NTD to JPY exchange rate rises, exchanging 50,000 NTD for 4,200 JPY is no longer a dream! Comprehensive analysis of 4 major exchange methods

As of December 10, 2025, the exchange rate quote shows that the Taiwanese dollar (TWD) against the Japanese yen (JPY) has reached 4.85, meaning that 50,000 TWD can easily be exchanged for 242,500 JPY. But the key question is: Which method of exchange allows you to truly seize this wave of yen appreciation?

Over the past year, the yen has appreciated by 8.7% compared to the beginning of the year. Many Taiwanese have begun to realize that the yen is no longer just “pocket money” for travel, but also one of the world’s top three safe-haven currencies. Whether you’re planning to spend New Year’s in Japan next year or hedge Taiwan stocks with yen, choosing the right currency exchange method can save you thousands of dollars. We have compared four mainstream exchange channels to calculate the actual loss amounts.

The easiest way to lose money: In-person cash exchange

Many people habitually walk into a bank and say, “I want to exchange for yen,” only to end up paying an extra NT$1,500 to NT$2,000. The reason is simple—cash selling rates are always 1-2% worse than the spot rate.

For example, Taiwan Bank’s cash selling rate at the same time is about 0.2060 TWD/JPY (i.e., 1 TWD = 4.85 JPY), but if you use online currency exchange, the spot selling rate is about 0.2055 TWD/JPY (i.e., 1 TWD = 4.87 JPY). The estimated loss on NT$50,000 is around NT$1,500 to NT$2,000.

This method is suitable for: emergency situations, small amounts not exceeding NT$10,000, or elderly people unfamiliar with online banking.

The most cost-effective combo: Online currency exchange + airport pickup

If you decide to need cash only a week before traveling abroad, online currency exchange + airport pickup is the best solution. Taiwan Bank’s “Easy Purchase” online exchange has no handling fee (pay with Taiwan Pay, only NT$10), and offers about 0.5% better rates, keeping the NT$50,000 loss within NT$300 to NT$800.

Even better, Taoyuan Airport has 14 Taiwan Bank branches, with 2 open 24 hours. You can pre-book online 1 to 3 days in advance, specify the pickup time at the airport branch, and seamlessly coordinate your pre-trip preparations.

This method is suitable for: planned travelers, those who don’t need multiple cash transactions, or investors wanting to lock in low prices.

Last-minute best option: Foreign currency ATM withdrawals 24/7

Worried about suddenly needing yen but no time to queue at banks? Foreign currency ATMs offer a 24-hour solution. Use a chip-enabled financial card to withdraw yen directly from a foreign currency ATM outside a bank, with a cross-bank fee of only NT$5, and a single withdrawal limit of about NT$150,000 equivalent.

Estimated loss is NT$800 to NT$1,200, between the previous two methods. The downside is that there are only about 200 such ATMs nationwide, and cash can run out during peak times (especially at airports). It’s recommended not to wait until the last minute to withdraw.

This method is suitable for: those without sufficient preparation time, last-minute itinerary changes, or office workers accustomed to mobile banking.

Advanced option for forex investors: Online currency exchange + holding foreign currency accounts

If you’re not in a hurry to withdraw cash but want to observe exchange rate trends and act accordingly, converting NT$ to a foreign currency account first is a smart move. Use the spot selling rate (about 1% better than cash selling rate) and gradually enter the market to average your cost.

E.SUN Bank, Taiwan Bank, and other institutions support foreign currency accounts, with a minimum opening of about 10,000 JPY. Currently, yen deposits offer an annual interest rate of 1.5% to 1.8%, more attractive than NT$ deposits. This method has the lowest loss, around NT$500 to NT$1,000.

Suitable for: those with forex trading experience, long-term yen holders, or readers planning yen investments.

Cost comparison of the four methods

Is it still profitable to exchange yen now?

In the short term, yes. The yen has appreciated by 8.7% since the beginning of the year, and with the Bank of Japan’s rate hike expectations (Governor Ueda hinted at a possible 0.25 bps increase to 0.75% at the December 19 meeting), the yen still has support.

However, there is a risk—closing arbitrage positions. Long-term investors borrow yen at low interest to invest in higher-yield assets, but if risks increase (such as Taiwan Strait geopolitical tensions or signs of a global recession), large-scale unwinding could cause the yen to retreat 2-5% in the short term. Therefore, it’s recommended to enter gradually and avoid exchanging all at once.

Latest data shows Taiwan’s forex demand in the second half of the year increased by 25%, mainly driven by the recovery of Japanese tourism and increased hedging needs. This confirms the practical value of the yen as a safe-haven currency—not just for leisure, but also for risk management.

After exchanging yen, don’t let it sit idle and rot

If your yen isn’t for recent travel, instead of letting it sit and earn little, consider the following export investments:

Yen deposits: the most stable, with an annual interest rate of 1.5-1.8%, starting from 10,000 yen.

Yen insurance policies: medium-term holdings, savings insurance with guaranteed interest rates of 2-3%.

Yen ETFs: tracking yen indices through fractional shares, such as certain Yuanta products, with an annual management fee of 0.4%, suitable for periodic investment.

All these options can help yen appreciate and hedge against TWD depreciation.

Quick FAQs

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

Cash exchange rate is the buy/sell price offered by banks for physical cash, which is 1-2% worse than the spot rate (T+2 settlement in forex market). Simply put, exchanging cash incurs a loss, while digital transfers are cheaper.

Q: How much yen can NT$50,000 buy?

At the December 10, 2025 rate of 4.85, NT$50,000 ≈ 242,500 JPY. Using the spot rate of 4.87, it’s about 243,500 JPY. The difference isn’t large but adds up over time.

Q: What do I need to bring for in-person currency exchange?

Taiwanese nationals: ID card + passport; foreigners: passport + residence permit; companies: business registration. If pre-booked online, bring transaction notification. Under 20 requires parental consent.

Q: What’s the daily withdrawal limit at foreign currency ATMs?

Post-2025 regulations, most banks’ cards have a daily limit of NT$120,000–NT$150,000 equivalent. Cross-bank limits depend on issuing bank. It’s advisable to split withdrawals or use your own bank card to avoid cross-bank fees.

Summary: Three core points to seize yen appreciation opportunities

The yen is no longer just a travel currency but also an asset with hedging and appreciation potential. To capitalize on this wave before the end of 2025, remember:

First, choose the right exchange method—online currency exchange + airport pickup can save over NT$1,200.

Second, enter gradually—avoid exchanging everything at once to mitigate arbitrage unwinding risks.

Third, invest immediately after exchange—use yen deposits or ETFs to grow idle funds.

At the current exchange rate of 4.85, whether for next year’s Japan trip or diversified asset allocation, now is a good entry point. The key is to use the right method and prevent the spread difference from slipping away.