Japanese Yen Exchange Tips Revealed: TWD to RMB Conversion Comparison, Teach You to Save 30% on Fees

As of December 10, 2025, the NT$ to JPY exchange rate is approximately 4.85, appreciating by 8.7% compared to the beginning of the year at 4.46. This is a rare entry point for investors, but the key lies in choosing the right currency exchange channels. During the same period, NT$ to RMB is about 4.35, and both fluctuations warrant attention.

The travel boom in Japan coupled with the safe-haven characteristic of the yen has led to a surge in currency exchange demand. According to bank data, Taiwan’s demand for foreign currency exchange increased by 25% in the second half of the year, with over 40% of that in yen. The problem is, choosing the wrong method could cost an extra NT$1500-2000 in unnecessary fees—equivalent to missing out on a Kyoto food tour.

Is now a good time to exchange for yen? The data gives you the answer

The yen, as one of the world’s three major safe-haven currencies (alongside USD and CHF), serves both investment and preservation functions. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, the yen appreciated 8% in one week, while the stock market fell 10%, demonstrating its hedging value.

Key exchange rate references:

• NT$ to JPY: 4.85 (as of 2025/12/10)
• NT$ to RMB: about 4.35 (same period reference)
• Estimated range: short-term yen fluctuations between 155-150, medium to long-term trend toward below 150

For those entering gradually, it is indeed a suitable time, but a full lump-sum conversion is not recommended. The Bank of Japan’s rate hike expectations are rising (Governor Ueda Kazuo’s hawkish remarks, with an 80% chance of raising rates to 0.75%), which may induce short-term volatility of 2-5%.

Comparing four practical currency exchange methods: costs and efficiency at a glance

Method 1: In-person bank cash exchange—most traditional but most expensive

Cost analysis (based on NT$50,000):

• Exchange rate loss: NT$1500-2000
• Service fee: NT$0-200 (varies by bank)

Carrying cash directly to the bank or airport, using the “cash selling rate” (1-2% worse than market rate), is the highest-cost approach.

Banks’ December 2025 rates comparison:

Use case: Small amounts for urgent airport purchases (e.g., NT$5000 for souvenirs), unfamiliar with online operations.

Method 2: Online exchange + in-branch or ATM withdrawal—moderate cost, flexible

Cost analysis:

• Exchange rate loss: NT$500-1000
• Withdrawal fee: NT$100+ (interbank NT$5-100)

Via app or online banking, convert NT$ to yen in a foreign currency account, using “spot selling rate” (about 1% better than cash selling rate). If cash is needed, withdraw at the branch or via foreign currency ATM.

Suitable for gradually entering the market and observing the rate. Example:

• Week 1: Convert NT$100,000 at 4.85
• Week 2: If rate rises to 4.87, convert another NT$100,000
• Average cost around 4.86, reducing single-point risk

Fubon Bank’s foreign currency ATM allows withdrawal of yen from NT$ accounts, with a daily limit of NT$150,000, no exchange fee, operational 24 hours.

Use case: Experienced with foreign currency accounts, interested in yen deposit (annual interest 1.5-1.8%), good at analyzing exchange trends.

Method 3: Online currency exchange + designated branch pickup—most cost-effective pre-travel plan

Cost analysis:

• Exchange rate loss: NT$300-800
• Service fee: often waived or very low (NT$10 for Taiwan Bank Easy Purchase)

No need for a foreign currency account; just fill in the amount online, choose pickup branch and date, then pick up cash at the counter. Banks like Taiwan Bank and Mega International Bank provide this service.

Taiwan Bank’s “Easy Purchase” offers about 0.5% rate discount, with 14 designated locations at Taoyuan Airport (including 2 open 24 hours), perfectly addressing pre-departure time constraints.

Real example: Book NT$500,000 in yen three days before travel, locking in at 4.87, pick it up at the airport branch, with zero queues and the best rate.

Use case: Planned travelers, unable to take leave for in-person exchange, or those wanting cash directly at the airport.

Method 4: Foreign currency ATM withdrawal 24/7—ready whenever needed

Cost analysis:

• Exchange rate loss: NT$800-1200
• Interbank fee: NT$5 per transaction (free with own bank card)

Use a chip-enabled bank card at foreign currency ATMs to withdraw yen cash, supported 24 hours, cross-bank. About 200 units nationwide, mainly in urban areas.

