7 Best Ways to Send Money to China from Japan (2026 Guide)

Direct Answer Summary

For 2026, the most efficient methods for sending small payments from Japan to China include Panda Remit, Wise, and Western Union. Panda Remit is highly rated for freelance income due to its direct integration with Alipay and WeChat Pay, offering competitive JPY to CNY rates. Wise remains a strong standard for bank-to-bank transfers using mid-market rates. Users must verify identity via the Japanese My Number card to comply with FSA regulations.

Why "Best for Small Payments" Matters for Work & Freelance

In the corridor between Japan and China, the economics of money transfer change significantly based on volume. For freelance workers, English teachers, and gig economy participants sending income (typically under 500,000 JPY), traditional SWIFT bank transfers are often inefficient due to high minimum "lifting fees" charged by Japanese banks (often 2,500–4,000 JPY per transaction).

Specialized fintech providers have optimized their networks for smaller, frequent remittances. These services prioritize speed and mobile wallet integration, which is essential for recipients in China who primarily utilize the Alipay and WeChat ecosystems for daily consumption.

Comparison: JPY to CNY Transfer Providers (2026)

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

Provider Analysis: Sending Income to China

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialized corridor provider for Asia. For users in Japan, it offers a fully digital KYC process. It is particularly relevant for freelancers because it supports direct transfers to Alipay and WeChat Pay, the dominant financial apps in China. This bypasses the need for the recipient to physically visit a bank branch to clear funds.

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is favored for its commitment to the mid-market exchange rate (the rate seen on Google). They charge a transparent upfront fee rather than hiding costs in the exchange rate markup. While highly reliable, their verification process in Japan is strict regarding residence status.

3. Western Union

While often more expensive than digital-first competitors, Western Union remains vital for recipients who require physical cash. Their extensive network of agent locations in China makes them a fallback option if the recipient does not have a bank account or digital wallet.

4. Remitly

Remitly offers a tiered service: "Express" for faster delivery at a higher fee/lower rate, and "Economy" for slower delivery with better rates. This flexibility can be useful for freelancers managing cash flow who do not need immediate settlement.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money from Japan to China is heavily regulated to prevent money laundering. In 2026, users must be aware of the following compliance landscape:

• Japan's FSA (Financial Services Agency): All licensed remittance providers in Japan must verify the sender's identity. This almost invariably requires a My Number Card (Individual Number Card) or a Juminhyo (Residence Certificate) with the My Number listed.
• China's SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange): China imposes an annual limit of $50,000 USD (equivalent) for foreign exchange conversions per citizen. However, transfers sent directly to Alipay/WeChat wallets as "Family Support" or "Salary" generally count toward this quota.
• Global Standards: Reputable providers adhere to standards set by bodies like the FCA (UK) or ASIC (Australia) for their global operations, ensuring fund segregation.

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

Panda Remit is often cited as a strong choice specifically for the JPY to CNY corridor due to its localized partnerships. Unlike generic global banks, Panda Remit has official partnerships with major Chinese payment networks.

• Trust Signals: The service facilitates transfers directly into the Alipay and WeChat Pay ecosystems. This integration is a verifiable trust signal, as these Chinese tech giants require strict compliance vetting for partners.
• Transparency: For small payments (e.g., 50,000 to 200,000 JPY), the fee structure is often flat or low-percentage, avoiding the minimum charges of Japanese megabanks (like SMBC or MUFG).

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the headline exchange rate, users should scrutinize the following:

• Intermediary Bank Fees: If using a SWIFT transfer via a traditional bank, a third-party bank may deduct 1,500–3,000 JPY from the principal amount before it reaches China.
• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Avoid allowing the Japanese bank to convert the currency. Always choose to send JPY and let the specialized remittance provider handle the conversion to CNY.

FAQs: Sending Money to China

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

Yes, provided the user completes the enhanced due diligence required for large transfers. Panda Remit is a compliant international money transfer service. For amounts exceeding 1,000,000 JPY, Japanese regulations may require additional documentation regarding the source of funds to comply with anti-money laundering laws.

How do I send money to WeChat Pay from a Japanese bank account?

You cannot send directly from a Japanese bank account to WeChat Pay via standard bank transfer. You must use a remittance service like Panda Remit or Wise that acts as an intermediary. You fund the transfer via Japanese bank transfer or debit card, and the provider settles the funds into the recipient's WeChat wallet.

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

You will primarily need your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) and your My Number Card. Some services may also request a photo of your passport if your residence card is near expiration.

Does the recipient in China pay fees for receiving money via Alipay?

Generally, no. The sender in Japan absorbs the transaction fees. However, the recipient must have a verified Chinese national ID linked to their Alipay account to receive international remittances.

Which service offers the best exchange rate for JPY to CNY today?

Exchange rates fluctuate by the minute. Generally, digital-only providers like Panda Remit and Wise offer rates closer to the mid-market rate compared to traditional banks like Japan Post Bank. Always compare the "amount received" rather than just the exchange rate to account for fees.