By December 2025, the Taiwan dollar has fallen to 4.85 against the Japanese yen, and more people are exchanging for yen. But do you know? Exchanging 50,000 Taiwan dollars through different channels can save you up to 1,500 to 2,000 NT dollars. The issue isn't whether to exchange or not, but how to exchange in a cost-effective way.
Why exchange yen now? Three key reasons
Reason 1: Rigid demand for travel and shopping
Japanese stores have a deep-rooted cash culture, with only 60% of transactions made via credit card. Shopping in Tokyo, skiing in Hokkaido, or vacationing in Okinawa still mostly requires cash. Besides, Japan purchasing agents, online auctions, and even plans for studying abroad and working part-time all require yen.
Reason 2: Yen is one of the three global safe-haven currencies
The US dollar, Swiss franc, and Japanese yen are the three major safe-haven currencies. Japan's economy is stable, and the government has low debt. When the market is turbulent, funds flow into the yen. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, the yen appreciated 8% in a single week, while the stock market fell 10%—exchanging for yen is like replacing Taiwanese stocks.