JPY Exchange Rates Hover Around 5 HKD; Best Deals at Banks and Money Changers
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Japan's Ministry of Finance revealed that the country's foreign exchange reserves experienced their largest decline in history during August, amid continued pressure on the yen. The US dollar traded at 155.97 yen on Thursday, while Hong Kong residents seeking yen for travel could obtain approximately 5.03 HKD per 100 yen. This exchange rate environment has prompted many Hong Kong tourists to carefully compare options before converting their Hong Kong dollars, as spreads between the best and worst rates can exceed 1%. The am730 newspaper compiled exchange rates from major banks and licensed money changers across Hong Kong to help travellers identify the most favourable deals.
Key Points
- Japan's Ministry of Finance confirmed foreign exchange reserves dropped to a record low in August 2026, signalling sustained yen weakness in global currency markets .
- The US dollar was quoted at 155.97 yen, with the pair hovering near the 156 level, reflecting persistent pressure on Japan's domestic currency .
- Hong Kong travellers can currently exchange at approximately 5.03 HKD per 100 yen, though individual rates range from 4.97 to 5.04 depending on the provider .
- Major banks offering competitive telegraphic transfer rates include HSBC (buy 4.98, sell 5.06), Hang Seng (4.983/5.058), and Bank of China (4.985/5.053) .
- Alternative options at licensed money changers include Little Girl Exchange (4.99/5.018), Birdy Exchange (4.99/5.05), and Niu Ji (5.04/32), with Silver Money Changer in Lai Chi Kok offering 4.993/5.009 .
Why It Matters
For the substantial number of Hong Kong residents travelling to Japan each year, the current exchange rate environment makes it worthwhile to spend a few minutes comparing providers before exchanging money. The spread between the best and worst rates in the market can amount to over 0.07 HKD per 100 yen, meaning that exchanging HK$10,000 could result in a difference of approximately 700 yen depending on the provider chosen. Those who plan ahead and use bank telegraphic transfer services may secure better rates than walk-in cash exchanges, particularly if they hold premium banking accounts that offer preferential foreign exchange margins.
For the substantial number of Hong Kong residents travelling to Japan each year, the current exchange rate environment makes it worthwhile to spend a few minutes comparing providers before exchanging money. The spread between the best and worst rates in the market can amount to over 0.07 HKD per 100 yen, meaning that exchanging HK$10,000 could result in a difference of approximately 700 yen depending on the provider chosen. Those who plan ahead and use bank telegraphic transfer services may secure better rates than walk-in cash exchanges, particularly if they hold premium banking accounts that offer preferential foreign exchange margins.