How much does it cost to travel to Japan to make it worthwhile? A smart way to understand converting TWD to JPY at once

When it comes to traveling abroad, many people’s first thought is Japan. But before you depart, have you ever been stuck on the question of “how to exchange yen most cost-effectively”? Today, we’ll break down the real exchange rates, bank rates, and withdrawal fees so you can understand: what seems like a complicated currency exchange choice is actually a game of “cost minimization.”

Why has exchanging yen become a nationwide movement now?

By December 2025, the TWD to JPY exchange rate reaches 4.85, up from 4.46 at the beginning of the year, with the yen appreciating nearly 9%. Don’t underestimate this number—exchanging 100,000 TWD means a difference of over 4,000 NT dollars. No wonder not only travelers are asking about this lately, but investors are also paying attention to the yen.

From everyday travel needs to long-term asset allocation, the yen’s uses are broader than you think:

Travel and shopping needs directly: Shopping in Tokyo and Osaka, many stores still only accept cash (credit card penetration is about 60%). Skiing in Hokkaido and vacations in Okinawa are the same.

Popular for purchasing online and via agents: People buying Japanese cosmetics, fashion, and anime merchandise usually pay directly in yen.

The role of a safe-haven asset cannot be ignored: The yen, along with the USD and Swiss Franc, is one of the world’s three major safe-haven currencies. When markets are turbulent, funds flow into the yen. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, the yen appreciated 8% in a week, while the stock market fell 10%—making it a good hedge for Taiwanese investors against Taiwan stocks.

What you need to know before visiting Japan: How to exchange 50,000 to 200,000 TWD most cheaply

Based on the latest data in December 2025, we’ve organized common ways to exchange yen. For example, with 50,000 TWD, the cost difference among methods can reach up to 1,700 NT dollars—enough to buy many souvenirs.

Method 1: Foreign currency ATMs — The most convenient emergency solution

Use a chip-enabled bank card to withdraw cash in yen directly from foreign currency ATMs at banks, operational 24/7, even on holidays. Cross-bank fees are only about 5 NT dollars, deducted directly from your TWD account without extra charges.

Taking E.SUN Bank’s foreign currency ATM as an example, the daily limit for withdrawal in yen from a TWD account is NT$150,000, with no currency exchange fee.

But note: There are only about 200 foreign currency ATMs nationwide, and during peak times (especially airports), cash often runs out. The denominations are fixed at 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen—no options. By the end of 2025, ATM withdrawal services in Japan will require an international card (Mastercard/Cirrus).

Cost estimate: Loss of NT$800-1,200 (exchanging 50,000 TWD) Best for: Travelers who don’t have time to visit banks and need emergency cash

Method 2: Online currency exchange + airport pickup — The perfect pre-departure plan

No need to open a foreign currency account. Simply select currency, amount, branch, and date on the bank’s official website. After remittance, bring your ID and transaction notification to the counter for pickup. Taiwan Bank’s “Easy Purchase” and Mega Bank offer this service.

What’s the advantage of Taiwan Bank? No handling fee (pay NT$10 via Taiwan Pay), and about 0.5% better exchange rate. Taoyuan Airport has 14 Taiwan Bank branches, including 2 open 24 hours, so you can pick up cash right before departure.

Cost estimate: Loss of NT$300-800 (exchanging 50,000 TWD) Best for: Those with a detailed plan who want to settle everything before departure

Method 3: Online currency exchange + in-person withdrawal — Suitable for those wanting to average costs

Transfer TWD to yen via online banking or app into a foreign currency account, using the “spot selling rate” (about 1% better than cash rate). If you need cash, withdraw at the counter or ATM, but this incurs a spread fee (minimum NT$100).

For example, E.SUN Bank’s app charges a fee equal to the difference between the spot and cash rates, usually NT$100-200.

The benefit of this method is you can buy in installments, averaging your costs. When the TWD/JPY rate drops below 4.80, you can buy gradually, offering more flexibility than exchanging all at once. After exchanging, you can also put yen into a fixed deposit (current annual interest rate 1.5-1.8%) to earn interest on idle funds.

Cost estimate: Loss of NT$500-1,000 (exchanging 50,000 TWD) Best for: Those experienced with forex, using foreign currency accounts regularly, and wanting to invest small amounts in yen

Method 4: In-person cash exchange — Highest cost but most straightforward

Bring cash TWD to a bank branch or airport counter to exchange for yen cash. Simple operation, but it uses the “cash selling rate” (about 1-2% worse than spot rate), making it the most expensive.

Based on Taiwan Bank’s rate on December 10, 2025, the cash selling rate is about NT$0.2060 per 1 yen (equivalent to 4.85 yen per NT dollar). Some banks also charge fixed handling fees.

Cost estimate: Loss of NT$1,500-2,000 (exchanging 50,000 TWD) Best for: Those unfamiliar with online banking or needing small emergency cash

Comparison of yen exchange rates across banks on December 10, 2025

Below are the cash selling rates and handling fees for major banks. Remember: choosing the right bank can save you NT$100-200.

(Source: Official bank websites and Wise rates, updated 2025/12/10)

How much money do you need for a trip to Japan? Is now a good time?

It depends on your travel style. Roughly, the costs are:

Airfare: Taipei to Tokyo round-trip NT$8,000-12,000
Accommodation: Youth hostels NT$200-400/night, Airbnb NT$500-800/night
Food and entertainment: NT$1,500-2,500/day (including attractions and meals)
Exchange costs: Budget NT$50,000-100,000, saving NT$1,000-2,000 with the right method

In short, a comfortable one-week trip can be prepared with about NT$150,000-200,000. Is it worth exchanging yen now? The answer is yes, but in installments.

The yen is currently in a volatile zone. The US is entering a rate-cut cycle, which could support the yen. But the Bank of Japan’s rate hike is also imminent—the governor Ueda and hawkish comments have pushed market expectations to 80%, with a rate hike of 0.25 basis points to 0.75% expected at the December 19 meeting (30-year high). USD/JPY has fallen from a high of 160 at the start of the year to around 154.58 now, with a short-term rebound to 155 possible. Medium to long-term forecasts suggest below 150.

Common mistakes for beginners:

1. Waiting for the perfect rate: No one can predict precisely; better to buy in 3-4 installments.
2. Exchanging all cash: Cash selling rates are the worst; ATMs or online transfers are smarter.
3. After exchanging, just leave it: Yen fixed deposits yield 1.6-1.8% annually, making idle money work for you.

After exchanging yen, let your money keep working

If it’s just for travel, you can skip this. But if you have a budget of NT$100,000-200,000 in yen, consider these options:

Yen fixed deposit: The most conservative choice. E.SUN and Taiwan Bank offer foreign currency accounts starting at NT$10,000, with annual interest rates of 1.5-1.8%. Holding for 3-6 months yields NT$1,000-3,000 in interest.

Yen insurance policies: Medium-term holding. Cathay and Fubon life’s savings insurance offer guaranteed rates of 2-3%, suitable for 3-5 year plans.

Yen ETFs: For growth participation. Yuanta 00675U tracks the yen index, with a management fee of 0.4% per year, and can be bought as fractional shares via broker apps, ideal for dollar-cost averaging.

Forex trading USD/JPY: For advanced players. Directly trade USD/JPY or EUR/JPY, 24-hour trading, long and short, volatile but risky—not recommended for beginners.

Clarification on new foreign currency ATM regulations and withdrawal limits from October 2025

Starting October 2025, banks will strengthen anti-fraud measures, adjusting withdrawal limits. Here are the latest rules:

Observation: Post-regulation, daily limits mostly drop to NT$100,000-150,000. It’s recommended to split withdrawals or use your own bank card to avoid cross-bank fees (NT$5 per transaction). During peak airport hours, cash may sell out quickly—plan ahead for safety.

After all this, how should you choose?

In simple terms:

• Just traveling: “Online currency exchange + airport pickup” is the easiest, or use foreign currency ATMs for emergencies.
• Want to buy in installments or do small investments: Combine online exchange + foreign currency account + fixed deposit.
• No time to wait: Foreign currency ATMs, though fewer in locations, offer 24-hour flexibility.
• Prefer not to use online banking: Visit the bank in person, despite higher costs, for peace of mind.

How much money you need for Japan isn’t the key—what matters is how, where, and when to exchange. Master these three points, and you’ll not only enjoy your trip more cost-effectively but also save money to buy more souvenirs.