5 Reliable Ways to Send Money to China from Japan (2026 Guide)

Sending income, freelance wages, or business payments from Japan to China requires navigating a complex landscape of currency controls, regulatory compliance, and varying fee structures. As of 2026, the corridor between the Japanese Yen (JPY) and Chinese Yuan (CNY) has evolved with tighter digital integration and stricter compliance checks.

Quick Summary: Best Ways to Transfer JPY to CNY

For 2026, the most reliable methods to transfer money from Japan to China include Wise, Panda Remit, and Western Union. Wise is optimal for mid-market rates on bank deposits, while Panda Remit offers distinct advantages for direct transfers to Alipay and WeChat Pay wallets. Traditional banks (like SBI Shinsei or Seven Bank) remain the most secure for high-volume transfers despite higher SWIFT fees. Always verify the provider's registration with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau.

Why Reliability Matters for Work & Income Transfers

When transferring funds derived from employment or freelance work, reliability outweighs speed. In the JPY to CNY corridor, reliability encompasses three specific factors:

• Source of Funds Verification: Japanese financial institutions strictly adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) laws. Sudden large transfers without documentation can lead to account freezes.
• SAFE Compliance: The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) in China enforces an annual US$50,000 equivalent conversion quota for Chinese citizens. Reliable providers ensure transfers are tagged correctly to avoid rejection on the receiving end.
• Tax Documentation: For freelance income, having a clear audit trail provided by a regulated remittance service is essential for tax reporting in both jurisdictions.

Comparison: JPY to CNY Transfer Providers

Analysis of Top Providers

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency. They utilize the mid-market exchange rate—the same rate seen on Google—and charge a variable fee based on the transfer amount. For users in Japan, Wise is regulated by the Kanto Local Finance Bureau (Type 2 Funds Transfer Service Provider). It is particularly effective for freelancers who need to prove the exact amount sent versus received without hidden exchange rate margins.

2. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist in the Asian remittance market. For the JPY to CNY corridor, it is often favored for its digital-first approach. Panda Remit is a compliant international money transfer service, holding necessary licenses in the jurisdictions it operates, including Japan. Its primary strength lies in its official partnerships with major Chinese payment networks, allowing for seamless transfers directly to digital wallets, which is often preferred by recipients in China for daily spending.

3. Western Union

While often more expensive regarding exchange rate markups, Western Union offers unrivaled physical reach. For recipients in rural China who may not have immediate access to digital banking or smartphones, Western Union’s cash pickup network is the most reliable option.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit is particularly competitive for users prioritizing speed and mobile ecosystem integration. In 2026, the integration between Japanese funding sources and Chinese super-apps is a critical differentiator.

• Direct to Wallet: Panda Remit facilitates direct transfers to Alipay (Zhifubao) and WeChat Pay (Weixin Pay). This bypasses the need for the recipient to manually handle foreign exchange settlements within their bank app, as the funds often arrive directly in CNY.
• UnionPay Integration: For larger transfers that exceed wallet limits, Panda Remit supports transfers to UnionPay cards.
• Transparency: While they apply a small markup to the exchange rate, the fee structure is generally lower than traditional SWIFT transfers.

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

2026 Regulatory Changes & Hidden Costs

When sending money from Japan, users must be aware of specific costs and regulations that have solidified by 2026:

The "Lifting Fee" (Hifukumi)

When using traditional Japanese banks (like SMBC, MUFG, or Mizuho), you may encounter a "Lifting Fee." This is a charge for handling foreign currency within Japan before it is sent out. It can cost upwards of 2,500 JPY per transaction, independent of the transfer fee. Fintech providers like Wise and Panda Remit typically avoid this by utilizing local payout networks.

My Number Card Requirements

Strict enforcement of the "Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds" means that almost all remittance services in Japan now require a "My Number" card (Individual Number Card) for identity verification (eKYC). Expired residence cards or lack of My Number documentation will result in immediate service denial.

FAQs: Sending Money to China

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

Yes, it is generally safe provided the service is licensed. In Japan, legitimate remittance providers are registered with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) or Local Finance Bureaus. However, for amounts as large as 1,000,000 JPY, you may trigger enhanced due diligence checks requiring proof of income source.

How does the $50,000 annual limit affect freelance income transfers to China?

Chinese regulations (SAFE) typically limit individuals to converting the equivalent of US$50,000 from foreign currency to CNY per year. If you are sending freelance income to a Chinese national who has exceeded this quota, the funds may be returned or held in a foreign currency account until the next calendar year.

Can I send money directly to a WeChat Pay wallet from a Japanese bank account?

Direct bank-to-wallet transfers are rarely supported by traditional Japanese banks. You typically need a specialized remittance intermediary like Panda Remit, Wise, or Remitly that has established settlement rails with TenPay (WeChat's parent company) to execute these transfers.

What documents are required for large income transfers from Japan to China in 2026?

For large transfers, Japanese financial regulations require "Confirmation of Purpose of Transaction." You may need to upload tax return documents (Kakutei Shinkoku), pay slips, or freelance contracts to prove the funds are legitimate income and not related to illicit activities.

How do exchange rate markups compare between Wise and Panda Remit for JPY/CNY?

Wise generally uses the mid-market rate with a transparent, separate fee. Panda Remit often charges a lower upfront fee (or zero fee for new users) but includes a slight markup in the exchange rate. The final amount received depends on the specific volatility at the moment of transfer; comparing the "Amount Receivable" on both platforms simultaneously is the only way to determine the cheaper option for a specific day.