## Is it worth exchanging 5000 JPY now? Complete guide to TWD to JPY exchange strategies at 4.85

The TWD to JPY exchange rate has reached 4.85. Is this a good time to convert assets? Many people want to exchange yen but are confused by complicated exchange rates and fees. Today, we’ll clarify the latest exchange knowledge and cost comparisons, ensuring every TWD you spend is worthwhile.

## Why focus on the yen now?

The yen is not just "pocket money" for travel; its financial attributes go far beyond.

**Travel and consumption**: Cash transactions in Japan still dominate (credit card penetration is only 60%), and activities like skiing in Hokkaido, Okinawa vacations, and shopping in Tokyo almost always require cash in yen. Purchasing agents and Japanese websites also price in yen.

**Investment secrets**: The yen is one of the world's three major safe-haven currencies (the other two are USD and Swiss Franc). During the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, the yen appreciated 8% in a single week, successfully buffering stock market declines. For Taiwanese investors, holding some yen can hedge risks amid TWD depreciation pressures.

More importantly, the Bank of Japan has recently shifted toward raising interest rates. Governor Ueda Kazuo’s hawkish comments have market expectations of rate hikes reaching 80%, with a December 19 meeting expected to raise rates to 0.75% (a 30-year high). This means yen deposit interest rates will soon increase, making fixed deposits more attractive.

## How much does 5000 yen cost in TWD? Current exchange rate

Based on the latest Taiwan bank rates (as of December 10, 2025):

Cash selling rate is about **0.2060 TWD per yen**, which translates to approximately **4.85**.

**Converting 5000 yen to TWD**: 5000 ÷ 4.85 ≈ **1,030 TWD**

**Exchanging 10,000 TWD to yen**: 10,000 × 4.85 ≈ **48,500 yen** (cash rate); using the spot rate of about 4.87 yields 48,700 yen, a difference of only 200 yen.

Compared to the beginning of the year at 4.46, the yen has appreciated about **8.7%** annually, making this year's exchange gains quite significant. The question is—where is the best place to exchange?

## Four practical exchange channels comparison: who has the lowest cost?

### First: Bank counter cash exchange

Bring TWD cash to a bank or airport counter to exchange for yen cash. This is the most traditional method. But note—banks use the "cash selling rate," which is about 1-2% worse than the spot rate.

**Estimate for exchanging 50,000 TWD**:
- Taiwan Bank cash rate 0.2060: loss of about 1,500-2,000 TWD
- E.SUN Bank: rate 0.2067, plus NT$100 handling fee, total loss over NT$2,000

Advantages: safe, reliable, available during bank hours. Disadvantages: rate spread, limited to business hours (weekday 9:00-15:30).

**Recommended for**: emergency, small amounts, unfamiliar with online methods.

### Second: Online exchange + counter or foreign currency ATM withdrawal

Complete currency exchange via bank app or online banking, converting TWD to yen and depositing into a foreign currency account (using "spot sell rate," about 1% discount). To get cash, withdraw via foreign currency ATM or counter, incurring additional exchange fees.

**Advantages**: 24/7 operation, allows batch purchases to average costs, suitable for those monitoring exchange trends.

**Disadvantages**: need to open a foreign currency account first, withdrawal fees (NT$5-100 cross-bank).

**Recommended for**: experienced forex investors, planning to transfer yen into fixed deposits or ETFs.

### Third: Online currency exchange + airport pickup (most recommended)

No need to open a foreign currency account. Simply fill in amount, branch, and date on the bank’s website, then bring ID and transaction notification to the designated branch to pick up cash. Taiwan Bank’s "Easy Purchase" online exchange and Mega International Bank offer this service.

**Key advantages**:
- About 0.5% better exchange rate
- Taiwan Bank free handling (only NT$10 with TaiwanPay)
- Book in advance to pick up at Taoyuan Airport (14 branches, 2 open 24 hours)
- Reserve 1-3 days before departure, pick up at the airport

For NT$50,000, the loss is only NT$300-800, making it the most cost-effective option.

