Are you heading to Japan from Sydney soon? Buying your yen online before you fly will almost always give you more bang for your buck than banks or airport kiosks.
Why listen to this advice?
Because currency exchange is about timing, comparing rates, and avoiding sneaky fees. We’ve been helping travellers save thousands for years and seen every mistake, like waiting until the airport or after arrival to exchange AUD cash.
Let’s go through it all: the best options you’ve got, the real costs, and the smartest way to save costs while ordering yen before your trip.
Common Ways to Buy Japanese Yen in Sydney
Sydney gives you three main options. Each comes with its own quirks:
1. Banks – Reliable but pricey
Major banks like CBA, Westpac, and ANZ are safe. But convenience comes at a cost. Most banks charge 2–3% above the mid-market rate, plus flat fees of $10–$20 per order.
Example: On a $2,000 AUD exchange in February 2025, one Sydney bank quoted around 185,000 JPY. Compare that to an online provider offering 190,000 JPY for the same amount. That’s a ¥5,000 difference, enough for two nights in a Tokyo budget hotel.
2. Airport kiosks – Fast, but the most expensive
Yes, you can walk up, hand over your cash, and get yen before boarding. However, airport kiosks often add a markup of 4–5%. On $2,000 AUD, that could mean losing more than $100 compared to online rates. That’s a decent sushi dinner in Osaka gone before you even leave Sydney.
3. Online platforms – Cheaper and easier
Most online currency exchange platforms offer rates much closer to the mid-market average. Many charge zero commission and include free delivery or city-centre pickup in Sydney.
Try out the Foreign Xchange AUD to JPY exchange platform. We’ll quote you as much as 185,000 JPY for $2,000 AUD with no fees, depending on FX fluctuation at the time of your conversion. That’s the kind of difference that adds up fast, especially if you’re swapping larger amounts.
Best Places to Buy Japanese Yen in Sydney for 2025
Here are some of the best places where Sydney locals are actually getting their yen.
1. Foreign Xchange – The go-to for good rates
If you want actual yen in your hands before flying out, this is hard to beat.
- Zero commission: What you see is what you pay. No “processing fee” surprises like at some banks.
- Delivery or pickup: Foreign Xchange ships to your door in Sydney or let you collect at an Australia Post outlet. Delivery costs range about $15-$40 but includes tracking and insurance, which is worth it for peace of mind.
- Timing: Allow 3–5 business days. Order a week ahead and you’ll avoid the pre-flight panic run.
For families swapping $5K+ AUD for longer trips, those better rates often mean ¥20,000 extra yen in your pocket, enough for rail passes or an extra Airbnb night in Osaka.
2. Wise – For digital transfers and travel cards
If you’re topping up a travel card or paying online for hotels in Japan, Wise is often cheaper than the banks.
- Real mid-market rates: The same rate you see on XE.com or Google with no hidden spreads.
- Speed: Smaller transfers often clear in under 24 hours, which is handy if you need yen fast but not as cash.
Perfect if you’re splitting accommodation costs with mates or paying tour operators online before landing in Tokyo.
3. OFX – The big player for big amounts
OFX makes more sense for bigger amounts, especially above $10K AUD.
- Flat fee: Transfers under $10K attract about a $15 fee. Above $10K, there’s no fee at all.
- Timing: 1–3 business days for most transfers.
Great for property buyers, students paying tuition, or businesses handling Japanese suppliers.
4. Prosegur Change – Quick cash pickups
Need physical yen fast and don’t mind heading into the city? Prosegur Change has multiple Sydney branches, including near the airport and CBD.
- Zero commission if you book online: Lock in your rate on their website first; otherwise you risk paying walk-in prices, which are usually worse.
- Timing: Book in the morning, often pick up the same day if stock’s available.
Handy if you left things late and don’t want delivery waiting times.
5. Major Banks – Reliable, but you’ll pay for it
Banks like ANZ, CBA, Westpac, and NAB are convenient if you want to stay inside the banking system, but rates come with markups.
- Timing: 3–5 business days for branch pickup. No delivery option unless you’re using travel cards.
- Verdict: Easy if you bank there already, but you’ll likely get ¥4,000–¥5,000 less per $2K AUD compared to online platforms.
Comparing Costs and Savings With a $3,000 AUD Order
Let’s put it into real numbers for Feb 2025 when the mid-market AUD/JPY rate averaged 95.00:
| Provider | Yen Received for $3,000 AUD | Fees | Timing |
| Foreign Xchange | 285,000 JPY | $0 + $30 delivery | 3–5 business days |
| Wise | 282,900 JPY | ~$10 fee | 1–2 business days |
| OFX (> $10K AUD) | 285,300 JPY | $0 fee | 1–3 business days |
| Prosegur (online) | 283,500 JPY | $0 fee | Same-day possible |
| Major Banks | 279,300 JPY | $10–$20 + markup | 3–5 business days |
| Airport Kiosks | 274,500 JPY | Built-in markup | Immediate |
That’s a ¥10,500 gap between airport kiosks and the best online option, over $110 AUD difference for the same money
Tips to Save on Japanese Yen Currency Exchange
A bit of planning can save you serious coin. Here’s how:
- Compare live rates before you buy: Check Reserve Bank of Australia tools or online currency calculators. Rates change daily. A 2% swing on $2,000 AUD is ¥3,800, nearly the cost of a Tokyo Disneyland day pass.
- Avoid buying at the airport: Rates there are up to 5% worse than online. On $5,000 AUD, that’s $250 gone.
- Lock in rates when the Aussie dollar spikes: After Reserve Bank announcements or strong trade data, the AUD often jumps. That’s the time to pounce.
- Order bigger amounts in one go: Many providers give better rates above $2,000 AUD because handling costs drop per transaction.
- Choose fee-free services: Some providers add flat fees or delivery charges. Those eat into your travel budget. Always check.
- Book ahead: Online orders usually arrive in 1–3 business days. That beats panicking at the airport with minutes to spare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy Japanese yen online or at the bank?
Yes, online platforms almost always come out cheaper. Banks add in margins of 1–3% above the mid-market rate plus a $10–$20 order fee. Online platforms have little overheads to run, so their costs stay low.
How long does it take to buy Japanese yen in Sydney?
Online orders generally take 1–3 business days for delivery or Australia Post pick-up. Providers like Foreign Xchange and Prosegur Change will post or let you collect as soon as stock is ready. Airports give you cash instantly, but you’ll pay dearly for the privilege.
Can I lock in the Japanese yen exchange rate before my trip?
Yes, most online currency platforms let you lock in rates one way or the other for 24–48 hours or more. That means if the Aussie dollar jumps to, say from 94.00 to 95.50 AUD/JPY after an RBA rate announcement, you can lock it and collect later, even if it dips again before your trip. On a $3,000 AUD swap, that 1.5-point difference equals 4,500 JPY saved.
Plan Ahead for the Best Rates
Buying Japanese yen in Sydney doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Online currency exchange usually means better rates, zero fees, and cash delivered before you even pack your bags.
Order your Japanese yen today at Foreign Xchange or contact us directly for help.