Student Services

Fee Payments

Visas/Legal

The Student Services office will help with advice regarding money transfer, credit cards, bill payments and all other related matters. The banking system in Japan is not very competitive and offers poor services compared to most other countries. Many students have some difficulties adapting to what is basically a cash-only society and to Japanese language only services.

Students studying at Yamasa on a long term basis with student visas usually open a bank account during their first couple of days with assistance from the office staff. It is then relatively easy to have bills such as gas, electricity and water paid by deductions from your bank account.

Short term program students CAN open bank accounts, so it is possible for money to be transferred to you. But if you are a short term student then please note that it is best to bring traveler checks so that you have some safe but accessible funds available when you arrive. Credit cards are of limited utility in Japan and it can be very difficult to get cash using credit cards. Most ATM machines only accept cards issued by Japanese banks. Traveller's checks usually offer the best Yen exchange rate. They offer a better rate than cash and are much safer.

Credit cards are usually accepted by the larger stores for payment purposes, however please note that many stores and restaurants will not accept payment except by cash. For withdrawing money from ATM's or at banks, please note that Visa card is more widely accepted than Mastercard or American Express.