**Recommended for**: planned travelers, pre-trip planners.

### Fourth: Foreign currency ATM withdrawal (most convenient)

Use a chip-enabled bank card to withdraw yen at foreign currency ATMs, available 24/7, with only NT$5 cross-bank fee. E.SUN Bank limits NT$150,000 per day; no extra exchange fee.

**Advantages**: instant withdrawal, high flexibility, lowest cross-bank fee.

**Disadvantages**: limited locations (~200 nationwide), possible cash shortages during peak times, fixed denominations (1000/5000/10000 yen).

For NT$50,000, estimated loss is NT$800-1,200.

**Note**: Japan ATM withdrawal services will be adjusted by end of 2025, requiring international cards (Mastercard/Cirrus).

## In-depth cost comparison table

| Exchange method | Actual rate | Single transaction fee | NT$50,000 loss | Most suitable timing |
|-------------------|--------------|------------------------|----------------|----------------------|
| Counter cash exchange | 0.2060 | NT$0-200 | NT$1,500-2,000 | Emergency, urgent |
| Online exchange + airport pickup | 0.2055 | Free | NT$300-800 | Pre-trip planning |
| Online exchange + ATM withdrawal | 0.2061 | NT$5 | NT$800-1,200 | Sudden need |
| Online exchange + fixed deposit | 0.2063 | NT$100 | NT$500-1,000 | Long-term holding |

**Conclusion**: For the same NT$50,000, using online exchange and airport pickup saves NT$1,200 compared to counter cash—enough to buy a suitcase.

## Don’t just "sit on" your yen after exchange

After exchanging yen, there are four ways to let your money grow:

**1. Yen fixed deposit** (conservative): E.SUN, Taiwan Bank foreign currency accounts, starting from 10,000 yen, annual interest 1.5-1.8%, suitable for long-term holding.

**2. Yen insurance policies** (mid-term): Cathay, Fubon life savings insurance, guaranteed interest 2-3%, suitable for 3-5 years.

**3. Yen ETFs** (growth): e.g., Yuanta 00675U, tracking yen exchange rate, can be bought in fractional shares at brokerages, management fee 0.4% annually.

**4. Forex swing trading** (advanced): directly trade USD/JPY or EUR/JPY, long/short positions, 24-hour trading, requires experience.

## Quick Q&A

**Q. What's the difference between spot rate and cash rate?**
Cash rate is for physical cash transactions, usually 1-2% worse than spot rate; spot rate is for electronic transfers, more favorable but settled T+2.

**Q. What ID do I need to exchange foreign currency?**
Taiwanese: ID card + passport; foreigners: passport + residence permit. For online reservations, also bring transaction notification. Over NT$100,000 requires source of funds declaration.

**Q. What is the daily withdrawal limit at foreign currency ATMs?**
Post-2025 regulations vary: CTBC equivalent NT$120,000, Taishin NT$150,000, E.SUN NT$150,000 (including card spending). It’s recommended to use your own bank card to avoid NT$5 cross-bank fee.

## Summary: Is it worthwhile to exchange yen now?

**Brief answer**: Yes, but be smart.

NT$5,000 converts to only NT$1,030, seemingly low cost, but choosing the wrong exchange method can waste money. Online exchange + airport pickup offers the lowest cost; counter cash exchange costs an extra NT$20-30.

With an 8.7% appreciation of the yen this year and BOJ rate hikes imminent, fixed deposit interest rates will rise. Exchanging NT$5,000 or NT$50,000 now is not just for travel but also a rational hedge amid TWD depreciation.

**Core principles**: stagger exchanges to reduce risk, don’t just "sit on" your yen—invest in fixed deposits or ETFs, plan ahead with online exchange to maximize savings. Master these three points to minimize costs and maximize returns.