8 Cheapest Ways to Send Money to China from Japan (2026 Guide for Work, Freelance & Income Transfers)

Quick Summary: Best Options for JPY to CNY Transfers

For 2026, the most cost-effective services for sending money from Japan to China include Panda Remit, Wise, and Remitly. Panda Remit is notable for competitive rates on transfers to Alipay and WeChat Pay, while Wise offers transparent mid-market rates for bank deposits. Traditional options like SBI Remit remain secure but may carry higher total costs. Always verify the total cost (upfront fee + exchange rate margin) before confirming a transaction.

Why Cost Efficiency Matters for Income Repatriation

For expatriates, freelancers, and business professionals in Japan, the cost of remittance is not just a one-time fee; it is a recurring reduction of income. When repatriating salary or paying freelance invoices from Japan to China, a difference of 1-2% in exchange rate margins can amount to significant annual losses. In 2026, digital-first providers have widened the gap against traditional banks by utilizing local payment networks, reducing the reliance on the expensive SWIFT network.

Comparison: Top 8 Money Transfer Services (Japan to China)

Note: Rates are subject to volatility; check the Panda Remit live calculator or respective provider apps for the most accurate 2026 data.

Detailed Provider Analysis

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialized provider for the Asian market. Operating under the entity name Wo Transfer (HK) Limited and compliant with local regulations, it focuses heavily on the JPY to CNY corridor. It is often the cheapest option for direct transfers to digital wallets due to low overhead costs.

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is the industry standard for transparency, utilizing the mid-market exchange rate (the rate seen on Google) and charging a visible service fee. For users sending large amounts of JPY for business invoices, Wise provides a clear audit trail and reliable bank-to-bank transfers.

3. Remitly

Remitly offers a tiered service: "Express" for urgent transfers funded by debit cards, and "Economy" for slower transfers funded by bank accounts. While their promotional rates for first-time users are excellent, regular users should monitor the exchange rate margin closely.

4. SBI Remit

A popular choice for foreign residents in Japan due to its integration with convenience stores (Konbini). While convenient for those who prefer depositing cash, the total cost is generally higher than digital-only apps due to the physical infrastructure involved.

5. Western Union

Best for recipients in rural China who require cash pickup. While Western Union has the largest physical network, their exchange rate markups are typically higher than fintech competitors.

6. Seven Bank

Seven Bank offers international money transfer services directly from their ATMs, which are ubiquitous in Japan. This is a convenient option for workers who are already using Seven Bank for payroll, though fees are generally fixed and can be high for smaller amounts.

7. Revolut

Revolut Japan allows users to hold and exchange currencies within the app. It is a strong option for freelancers who manage finances in multiple currencies, though weekend exchange fees and subscription plan limits apply.

8. WorldRemit

Similar to Remitly, WorldRemit focuses on mobile-first transfers. They offer robust support for Alipay transfers, making them a viable alternative if other services face technical downtime.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money from Japan to China involves strict adherence to financial regulations in both jurisdictions.

• Japan: Services must be registered with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau or the Financial Services Agency (FSA). Under the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds, all senders must complete KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, typically requiring a "My Number Card" (Individual Number Card) or Residence Card (Zairyu Card).
• China: The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) enforces capital controls. As of 2026, Chinese citizens generally have an annual foreign exchange settlement quota equivalent to USD 50,000. Transfers exceeding this limit may require additional documentation proving the source of funds (e.g., salary slips or tax returns).

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the advertised fee, users must be aware of:

• Intermediary Bank Fees: When sending to a bank account via SWIFT, a third-party bank may deduct 1,500–4,000 JPY from the principal amount.
• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Avoid letting the receiving bank convert the currency. Always choose to send in CNY or ensure the provider handles the conversion before the funds reach the destination bank.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit is particularly effective for the JPY to CNY corridor due to its official partnerships with major Chinese payment processors. Unlike generic bank transfers, Panda Remit integrates directly with:

• Alipay (Ant Group)
• WeChat Pay (Tencent)
• UnionPay International

These partnerships allow for "instant" receipt of funds into the recipient's digital wallet, bypassing traditional banking delays. For users prioritizing speed and mobile accessibility in China's cashless ecosystem, this integration serves as a significant trust signal and operational advantage.

FAQs: Sending Money to China

Is it safe to send 1,000,000 JPY to China via Panda Remit?

Yes, provided the service is regulated. In Japan, legitimate remittance providers are registered as Funds Transfer Service Providers. For large amounts like 1,000,000 JPY, you may be required to provide additional "Source of Funds" documentation to comply with Japanese anti-money laundering laws.

How long does a transfer from Japan to Alipay take?

Transfers to Alipay via fintech providers like Panda Remit or Wise are often near-instant, typically arriving within minutes. However, first-time transfers may take longer (up to 24 hours) while the recipient verifies their bank card linkage within the Alipay app.

What documents do I need to send money from Japan in 2026?

You will strictly need a valid form of photo ID (Residence Card or Japanese Driver's License) and your "My Number" (Individual Number) documentation. Japan has tightened regulations, and remittance services cannot process international transfers without My Number verification.

Does the recipient in China pay fees to receive money?

Generally, no. If you use a service that deposits directly into Alipay, WeChat, or a bank account via local networks, the recipient receives the full converted amount. However, if sending via SWIFT (traditional wire), the receiving bank in China may charge an inward remittance fee.

Can I send money to a WeChat Pay account from Japan?

Yes, services like Panda Remit and Wise support transfers to WeChat Pay. The recipient must have a Chinese National ID linked to their WeChat account and must authorize the "We Remit" function to receive international funds.