How much Japanese Yen can you get for 10,000 TWD? A complete analysis of the 4 most cost-effective currency exchange channels in 2025

The exchange rate of TWD to JPY has reached 4.85, and more and more people want to exchange for yen. But do you know? Using the same NT$10,000, different methods of exchange can result in a difference of over 1,000 yen in the final amount received. This article will clarify all currency exchange methods at once, helping you save unnecessary expenses.

Example calculation of exchanging NT$10,000 to JPY

Here’s the most straightforward answer. Based on Taiwan Bank’s rates as of December 10, 2025:

Cash selling rate (0.2060 TWD/JPY)

• NT$10,000 ÷ 0.2060 ≈ 48,543 yen

Spot selling rate (0.2054 TWD/JPY)

• NT$10,000 ÷ 0.2054 ≈ 48,685 yen

The difference is about 142 yen. It may seem small, but scaled up to NT$500,000, the difference exceeds 7,000 yen. That’s why choosing the right currency exchange method is so important.

Why are so many people eager to exchange for yen?

When it comes to foreign currency exchange, yen is the most popular choice among Taiwanese. Not only because of travel convenience, but also due to two major practical values:

Travel and consumption: Japanese stores and convenience stores have a very high cash usage rate (credit card penetration is only 60%), and purchasing agents or online shopping often require yen payments. Students studying abroad also prepare early.

Asset hedging: Yen is one of the three major safe-haven currencies globally, alongside USD and Swiss Franc. During stock market turbulence, funds often flow into yen to protect assets. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, the yen appreciated 8% in a week, effectively hedging stock declines. For Taiwanese investors, holding yen adds an extra layer of protection.

4 methods to exchange for yen, which is the most cost-effective?

Method 1: Bank online currency exchange + airport pickup (highest cost-performance)

How to do it: Log into your bank’s website or app, input the amount, select the branch and date for pickup, complete online payment, then bring ID and transaction notification to the designated branch to collect cash.

Taiwan Bank’s “Easy Purchase” online currency exchange has no handling fee (pay with Taiwan Pay, only 10 NT$), and offers about 0.5% better exchange rate. The most convenient is to schedule pickup at 14 locations at Taoyuan Airport, including 2 open 24 hours.

Cost estimate (NT$50,000)

• Rate difference: about NT$300
• Handling fee: free to NT$10
• Total loss: NT$300–NT$310

Pros and cons

• ✓ Free or very low handling fees
• ✓ Can schedule airport pickup, pick up on departure day
• ✓ Better exchange rate than cash selling
• ✗ Needs advance reservation (at least 1–3 days)
• ✗ Only at scheduled branches, cannot change

Suitable for: Planned travelers, those wanting to pick up at the airport before departure.

Method 2: Bank foreign currency ATM (fastest and most flexible)

How to do it: Use a chip-enabled financial card at a bank’s foreign currency ATM to withdraw yen cash, available 24/7. Cross-bank withdrawal fee is only NT$5.

E.SUN Bank’s foreign currency ATM allows direct withdrawal from TWD account, with a daily limit of NT$150,000, and no currency exchange fee.

Cost estimate (NT$50,000)

• Rate difference: NT$800–NT$1,000
• Cross-bank fee: NT$5 (if using another bank’s card)
• Total loss: NT$800–NT$1,005

Pros and cons

• ✓ 24/7 withdrawal
• ✓ Very low cross-bank fee (NT$5)
• ✓ No reservation needed, highest flexibility
• ✗ Only about 200 nationwide locations, uneven distribution
• ✗ Fixed denominations (1,000/5,000/10,000 yen), cash may run out
• ✗ Worse exchange rate than online currency exchange

Suitable for: People without time to visit banks, urgent needs, those living near ATMs.

Method 3: Online currency exchange + in-person withdrawal (suitable for long-term holding)

How to do it: Use online banking or app to convert TWD into yen and deposit into a foreign currency account (using spot rate, about 1% better than cash selling). When cash is needed, withdraw in person or at ATMs.

E.SUN Bank’s app allows currency exchange and cash withdrawal, with handling fees starting around NT$100.

Cost estimate (NT$50,000)

• Rate difference: NT$500–NT$800
• Withdrawal fee: NT$100–NT$200
• Total loss: NT$600–NT$1,000

Pros and cons

• ✓ Can buy in installments, average cost
• ✓ 24/7 operation
• ✓ Can transfer yen into fixed deposits or investments later
• ✗ Need to open a foreign currency account first
• ✗ Additional withdrawal handling fees

Suitable for: Those with forex investment experience, want to monitor rates continuously, or plan to hold yen long-term.

Method 4: Bank counter cash exchange (most convenient but most expensive)

How to do it: Bring cash NT$ to a bank branch or airport counter to exchange for yen cash. The process is simple, and you get cash on the spot.

