directly from your bank account by direct debit/electronic transfer.

There is no such thing as a personal cheque in Japan. Most transactions are done by transferring money between banks. There are no bank statements so you must keep your bank book up to date when you visit a machine.

Most banks exchange foreign currency and have travellers cheques. It is also possible to send money home although a visit to a bigger branch may be necessary for this.

Cash advances using a credit card from your home country are also possible but your card will not work in ATMs unless this is specifically stated on the machine.

Need some money from the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)? Does fear strike in your heart with all those Chinese characters and Japanese script?

Press here and fear no longer.

Home - Daily Life - Shopping - Japanese Language - Culture - Recreation - Medical Information - The Telephone - Things Foreign - Visa Information - Leaving - Chinese Zodiac