Shinhan Bank “SOL” – Exchanging Japanese Yen

October 30, 2023 671 Views

One of the essential preparations for international travel is ensuring you have the local currency. In the case of Japan, it’s advisable to exchange Japanese Yen in advance, as Japan still widely relies on cash, even though card payments are prevalent in most stores in South Korea.

While major stores like Apple stores, Don Quijote, and drugstores accept card or mobile payments, many small, privately-owned shops in Japan don’t. So, not having enough cash in such places can lead to inconvenience.

“Exchanging Japanese Yen with Shinhan Bank’s SOL App”

Personally, when exchanging Japanese Yen, I often use the “SOL” app from Shinhan Bank. The reason for using this app is simple: the process of exchanging currency through this app is both straightforward and easy.

You can apply for currency exchange, and the next day, you can collect Japanese Yen at the airport. Additionally, you can receive a 90% exchange rate benefit.

“How to Exchange Japanese Yen with Shinhan Bank’s SOL App”

To receive Japanese Yen using the SOL app from Shinhan Bank, you need to download the SOL app. While signing up is optional, it is recommended. If you do not sign up, you can only receive a 70% exchange rate benefit. On the other hand, signing up allows you to receive up to 90% benefits.

Once you’ve completed the sign-up process, you can finalize the Japanese Yen exchange by following the steps below using the app:

Click on “SOL Comfortable Exchange.”
Click on “Exchange” & agree to personal information collection & confirm terms.
Select the currency you want to exchange to, in this case, “Japanese Yen (JPY).”
Enter the amount of Japanese Yen you want to exchange (e.g., 40,000 Yen).
Choose the foreign currency receipt area (e.g., Incheon Airport) and select the receipt counter (e.g., ATM / Counter, etc.).
Transfer Korean Won to the designated account number and visit the specified location to collect Japanese Yen.

I collected Japanese Yen at the Incheon Airport branch on the day of departure. The Shinhan Bank Incheon Airport Terminal 1 branch is located near the CGV and Information Center after coming out to the airport railroad, situated on B1. Operating hours are from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

“Exchange Counter on 1st Floor Arrival Area”

Exit 13 of the Arrival floor (Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
Exit 6 of the Arrival floor (Operating hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM)
Customs area A Arrival (Operating hours: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM)

“Exchange Counter on 3rd Floor”

Duty-free area 43G (Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM / Note: Available after departure inspection)
Departure floor Exit 11 (Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
Departure floor G Counter (Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
Departure floor Exit 4 (Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
Departure floor B Counter (Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
Duty-free area 11G (Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM / Note: Available after departure inspection)

“Exchange Counter in the Boarding Area”

Boarding area 115G (Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM / Note: Available after departure inspection)
Boarding area 113G (Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM / Note: Available after departure inspection)

Using the Shinhan Bank SOL app makes Japanese Yen exchange easy. However, keep in mind that you should apply at least one day in advance to collect Japanese Yen at the airport, so make sure to apply a day before your departure.

“Shinhan Bank SOL”