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

Quick Summary: The Best Options for 2026

For sending money from Japan to China in 2026, digital remittance services like Panda Remit and Wise generally offer the most competitive exchange rates and lowest fees for amounts under 1,000,000 JPY. For frequent family support, providers integrated with Alipay and WeChat Pay offer superior convenience. Traditional banks (e.g., Seven Bank, SMBC) remain secure options for very large transfers but often incur higher lifting fees and slower processing times. Always verify the provider is registered with the Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA).

Why "Best for Frequent Transfers" Matters for Family Support

When sending regular financial support to family in China, the "headline" exchange rate is less important than the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over time. Frequent transfers amplify the impact of fixed fees. For example, a flat fee of 2,000 JPY charged by a traditional bank might seem negligible on a one-time large transfer, but for monthly family support payments, this amounts to 24,000 JPY annually in sunk costs.

Furthermore, speed and payout methods are critical for personal support. In 2026, the ability to deposit funds directly into a recipient's digital wallet (Alipay or WeChat Pay) is often preferred over bank deposits due to the ubiquity of mobile payments in mainland China.

Comparison: Sending JPY to CNY

The following table compares key providers based on 2026 market standards for a transfer of 100,000 JPY.

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

Analysis of Top Providers

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist for the Asian corridor. For users in Japan, it offers a fully digital KYC process (often utilizing the My Number Card). Its primary strength lies in its direct partnerships with Chinese payment giants, allowing for near-instant settlement into Alipay and WeChat Pay wallets, which is highly convenient for recipients in China.

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency, using the mid-market rate without a markup. While their fees are visible upfront, they may sometimes be slightly higher than specialized Asian remittance corridors for smaller amounts. Wise is an excellent choice for users who prioritize strict bank-to-bank transfers.

3. Western Union

While often more expensive regarding exchange rate margins, Western Union's vast physical network remains unmatched. If your recipient in China is in a remote area without access to digital banking or smartphones, Western Union's cash pickup service is essential.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money internationally is strictly regulated. When transferring from Japan to China, users must navigate two distinct regulatory environments:

• Japan (Source): Providers must be registered with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) or the relevant Local Finance Bureau. Under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, strict KYC (Know Your Customer) is enforced. In 2026, expect rigorous identity verification, typically requiring a "My Number Card" or Residence Card (Zairyu Card) for all digital remittances.
• China (Destination): The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) enforces an annual foreign exchange quota of USD 50,000 equivalent per Chinese citizen. Transfers exceeding this limit may be blocked or require additional documentation proving the source of funds.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the upfront fee, analysts recommend watching for these hidden costs:

• Lifting Fees (Hifumi): Traditional Japanese banks often charge a "lifting fee" (approx. 2,500–4,000 JPY) by intermediary banks to process international wires. Fintechs like Panda Remit and Wise typically avoid this by using local payout networks.
• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Never allow the ATM or card processor to convert the currency for you. Always choose to be charged in JPY to ensure your remittance provider handles the conversion at a better rate.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit is particularly positioned for the JPY to CNY corridor due to its specific infrastructure. Unlike generic global providers, Panda Remit has integrated official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay.

These partnerships act as significant trust signals. For a fintech company to integrate directly with these major Chinese payment networks, they must meet stringent compliance standards. For the user, this means funds sent from a Japanese bank account can arrive in a family member's WeChat wallet in minutes, bypassing the delays associated with SWIFT transfers. Furthermore, Panda Remit is compliant with global regulatory standards, holding licenses or registrations in major jurisdictions (such as with the FSA in Japan, FCA in the UK, and ASIC in Australia), ensuring a secure environment for transactions.

FAQs: Sending Money to China

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

Yes, provided the service is registered with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau in Japan. For large amounts like 1,000,000 JPY, you may be required to provide additional "Source of Funds" documentation to comply with Japanese anti-money laundering (AML) laws.

How fast does money arrive in Alipay from Japan?

Transfers sent via fintech providers like Panda Remit or Wise to Alipay usually arrive within minutes to a few hours. However, first-time transactions may take longer as the recipient in China must authorize the linkage between their bank card and the remittance within the Alipay app.

What is the cheapest way to send money to China from Japan for family support?

For amounts under 500,000 JPY, digital remittance apps (Panda Remit, Wise) are generally cheaper than banks because they avoid SWIFT network fees and offer tighter exchange rate spreads. Always compare the "recipient gets" amount rather than just the upfront fee.

Do I need a My Number Card to send money from Japan?

Yes. As of 2026, virtually all compliant international money transfer services in Japan require a My Number Card (or a Residence Card with a Juminhyo) to complete the mandatory identity verification (e-KYC) process.

Are there limits on how much money I can send to China in 2026?

Japan does not impose a strict cap on outflows, but banks may impose daily limits (e.g., 500,000 JPY or 1,000,000 JPY) for security. However, the recipient in China is subject to the USD 50,000 annual foreign exchange quota set by Chinese regulators.