1. Opening an account
The following are required:
- Inkan (personal seal) – In lieu of an Inkan, the applicant’s signature may be permitted at some banks;
- Identification (Passport, Alien Registration Certificate or Driver’s License)
You are recommended to open an account at Aomori Bank or Michinoku Bank in Rokkasho.
Upon opening an account, you will receive a passbook and a cash card. The latter may be used to withdraw money from, deposit money into and check the balance of your account.
2. Deposits, withdrawals and remittances at the counter
There are specific printed forms for each transaction. When you withdraw money, you need your Inkan. Your Inkan (personal seal) has all the legal validity in Japan that a signature has in the other countries.
3. Currency Exchange
If you have foreign currency such as US dollars, EURO, UK pound sterling, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, New Zealand dollars, you can exchange at Rokkasho branch of Michinoku bank. Rokkasho branch of Michinoku bank is adjacent to Rokkasho Village Office. If you visit Rokkasho Village Municipal Office, you can find the green signboard of Michinoku bank.
When you visit the bank,
① Present the reception staff with your Passport or Foreign Registration Certification and your money.
② Say “Yen ni ryougae shite kudasai”= “Please exchange my money to Japanese Yen.
Rokkasho branch of Michinoku bank
TEL : 0175-72-2231
4. Payment of public utility bills
Electricity, gas, water, telephone and T.V. billsmust be paid by the designated dates. If you notify your bank, the fee can be automatically withdrawn from your account. You will then receive a receipt for the transaction. You can ask for the same service from the post office.
5. Buying goods and services
Cash is the most widely form of currency in Japan although credit cards are becoming more popular. Personal checks are not used in Japan.
6. Sending money abroad
You can send money abroad at most branches, but at branches without designations for authorized foreign exchanges, a few extra days might be required to go through an authorized foreign exchange branch.
