How to Open a Bank Account as an Alien?
I never liked the term “alien”, which is used extensively to describe gaijins and foreigners in Japan. Like come on, different skin color or culture doesn’t mean we’re aliens. Genetically our make-up’s the same. Anyway, i am not about to go bitching about a word used to described foreigners in Japan. The purpose of this post is about how to open a bank account as a foreigner in Japan.
You will need your “Alien Registration Card” first and foremost. Then you will need your inkan or signature. That’s pretty much it. Banks are open from 9am to 3pm so please plan your time properly. It is wise to open your own bank account because in Japan, most foreign checks are not accepted. And your ATM card from your country’s bank, even with the PLUS sign may not work although more and more ATM machine in Japans are becoming more accepting towards international ATM cards.
Here is a bank related video. That girl is faster than a machine, yo:
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