People working in Japan — how do you send money back home cheaply?

Hey everyone,

I’m currently working in Japan and will be sending money back home regularly. I’ve tried looking this up, but there are a lot of options and the real cost isn’t always obvious once fees and FX rates are included.

I’m curious what people actually use in real life.

• What service do you use? (Wise, Remitly, banks, Western Union, crypto, etc.)

• How much does it really cost you all-in?

• How long does it usually take to arrive?

• Any annoying issues (limits, freezes, delays)? These always scare me off

Also genuinely curious, if there were a new way to send money that was clearly cheaper and more transparent, would you even bother switching? Or are people mostly fine with what they’re using now?

Would love to hear real experiences. Thanks!

edit : I’m sending it to HK and US. But curious how other countries work too. Appreciate if you could add countries you are sending it to