Advice should I change my Euro’s and invest it into NISA

[Oliver]

I have been sitting on a bunch of Euro for the last ten years as a emergency fund. Recently with the current inflation and the weakening of the yen my Euro have become more valuable than in past years. My wife recommended that we change it and invest it into NISA eMAXIS all country as it has preformed very well in my opinion.
(By the way I do have emergency money in yen, this was the buffer of the buffers)

So the question is: Is this a good idea?
What would you do if you were me?

If yes, where would you change Euro’s?
We thought the airport would give us the best rate.

[RetireJapan]

Euro notes?

[Oliver]

Euro bills

[beanhead]

We thought the airport would give us the best rate.

My understanding is the opposite. Airports give the worst rates.
If you are in Tokyo there are specialist money-changers which give better rates, I think.
Other major cities will also have them, but in the middle of the countryside in Kochi or Hokkaido, that may not be an option.

[Deep Blue]

I'd suggest depositing it into a euro denominated bank account and then changing to yen using a service like Wise. You're always going to get a bad rate with cash transfers.

[Oliver]

Euro dominated bank account? What does that mean?
Are there bank in Japan that will accept Euro bill?
Unfortunately that what I gave. A bunch of bills.

[Tsumitate Wrestler]

Banks like SMBC allow for the depositing of foreign currency. https://www.smbctb.co.jp/en/service/fee ... rency_cash

However, I would think it would be easier/cheaper.

1. Go to a physical store with good rates. https://www.interbank.co.jp/ninja/
2. Change for Euros for Yen
3. Deposit the yen.
4. You can then do whatever you like from there.

[Oliver]

Thank you for all the good, valuable advice about how to change money in Japan!

[beanhead]

Banks like SMBC allow for the depositing of foreign currency.

Not SMBC. Just SMBC Trust, isn't it?
Similar names but quite different accounts available. Prestia from SMBC Trust is a bit unique.

[Tsumitate Wrestler]

Banks like SMBC allow for the depositing of foreign currency.

Not SMBC. Just SMBC Trust, isn't it?
Similar names but quite different accounts available. Prestia from SMBC Trust is a bit unique.

The link is for Prestia.