Non resident bank account
 

Can a tourist open up a chequing or saving account in Japan?

I have heard rumors of certain banks allowing it, but in my experience you need a real address and identification other than a passport to do so (such as foreigner card, Japanese driver`s license, Japanese insurance card, etc). Translated for someone recently who was in Japan for 3 months as a tourist and wanted to do just that, but they were turned down everywhere we tried.

Perhaps an international bank, such as Citibank, would be friendly toward the idea.

Thanks for the info. I suppose I can use my Uncle's address if i need to....

I've read it's pretty much next to impossible.

I would say that unless you can find a special bank then no, this won't be possible. In order to open an account banks will want to see at minimum a visa and prefer a gaijintorokushomeisho (foreigner residency card). Most banks will also require you to have a hanko (name stamp) if you want to withdraw money at other locations.

They are still using Hanko.. I've been out of the country now for five years and always interesting to hear certain things.

My Kyoto bank gave me a tube of toothpaste when I first opened:)

But yes, by memory I did need my Alien Registration card and JP driving licence at the time.

I could not ever work out the blasted ATM machines when I wanted to pay a Yahoo JP auction win:rolleyes: