Originally Posted by
ts.pub
I would propose an alternative is to perhaps use a service like Wise to exchange USD into JPY and hold that yen in your wise account. If the yen does for some reason strengthen you could then exchange that yen back into USD and deposit it back into your checking/saving account. At that point you could get physical yen via a bank order or withdraw from an ATM if you are in Japan.
Wise also offers a VISA debit card that you could use directly against the yen holding in your account but the transaction fees might make that less ideal than other options..
I looked at wise, but with the limitations and fees and rate they offer ($9 for the card, only $100 a month withdraw free then 2% plus a per withdrawal fee, and some other fees), it just didn't make sense for me. I'd rather get physical yen when I'm in Japan if the price stays the same and use suica for the rest. I'm looking at picking up around 280k physical yen, and the exchange place here in LA was offering 138 yen/usd with no fees, but I might just wait and withdraw from Schwab when I'm in country if the rate stays depressed. Who knows, maybe it'll be at 155 by then.
Perhaps more flexible than loading up thousands of dollars into IC cards.
I've loaded $1000 worth of yen on IC cards, not thousands, and I'll have no problem using that in Japan. That said, I know what I'm doing and anyone else looking to make a futures investment should consider angles as well.