SKILL 2 ・ SAVE ・ 貯める力
Keep a part of what you earn.
Saving is not about suffering – it’s about building a system. As a foreigner, you often pay more than you should: overpriced “foreigner” rentals, expensive remittance services, phone plans you don’t need. Plugging these leaks is risk-free money, no matter your visa.
Why Save is the fastest win
Once your foundation is protected, saving is where you feel the difference first. And the biggest savings for foreigners are simple, one-time switches: a cheaper SIM, a smarter way to send money home, the right card. None of these depend on your visa or your income – anyone can do them today, and they pay you back every single month.
Save – the guides
Cut your phone bill to around ¥1,000-2,000 a month.
Sending money home: Wise vs banks vs IME
Banks and shop services quietly take a big cut. See the cheapest way.
Credit cards for foreigners: how to get approved
Earn points on what you already spend, and build your credit history.
Home internet: fibre vs home router vs pocket Wi-Fi
Pick the right home internet and avoid paying for what you don’t use.
More in English: tax for part-time workers, share houses (cheaper housing), and claiming family back home as dependents.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to save money in Japan?
Cut fixed costs once: your SIM, the way you send money home, your first credit card and your home internet. One switch keeps saving every month without willpower.
How big is the difference really?
On one remittance of 100,000 yen, Wise delivers about 5,000 yen more than a bank. A budget SIM starts around 1,390 yen a month, far below typical big-carrier plans (as of July 2026).
Should I save before investing?
Yes. Protect your visa and health first, cut fixed costs second, and only then think about growing money.
Next skill
With your leaks plugged, the next skill is Earn – sharpening your skills, and knowing exactly what your visa allows you to earn.
The Five Skills ｜ All English guides ｜ About