Withdrawal limits (latest 2025 regulations):

Note: During peak times (e.g., Lunar New Year, summer holidays), foreign currency cash may sell out; plan ahead. ATM withdrawal services in Japan will be adjusted by end of 2025, requiring international cards (Mastercard/Cirrus).

Use case: No time for in-person, spontaneous travel, late-night or holiday cash needs.

Key decisions before and after currency exchange

How much to exchange? Simple calculation

Formula: Yen amount = NT$ amount × current exchange rate

Using Taiwan Bank’s 2025/12/10 rate 4.85:

• NT$10,000 → 48,500 yen
• NT$50,000 → 242,500 yen
• NT$100,000 → 485,000 yen

Suggested amount: For a 7-10 day trip, estimate yen needed as: ( daily consumption × number of days) × 1.2 safety margin. Tokyo’s daily average expenses are about 8,000-12,000 yen (including meals, transportation, shopping).

Considerations for currency triangle: NT$, RMB, and yen

If involving RMB and yen, a two-step approach:

1. Direct exchange is generally cheaper: NT$→yen rate is typically 1-2% better than NT$→RMB→yen
2. Time cost: Multiple conversions take 2-3 working days to settle

Current reference (2025/12/10):

• NT$→yen: 4.85
• NT$→RMB: 4.35
• RMB→yen indirect rate: about 1.12 (loss of about 3% in two-step exchange)

Conclusion: Unless you already hold RMB deposits, direct NT$ to yen exchange is most efficient.

After exchanging yen: Making your idle money work for you

Once you have yen, don’t let it sit idle without earning interest. Several small investment options:

1. Yen fixed deposit — conservative

• Annual interest rate 1.5-1.8%, starting from 10,000 yen
• Banks: E.SUN, Taiwan Bank have foreign currency deposit accounts
• Suitable for: holding 6 months or less, want to lock in yield

2. Yen savings insurance — medium-term protection

• Guaranteed interest 2-3%, with insurance coverage
• Insurers: Cathay, Fubon Life
• Suitable for: holding over 12 months, seeking security

3. Yen ETFs (e.g., 00675U, 00703) — growth-oriented

• Track yen index or Japanese stocks
• Can be purchased in brokerage apps, low minimum investment
• Suitable for: 1-3 year investment horizon, comfortable with volatility

4. Forex trading USD/JPY, EUR/JPY — swing trading

• 24-hour buy/sell, both long and short
• Use low-commission platforms with stop-loss, take-profit tools
• Suitable for: experienced traders, short-term fluctuation capture

Quick answers to common questions

Q: How much is the difference between cash exchange rate and spot rate?
A: About 1-2%. Cash rate (Cash Rate) applies for physical cash transactions; spot rate (Spot Rate) for electronic transfers, generally more favorable. For example, NT$10,000 at cash rate yields about 48,500 yen, while spot rate can yield around 48,700 yen—difference of roughly 200 yen (NT$40).

Q: Are there restrictions on large exchanges?
A: Amounts over NT$100,000 may require declaring source of funds. Under age 20 needs parental consent. Consider splitting into multiple transactions or consulting your bank in advance.

Q: What documents are needed for currency exchange?
A: ID card + passport for most civilians; foreigners need passport + residence permit. Online booking for currency exchange also requires transaction notices.

Final tips: 3 steps to complete yen exchange efficiently

Step 1 (1-3 days prior): Use Taiwan Bank’s online currency exchange to lock in rate, reserve at airport branch for pickup (free, favorable rate)
Step 2 (urgent): Use foreign currency ATM for 24-hour withdrawal (NT$5 cross-bank fee, fastest)
Step 3 (investment): After exchange, transfer into yen fixed deposit or ETFs (interest starting at 1.5%, make idle money work)

Avoid the trap of cash exchange at counters—saving NT$1500 per transaction can add up to NT$3000 annually if traveling twice a year, enough to fund another trip to Japan. Yen is not just for travel petty cash but also a strategic asset to hedge against NT$ depreciation. Now is a great time to plan ahead.