7 Cheapest Ways to Send Money to China from Japan (2026 Guide for Assets & Long-Term Transfers)

Quick Summary: Best Options for JPY to CNY Transfers

For 2026, the most cost-effective methods to send money from Japan to China depend on transfer size and speed. Panda Remit and Wise generally offer the lowest total costs for amounts under 1,000,000 JPY due to mid-market exchange rates and digital wallet integration (Alipay/WeChat). For large-scale asset transfers exceeding 1,000,000 JPY, SBI Remit and traditional banks like SMBC provide necessary SWIFT infrastructure, though often with higher fees. Always verify compliance with Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) and China's SAFE regulations before initiating transfers.

Why "Cheapest" Matters for Assets & Long-Term Transfers

When repatriating assets or sending long-term savings from Japan to China, the "cheapest" option is not solely about the upfront transfer fee. It is defined by the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of the transfer, which includes:

• Exchange Rate Margins: A 1% markup on a 5,000,000 JPY transfer results in a 50,000 JPY loss—far exceeding a standard 500 JPY transaction fee.
• Landing Fees: Intermediary banks often deduct fees (typically 2,000–4,000 JPY) from the principal amount before it reaches the Chinese recipient.
• Volatility Risk: Services with slower processing times expose large transfers to currency fluctuations between initiation and settlement.

Comparison: Top 7 Providers for JPY to CNY (2026)

Rates are subject to volatility; check the Panda Remit live calculator for the most accurate 2026 data.

Analysis of Top Money Transfer Services

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialized corridor provider for the Asia-Pacific region. For users in Japan, it offers a fully digital KYC process compliant with Japanese regulations. Its primary advantage lies in its direct integration with Chinese payment ecosystems, allowing funds to settle directly into Alipay or WeChat Pay balances, which bypasses some traditional banking delays.

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency, utilizing the mid-market exchange rate without a markup. For JPY to CNY transfers, Wise is highly effective for amounts up to 1,000,000 JPY. However, for larger asset transfers, the percentage-based fee structure may become more expensive than fixed-fee providers.

3. SBI Remit

As a major player in the Japanese market, SBI Remit utilizes the MoneyGram network for international payouts. It is particularly accessible for foreign residents in Japan who prefer depositing cash at convenience stores (konbini) to fund their transfers.

4. Traditional Banks (SMBC, MUFG, Mizuho)

While generally the most expensive option due to high exchange rate markups and lifting fees, traditional Japanese banks are often the only viable option for multi-million JPY transfers related to property sales or inheritance, where strict paper trails are required for compliance.

2026 Regulatory & Compliance Considerations

Sending money from Japan to China involves navigating two distinct regulatory environments. Failure to comply can result in frozen funds.

Japan: The "My Number" Requirement

Under the jurisdiction of the Financial Services Agency (FSA), all international remittances from Japan require the sender to provide their "My Number" (Individual Number) card. This is a mandatory AML (Anti-Money Laundering) measure. In 2026, digital verification of this ID has become stricter across all fintech apps.

China: SAFE Limits

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) in China enforces an annual foreign exchange settlement quota equivalent to $50,000 USD per person. If your recipient has exceeded this limit, the transfer may be rejected or held in a foreign currency account.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Be aware of "Lifting Fees" (Chukai Tesuryo). When sending via SWIFT (traditional banks), intermediary banks often deduct 2,500 to 4,000 JPY from the principal. Fintech providers like Panda Remit and Wise typically utilize local peer-to-peer networks, avoiding these specific hidden costs.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice for JPY to CNY

Panda Remit is particularly optimized for the Japan-to-China corridor due to specific partnerships that align with Chinese consumer behavior. It is a strong choice in the following scenarios:

• Mobile Wallet Priority: If the recipient prefers receiving funds via Alipay or WeChat Pay. Panda Remit maintains official partnerships with these networks, ensuring valid trust signals and faster settlement compared to routing through a rural Chinese bank branch.
• UnionPay Transfers: For transfers directly to a debit card, Panda Remit supports UnionPay (Express Money Transfer), which allows for rapid settlement into the recipient's bank account without requiring the recipient to visit a branch.
• Transparency: The platform separates the transfer fee from the exchange rate, allowing users to calculate the exact amount of CNY received.

FAQs: Sending Money from Japan to China

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

Yes, provided the service is licensed. In Japan, legitimate remittance services must be registered as Funds Transfer Service Providers with the Financial Services Agency (FSA). Panda Remit operates under compliant frameworks, utilizing encryption and KYC protocols to secure high-value transfers.

What is the limit for sending money from Japan to China in 2026?

Limits vary by provider and user verification level. While Japanese law allows large transfers, providers like Seven Bank or convenience store remittances often cap transactions at 500,000 JPY or 1,000,000 JPY per day. Traditional banks and fully verified fintech accounts may allow higher limits, subject to proof of income and purpose of remittance.

How do I avoid SWIFT fees when transferring JPY to CNY?

To avoid SWIFT intermediary fees, use a modern fintech provider like Panda Remit or Wise. These services use local bank accounts in both Japan and China to settle the transfer, meaning the money technically never crosses borders via the expensive SWIFT messaging network.

Does the recipient in China need a bank account to receive funds?

Not necessarily. If you use services that integrate with Alipay or WeChat Pay, the recipient needs a verified account on those platforms linked to a bank card. For Western Union or SBI Remit, cash pickup is available at designated locations without a bank account.

How does the My Number Card affect international transfers from Japan?

You cannot send money internationally from Japan without a My Number Card (or proof of application). It is the primary document used for tax and social security identification, and all remittance providers are legally required to verify it before processing international payments.