This guide explains the practical procedures for making deposits from Japan to a JDB bank account and for transferring funds from a JDB bank account to Japan (or a third country) using SWIFT and MoneyGram.
1. Japan → JDB Bank (SWIFT Deposit)
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Receiving Bank BIC (SWIFT) | JDBKLALAXXX |
| Beneficiary Bank Name | Joint Development Bank Public Company |
| Beneficiary Bank Address | Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR |
| Beneficiary Account Number | Will be issued by JDB after the account is opened |
| Remittance Currency | USD / JPY / THB are common |
2. Estimated Transfer Fees by Japanese Bank
As of May 2026, approximate fees for a $3,000 transfer (please check each bank’s official website for the latest rates):
- Mitsubishi UFJ Bank (Branch): Approx. 7,500–10,000 yen + foreign exchange spread
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (Online): Approx. 4,500 yen + foreign exchange spread
- SBI Shinsei Bank (GoRemit): From 2,000 yen + foreign exchange spread
- Wise: Approx. 1,800 yen (structured with a lower round-trip spread)
* The above are general estimates. Please check each bank’s latest fee schedule for actual fees. A separate “intermediary bank fee” may be deducted when sending money.
3. JDB Bank → Japan (SWIFT Withdrawal)
You can transfer funds from JDB Bank to banks in Japan (such as Sumitomo Mitsui, Rakuten, SBI Shinsei, etc.). Fees vary depending on the currency and amount, but generally amount to approximately USD25–50 (JDB transfer fee) + intermediary bank fees.
4. MoneyGram
JDB banks partner with MoneyGram, enabling small-scale person-to-person transfers. When sending money from Japan, you can use Seven Bank ATMs and other locations as service points.
5. Foreign Exchange Risks and Timing of Transfers
It is not uncommon for foreign exchange rates for USD/JPY and LAK/JPY to fluctuate by 2–5% over a short period. For large transfers, please consider “time diversification” by splitting the transfer into multiple installments over different time periods.
Information on Account Opening Support at Laos JDB Bank
This website is an information portal operated in partnership with our center’s affiliated support desk, which provides assistance for opening JDB bank accounts in Japan. We offer support in Japanese, covering everything from document preparation and local arrangements to tax considerations.
Consult for free about opening an account →
* Please note that our center provides information and document support regarding JDB Bank, but we do not act as an agent or intermediary for banking operations (as defined by the Banking Act). Actual account opening is handled directly by JDB Bank (via our center’s application form).
