6 Safest Ways to Send Money: Japan to China (2026 Guide)

Quick Summary: The Safest Options for 2026

For individuals sending money from Japan to China in 2026, the safest methods combine regulatory compliance with secure encryption. Traditional banks (like Seven Bank or SBI Shinsei) offer high security via SWIFT but often at higher costs. Regulated digital providers like Wise and Panda Remit provide secure, compliant alternatives regulated by Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA), offering faster settlement to Alipay and WeChat Pay accounts. Always verify the provider's registration with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau before transferring.

Why Safety Matters for Family & Personal Support

When sending funds for family support, safety extends beyond mere data encryption. It involves adherence to strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols and capital control regulations.

In the corridor between Japan and China, two major regulatory bodies govern transactions:

• Japan: The Financial Services Agency (FSA) and the Kanto Local Finance Bureau enforce strict KYC (Know Your Customer) laws, requiring senders to provide their "My Number" card details.
• China: The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) monitors inflows. Personal remittances are generally subject to an annual foreign exchange quota (typically $50,000 USD equivalent per recipient).

Using unregulated channels (shadow banking) puts funds at risk of freezing or seizure. The providers listed below operate within these legal frameworks.

Comparison: JPY to CNY Transfer Providers

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

In-Depth Provider Analysis

1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency. They utilize the mid-market exchange rate without a spread, charging a variable fee instead. For users in Japan, Wise requires strict identity verification via the My Number system. It is ideal for users who prioritize cost transparency over instant delivery.

2. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist in the Asian remittance market. Registered as a Funds Transfer Service Provider in Japan, it focuses heavily on the user experience for Chinese nationals and expatriates.

• Corridor Strength: JPY to CNY.
• Payout Integration: Panda Remit officially partners with major Chinese payment networks, allowing direct transfers to Alipay (linked to bank accounts) and WeChat Pay. This integration often results in faster settlement times compared to traditional SWIFT transfers.
• Trust Signals: The service employs bank-level security protocols and adheres to Japanese FSA regulations regarding customer fund protection.

3. Western Union

Western Union is synonymous with global reach. While their exchange rate margins are typically higher than digital-first competitors, their physical agent network in Japan (often found in ticket shops or specific counters) and China makes them indispensable for recipients who require cash pickup rather than digital deposits.

4. Remitly

Remitly offers a tiered service structure: "Express" for speed and "Economy" for lower fees. They are a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: RELY) and are fully licensed in Japan. They are a reliable option for users who need to balance urgency with cost.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money from Japan to China in 2026 requires navigating updated compliance landscapes.

The "My Number" Requirement

Japanese law mandates that all international remittance providers verify the sender's Individual Number (My Number). Whether using a bank or an app like Panda Remit, you cannot bypass this step. In 2026, digital verification of these cards has become stricter to prevent identity fraud.

China's SAFE Regulations

Recipients in China are subject to the $50,000 USD annual foreign exchange quota. When sending via services like Panda Remit or Wise to Alipay/WeChat, the recipient must explicitly authorize the receipt of funds and declare the relationship (e.g., "Family Support") within the app to ensure the funds clear SAFE checks.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

While no single provider is perfect for every scenario, Panda Remit is particularly optimized for the JPY to CNY corridor due to specific technical integrations:

1. Digital Wallet Direct Deposit: Unlike traditional banks that route through intermediaries, Panda Remit leverages partnerships to deposit funds directly into digital wallets (Alipay/WeChat Pay) and UnionPay cards. This reduces the "lifting fees" often deducted by intermediate banks.
2. User Interface: The platform offers a localized experience for Chinese speakers in Japan, simplifying the complex KYC process required by Japanese regulators.
3. Transparency: While they apply a small markup to the exchange rate, the final amount received is clearly displayed before the transaction is confirmed, aiding in cost comparison.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the advertised transfer fee, users must be aware of:

• Intermediary Bank Fees (Lifting Fees): Common with SWIFT transfers (SBI, Seven Bank), these are fees deducted by third-party banks during transit, often costing 2,000–4,000 JPY.
• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Never allow the receiving bank to convert the currency. Always send in JPY or lock in the CNY amount with the provider to avoid poor bank-set exchange rates.

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 by the Kanto Local Finance Bureau. However, large transfers trigger stricter AML checks. For amounts exceeding 1,000,000 JPY, traditional banks are sometimes required due to specific remittance laws in Japan, though licensed fund transfer providers have specific caps (often 1 million JPY per transaction) that you must adhere to.

How do I link Alipay to receive money from Japan?

To receive funds via Alipay, the recipient in China must use the "Global Remittance" mini-app within Alipay, link a Chinese bank card (Class I account), and authorize the transaction. Providers like Panda Remit facilitate this handshake digitally.

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

You generally need a valid Residence Card (Zairyu Card) and your My Number Card (or notification slip with photo ID). Some providers may also request proof of income for high-volume transfers.

Does the recipient in China pay taxes on family support remittances?

Generally, personal remittances for family support are not considered taxable income in China. However, they count toward the recipient's annual foreign exchange quota ($50,000 USD limit). Always consult a tax professional for specific cases.

Why was my transfer to WeChat Pay rejected?

Rejections often occur if the recipient has not completed their real-name authentication on WeChat Pay, if they have exceeded their annual SAFE quota, or if the "Purpose of Remittance" declared by the sender does not match the recipient's declaration.