9 Reliable Ways to Send Money: Japan to China (2026 Education Guide)

Quick Summary: Best Ways to Transfer JPY to CNY

For education-related transfers from Japan to China in 2026, the most reliable methods are Wise, Panda Remit, and SBI Shinsei Bank. Wise offers transparent mid-market rates for general maintenance costs. Panda Remit provides specialized integration with Alipay and WeChat Pay for rapid digital receipt. Traditional banks like SBI Shinsei remain the standard for high-value tuition payments requiring official SWIFT documentation for university compliance.

Why Reliability Matters for Education Payments

When funding international education, reliability outweighs speed. Tuition payments to Chinese universities often require strict adherence to State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) regulations. A failed transfer due to insufficient documentation or non-compliant channels can result in missed enrollment deadlines. Furthermore, sending funds from Japan requires strict compliance with the "My Number" system to verify the source of funds under Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA) guidelines.

Comparison: Top 9 Providers for JPY to CNY Transfers

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

In-Depth Provider Analysis

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist for the Japan-to-China corridor. It is fully regulated in Japan (registered with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau). Its primary advantage lies in its official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay, allowing senders to transfer JPY directly into the digital wallets used daily by students in China. This bypasses the complexity of traditional bank wires for monthly living expenses.

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a top recommendation for users prioritizing cost transparency. By using the mid-market rate without a hidden markup, Wise is ideal for parents who want to know exactly how much CNY will arrive. However, strict verification processes in Japan can delay the initial account setup.

3. SBI Shinsei Bank (GoRemit)

For direct tuition payments where a university demands a SWIFT MT103 proof of payment, traditional banks like SBI Shinsei are necessary. While fees are higher (often including intermediary bank fees), the reliability of the SWIFT network is preferred by university finance departments for tracking large sums.

4. Western Union

Western Union is best reserved for emergencies. If a student loses their wallet and needs cash immediately, Western Union’s vast network of physical agent locations in China allows for cash pickup within minutes. The cost for this speed is typically a wider exchange rate margin.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice: The JPY to CNY Corridor

In the specific context of 2026, Panda Remit offers distinct advantages for the JPY to CNY corridor due to its digital ecosystem integration. Unlike traditional banks that may require the recipient to physically visit a branch in China to clear funds, Panda Remit leverages the UnionPay Express and Alipay networks.

• Transparency: Users can lock in rates before funding the transfer.
• Compliance: The service adheres to Japanese anti-money laundering (AML) laws, requiring "My Number" verification, which ensures the safety of the funds.
• Convenience: For students in China, receiving funds directly into a WeChat Pay balance eliminates the need to transfer funds from a bank account to a spending app.

2026 Regulatory and Compliance Considerations

Sending money from Japan to China involves navigating two distinct regulatory environments. In 2026, users must be aware of the following:

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 non-negotiable for both banks and digital providers like Panda Remit to prevent tax evasion and money laundering.

China: SAFE Limits

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) in China enforces an annual foreign exchange settlement quota of USD 50,000 equivalent per person. However, tuition payments and medical expenses are often exempt from this quota if proper documentation (tuition bills) is provided to the receiving bank. Digital wallet transfers (Alipay/WeChat) are generally subject to stricter transaction limits per transfer compared to bank wires.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the advertised exchange rate, senders should be vigilant regarding:

• Lifting Fees: Japanese banks often charge a "lifting fee" (typically 2,500–4,000 JPY) to handle foreign currency.
• Intermediary Bank Fees: When using SWIFT (banks), a third-party bank may deduct 1,500–3,000 JPY from the principal amount before it reaches China.
• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Avoid using credit cards for transfers where the card issuer converts the currency; this often incurs a 3-5% markup.

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. Panda Remit is registered as a Fund Transfer Service Provider in Japan. However, for amounts as large as 1,000,000 JPY, you may be required to provide additional "Source of Funds" documentation to comply with Japanese financial regulations.

How do I pay Chinese university tuition from Japan?

Most Chinese universities prefer direct bank transfers via the SWIFT network. You should use a major bank (like SBI Shinsei or SMBC) or a service like Wise that supports transfers to corporate accounts. Ensure you include the student's ID and name in the reference field.

Does Alipay accept transfers from Japanese bank accounts?

Directly, no. You cannot link a Japanese bank account to a Chinese Alipay wallet. You must use a remittance service like Panda Remit or Wise that supports Alipay as a payout method. You send JPY to the provider, and they credit the recipient's Alipay wallet in CNY.

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

You will invariably need a valid Residence Card (Zairyu Card) or Japanese Driver's License, and your "My Number" card (or notification card with photo ID). Digital providers will require you to upload these via their app for eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification.

How long does a SWIFT transfer take from Japan to China in 2026?

While domestic transfers are instant, SWIFT transfers from Japan to China typically take 2 to 5 business days. Delays often occur if the receiving bank in China requires the recipient to verify the purpose of the funds before releasing them.