03.21.2025

Smiles Success Stories: Alan’s Life Journey from Venezuela to Japan

Smiles Mobile Remittance, known as Japan’s most popular global mobile money transfer service, is dedicated to supporting hardworking individuals who send money overseas to their families back home. Smiles helps create a better life for people working abroad and promotes peace and sustainability within the international community.

Loved by loyal customers since the beginning, Smiles is now excited to “Share Smiles” by telling inspiring stories from users worldwide. These stories showcase how Smiles Mobile Remittance provides its service to people determined to achieve their dreams and support their loved ones, no matter where they are.

Meet Alan!

I’m from Venezuela, from the state of Apure. I’ve been riding horses since I was 13, and now, at 37, I’m still dedicated to this profession, although in Venezuela I rode them for racing, and here it’s more for exercising and caring for them.

I’ve learned a lot from my parents. All the principles they taught me have shaped me. They instilled in me the right to do good and right things. I never took the wrong path, always studied and pursued a professional career. They’ve pushed me to be a better person and thank God.

Hardships and challenges that made you a stronger person

The last time [I was challenged] was before coming to Japan. The situation in Venezuela was difficult. In 2020, I had a contract to come to Japan, but unfortunately, due to the pandemic, I couldn’t go. It was delayed for almost three years—it was completely halted. Just three days before my flight, the airports were shut down.

I had even thrown a farewell party with my friends and family, and given away everything I owned, and when my flight was canceled, I was left with nothing. I felt very sad, but my parents told me that God’s timing is perfect. Everything happens when it’s meant to.

Proudest moment(s) since starting your journey living abroad

I recently fulfilled one of my dreams—buying a fundo (a farm). It’s a piece of land where you can raise all kinds of animals—cattle, pigs, etc. It was a very special gift for my parents.

I feel super proud of myself and incredibly grateful because it was always my parents’ dream. I’ll probably cry with them when I go back. My next goal is to buy equipment to help with the farm, like tractors and more.

Life lessons and advice for living overseas

The culture [in Japan] is very different from ours, so you’ll encounter all kinds of limits, including trash, order and silence (even the car horn isn’t honked). It’s a beautiful culture; everything is professional, well-prepared and everyone is decent.

My advice: Adapt to the culture because it’s not easy. The rules are very strict, and you have to abide by them. Work hard and achieve your dreams and focus on your goals.

Why do you choose Smiles to send money?

Since I arrived here, my fellow foreign friends introduced me to Smiles. They told me it was very good, and so far, everything seems perfect. The service is also very good—really great in that aspect.

Join the Smiles Family

Smiles strives to “Share Smiles” all over the world and aims to connect migrant workers in the international community. To join the Smiles Family in Japan, Canada and/or Singapore and follow one of the Smiles Facebook fan pages: