To open an account with a bank
If you have your own account at bank, you utility expenses and telephone bills could be drawn automatically from your bank account. At the same time, money such as part-time job salary, could also be paid into your account automatically and living expenses and school expenses could be received easily from your parents if you have an account. To open an account, you must have been residing in Japan for at least six months. ( the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act)
However, only Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) can open an account. But it can not be used for overseas remittance for six months after opening an account.
Necessary documents for opening an account
- You must be a resident of Japan with a contact phone number to confirm the details of your account application form. “Period of Stay” on the Residence card is at least 1 year.
- Residence Card (Check if the address on the card is your current address.)
- you should write your name in katakana.
- Please select your Pin Numbers with 4 digits.(before going to bank.)
- Cash card will be sent to you later by post.
- Seal (HANKO) is required to open a bank account with Japan Postal bank, banks.
You can make stamps (HANKO) at Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ)/ Takadanobaba Ekimae. A seal on which your name in hiragana, katakana or Kanji has been engraved is OK. Even if you do not understand Japanese at all, it will explain in English. (Cost: From 500 yen)
Smart Phone(Mobile phome)
There are several mobile company in Tokyo. To buy a smart phone and begin a new smart phone service subscription, you must have a bank account in Japan. In general, you are required to present your bankbook, residence card, passport, and a statement of parental approval (for those below age 20). For details, consult the websites of the respective service providers.
- au (KDD) : au(KDD)
- Soft Bank : Softbank / Shops with English-speaking staff
- DOCOMO : docome / by phone( in English, Portuguese, Chinese, and Spanish)
