RetireJapan

Good morning everyone,

I have a fairly basic question. This year, I'll need to travel more and more, to the point that I'm wondering if I shouldn't keep some deposit in foreign currencies.

I have my Shinsei Bank account. However, going through the FAQ and so on, should I understand that their foreign currency deposit is to be used as an investment tool, without actually ever considering a withdrawal in cash?
What if I want to invest some money but at the same time be able to withdraw some cash in the foreign currency when I travel?

I believe you need to get their GAICA prepaid card, which is separate from their other foreign currency accounts, and comes with a 3.5% load fee for non-JPY currencies.

Better to just use https://wise.com/.

I've never considered Wise but they've sure become popular in the recent days...

Thank you, I'll have a look at those two options!

SMBC Trust Prestia is another option. Their debit card allows you to withdraw from foreign currency accounts, and is also an ATM card.

I believe Sony Bank also has a foreign currency account Visa/ATM card what can be used overseas.

Hi everyone,

Thank you as always for the various advices.

I'd like to add a point: diving in the Gaica Prepaid Card, it seems that the load fee can be reimbursed, provided that you're at least at the silver stage on their Step Up Program.

I would also recommend SMBC's Prestia Global pass card. My daughter is using this overseas at uni and it's very easy for me to put money in the account here.