Taiwan Bank’s cash selling rate is 0.2060 NT$/JPY, some banks may add fixed handling fees.

Cost estimate (NT$50,000)

• Rate difference: NT$1,500–NT$2,000
• Counter handling fee: NT$0–NT$200 (depending on bank)
• Total loss: NT$1,500–NT$2,200

Pros and cons

• ✓ Most safe and reliable
• ✓ Full denominations (1,000/5,000/10,000 yen)
• ✓ On-site assistance from staff
• ✗ Worst exchange rate (1–2% worse than spot)
• ✗ Needs to operate during bank hours
• ✗ Additional fees may apply

Suitable for: Those unfamiliar with online procedures, elderly, or for small, temporary exchanges.

Latest exchange rates comparison among major banks

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

Is now really a good time to exchange for yen?

Exchange trend: TWD to JPY has risen from 4.46 at the start of the year to 4.85 now, an appreciation of 8.7%. From an investment perspective, this increase is quite significant.

Central bank policy: Bank of Japan Governor Ueda Kazuo recently signaled a hawkish stance, with market expectations of an 80% chance of rate hikes. The December 19 meeting is expected to raise rates to 0.75% (a 30-year high), with Japanese government bonds yielding 1.93%, a 17-year high. USD/JPY has fallen from 160 to 154.58 this year, possibly returning to 155 short-term, but medium to long-term forecasts suggest below 150.

Suggested strategy: Yen is a safe-haven currency with relatively stable volatility. For investment, avoid exchanging all at once; instead, use dollar-cost averaging by exchanging small amounts weekly or monthly. Expect short-term fluctuations of 2–5%, especially when closing arbitrage positions.

After exchanging NT$10,000 to yen, how should you manage the money?

Instead of letting yen sit in an account earning no interest, consider:

Yen fixed deposit (most stable)

• Open with E.SUN, Taiwan Bank, etc., starting from 10,000 yen
• Annual interest rate 1.5–1.8%
• Choose 3 or 6 months term

Yen savings insurance (medium-term returns)

• Offered by Cathay, Fubon Life
• Guaranteed interest 2–3%
• Both protection and returns

Yen ETFs (growth-oriented)

• Yuanta 00675U, Cathay 00703, etc.
• Track yen index, can be dollar-cost averaged
• Buy fractional shares via broker apps, annual management fee around 0.4%

Forex trading (advanced)

• Trade USD/JPY, EUR/JPY directly
• Long and short, 24-hour trading
• Requires risk tolerance

While yen is a safe-haven, it also fluctuates bidirectionally. Rate hikes are positive, but global arbitrage unwinding and geopolitical conflicts may exert downward pressure. Beginners should start with fixed deposits or ETFs, then consider swing trading once familiar.

Common questions about exchanging for yen

Q: What’s the difference between cash rate and spot rate?

Cash rate is the rate banks offer for physical cash (bills/coins), with the advantage of immediate delivery but usually 1–2% worse than spot. Spot rate is the foreign exchange market rate settled T+2, used for electronic transfers or non-cash transactions, more favorable but requires waiting. In short: cash rate = immediate, usually worse; spot rate = in a few days, better.

Q: What documents are needed to exchange NT$10,000 for yen at the counter?

Bring ID + passport (for locals) or passport + residence permit (for foreigners). If scheduled online, also bring transaction notification. Minors under 20 need parental consent and signature; large exchanges over NT$100,000 may require source of funds declaration.

Q: What’s the daily limit for foreign currency ATM withdrawals?

As of 2025, regulations vary by bank. CTBC: NT$120,000/day; Taishin: NT$150,000/day; E.SUN: NT$150,000/day (including debit). It’s recommended to split withdrawals or use your own bank card to avoid cross-bank fees. During peak times (airports, holidays), cash may run out early, so plan ahead.

Quick start tips for currency exchange beginners

If it’s your first time exchanging yen, keep it simple:

Option A (Travel)
→ Online currency exchange (Taiwan Bank Easy Purchase) → Airport pickup → Lowest cost

Option B (Urgent needs)
→ Foreign currency ATM withdrawal → 24/7 access → Fastest and most convenient

Option C (Small-scale investment)
→ Online exchange into foreign currency account → Transfer into fixed deposit or ETF → Earn interest while waiting

Summary

Exchanging NT$10,000 for yen via different methods can result in over 1,000 yen difference. The key is choosing the right channel. If in a hurry, foreign currency ATM is best; if planned ahead, online currency exchange offers the best value; for long-term holding, online exchange plus fixed deposit is optimal.

Whether for travel or asset hedging, mastering “dollar-cost averaging + choosing the right channel” can minimize costs. Yen is no longer just for travel pocket money; it’s also a hedge during market turbulence. With proper strategy, even small funds can make a big impact.