A Quick Guide to Understanding Japanese ATMs

Living in Japan can be exciting, but managing money is not always easy, especially if you are still learning the language. 

Have you ever wondered how to use a Japanese ATM, what certain bank kanji mean, or why some buttons look confusing? If so, you are not alone. Many foreigners search online for help with Japanese banking terms, 

Here is a quick guide to understanding essential keywords and phrases for managing your money in Japan, especially when using ATMs or sending money. 

Common Japanese banking and ATM words

The table below shows some of the most common kanji you will see at Japanese ATMs and banks. 

Kanji	Hiragana/Romaji	Meaning
預け入れ	あずけいれ (azukeire)	Deposit
引き出し	ひきだし (hikidashi)	Withdrawal
残高	ざんだか (zandaka)	Balance
暗証番号	あんしょうばんごう (anshō bangō)	PIN
振込	ふりこみ (furikomi)	Transfer
口座	こうざ (kōza)	Bank account
銀行	ぎんこう (ginkō)	Bank
手数料	てすうりょう (tesūryō)	Fee or charge

Knowing these words can make ATM screens much easier to understand and help you avoid mistakes. 

Japanese words for sending money

If you send money in Japan, either locally or overseas, you may also see the following terms. 

Kanji	Hiragana/romaji	Meaning
送金	そうきん (sōkin)	Remittance
海外送金	かいがいそうきん (kaigai sōkin)	International remittance
受取人	うけとりにん (uketorinin)	Recipient
振込手数料	ふりこみてすうりょう (furikomi tesūryō)	Transfer fee
為替レート	かわせレート (kawase rēto)	Exchange rate

These words are often used in bank forms, online banking pages and remittance services. 

Extra helpful money-related kanji 

You may also come across these terms when managing your finances in Japan: 

Kanji	Romaji	Meaning
利用明細	riyō meisai	Transaction history
営業時間	eigyō jikan	Business hours
入金	nyūkin	Funds received
出金	shukkin	Funds sent out

Sending money without the language stress

Learning Japanese banking kanji can help, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. 

With Smiles Mobile Remittance, you can send money easily without worrying about Japanese ATM screens or complex bank forms. The app is accessible in multiple languages, making it easier for foreigners in Japan to send money with confidence. 

You can also check live exchange rates anytime before sending, so you know exactly how much  your family will receive. 

Visit our exchange rate pages to stay updated and decide the best time to send money home.