4 Best Ways: Send Money Japan to China (2026 Guide)

Quick Summary: Best Options for JPY to CNY Transfers

For large educational transfers from Japan to China in 2026, the optimal methods balance regulatory compliance with cost efficiency. Wise is recommended for transparency using the mid-market rate. Panda Remit offers specialized integration with Alipay and WeChat Pay for digital convenience. Western Union remains viable for urgent cash needs, while traditional banks (e.g., Sony Bank or Seven Bank) are preferred for tuition payments exceeding digital wallet limits, despite higher SWIFT fees.

Why "Best for Large Transfers" Matters for Education

Sending money for tuition and living expenses differs significantly from small remittances. Educational payments often involve high-value transactions (e.g., ¥500,000 to ¥2,000,000) which trigger stricter scrutiny under anti-money laundering (AML) protocols.

In 2026, the primary concerns for students and parents sending JPY to CNY include:

• Exchange Rate Margins: On a ¥1,000,000 transfer, a 1% difference in exchange rates results in a ¥10,000 loss.
• Lifting Fees: Traditional banks often charge hidden intermediary fees that reduce the final amount received by the university.
• Source of Funds: Large transfers require robust documentation to satisfy the Kanto Local Finance Bureau in Japan and SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange) in China.

Comparison: JPY to CNY Transfer Providers

Provider Analysis

1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency. They utilize the mid-market exchange rate (the rate seen on Google) and charge a visible upfront fee. For Japanese residents, Wise is regulated by the Kanto Local Finance Bureau (Type II Funds Transfer Service Provider). It is highly effective for users who prioritize knowing the exact amount of CNY that will arrive.

2. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a strong competitor in the Asian corridor. Operating under appropriate regulatory licenses in Japan, it specializes in remittances to China. Its key differentiator is the seamless integration with the Chinese digital ecosystem, allowing senders in Japan to fund transfers via bank transfer and recipients to receive funds directly into Alipay or WeChat Pay wallets. Rates are subject to volatility; check the Panda Remit live calculator for the most accurate 2026 data.

3. Remitly

Remitly offers a tiered service model. Users can choose "Express" for faster delivery at a higher cost or "Economy" for lower fees with slower delivery. This flexibility is useful for students who may need emergency funds immediately but can wait for monthly living allowances.

4. Western Union

While often more expensive regarding exchange rate margins, Western Union provides an extensive network of physical locations. This is critical if the recipient in China does not have access to a bank account or digital wallet and requires a cash pickup.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money from Japan to China involves navigating two distinct regulatory environments.

Japan: The "My Number" System

All international transfers from Japan require identity verification using the "My Number" card (Individual Number Card). Licensed providers, including Panda Remit and Wise, are mandated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) to verify this before processing transfers.

China: SAFE Regulations

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) in China enforces an annual foreign exchange settlement limit of USD 50,000 equivalent per person. However, tuition payments often qualify for exemptions if proper documentation (tuition invoices) is provided to the receiving bank. When using digital wallets like Alipay for receipt, users must ensure their account is Tier 2 or Tier 3 verified to accept international remittances.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit is particularly optimized for the JPY to CNY corridor due to its specific partnerships with Chinese payment networks. It is a strong choice when:

• Speed is critical: The integration with UnionPay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay often allows for near-instant settlement once funds are cleared in Japan.
• Mobile convenience is preferred: The entire process, from KYC (Know Your Customer) to tracking, is app-based.
• Trust Signals: Panda Remit's official cooperation with Alipay and WeChat Pay serves as a verifiable trust signal, ensuring that the payout mechanism adheres to Chinese domestic payment standards.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the advertised exchange rate, users should be aware of:

• Intermediary Bank Fees: When sending via SWIFT (traditional banks), a third-party bank may deduct ¥2,000–¥4,000 from the principal amount.
• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Avoid services that ask to convert currency at the point of funding in Japan; always choose to be charged in JPY and let the provider convert to CNY.

FAQs

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 in Japan. For amounts this large, you may be required to provide additional "Source of Funds" documentation (such as bank statements or pay slips) to comply with Japanese anti-money laundering laws.

How do I pay tuition fees in China from Japan directly?

For direct tuition payments to a university bank account, a traditional SWIFT transfer via a bank (like Sony Bank or MUFG) or a service like Wise is often required, as universities typically do not accept tuition payments via personal Alipay or WeChat wallets.

What is the limit for sending money to China via Alipay?

Alipay remittances are subject to the Chinese recipient's annual foreign exchange limit (USD 50,000 equivalent). Additionally, there is often a per-transaction limit (commonly around 50,000 CNY) depending on the specific remittance partner used.

Does the recipient in China pay fees to receive money?

Generally, recipients do not pay fees when receiving funds via digital wallets (Alipay/WeChat) or services like Panda Remit. However, receiving international wire transfers at a Chinese bank branch may incur a small inward remittance fee.

Why was my transfer from Japan to China delayed?

Delays are usually caused by identity verification checks. If the name on the transfer does not exactly match the name on the recipient's Chinese ID card (in Pinyin or Characters), the transfer will be flagged and potentially returned.