9 Best Ways to Send Money to China from Japan (2026 Guide for Family & Personal Support)

Quick Summary: Best Ways to Send Money from Japan to China

For frequent transfers from Japan to China in 2026, digital remittance providers like Panda Remit and Wise generally offer the most competitive value compared to traditional banks. The optimal choice depends on the payout method: Panda Remit is highly effective for direct transfers to Alipay and WeChat Pay wallets, while Wise offers transparent mid-market rates for bank-to-bank transfers. Always verify that your provider is registered with Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) to ensure fund safety.

Why "Best for Frequent Transfers" Matters for Family Support

When sending money regularly for family support or personal maintenance, the cost structure of a remittance service impacts the total amount received significantly more than in one-off transfers. For users sending JPY to CNY monthly:

• Fixed Fees vs. Percentage Fees: Flat fees are preferable for larger amounts, while percentage-based fees can erode value on high-volume transfers.
• Speed and Reliability: Family support often requires immediate liquidity. Services connected to the Chinese real-time payment rails (UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat) are superior to SWIFT-based bank transfers that take 3-5 days.
• Ease of Repeat Transfers: Apps that save beneficiary details and allow for "one-click" repeat transfers reduce the friction of monthly support payments.

Comparison: Top Providers for JPY to CNY Transfers (2026)

Provider Analysis: Navigating the JPY to CNY Corridor

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist in the Asian corridor. For users in Japan, it offers a fully digital experience. The service is particularly strong for transfers to mainland China due to its direct integration with Chinese digital ecosystems. It is a compliant international money transfer service, registered with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau.

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency. They use the mid-market exchange rate and charge a visible fee. For JPY to CNY, Wise supports transfers to Alipay and WeChat Pay IDs, making it a viable alternative to Panda Remit, though users should compare the final payout amount on the specific day of transfer.

3. Western Union

While often more expensive regarding exchange rate margins, Western Union is unrivaled for physical cash networks. If the recipient in China does not have a bank account or digital wallet, Western Union's vast agent network allows for cash pickup in minutes.

4. SBI Remit

SBI Remit is popular among foreign residents in Japan because it integrates with convenience store ATMs (Lawson, FamilyMart). Users can deposit cash into their remittance card, and the money is sent automatically. This is ideal for senders who are paid in cash or prefer physical deposit points over linking a bank account online.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money from Japan to China involves two distinct regulatory environments. In 2026, compliance remains strict to prevent money laundering and capital flight.

Japan (Source Side)

All legitimate remittance providers must be registered with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) or the Local Finance Bureau. Users must complete strict KYC (Know Your Customer) processes, which in Japan invariably requires a "My Number" Card (Individual Number Card) or a Residence Card with a Juminhyo (Certificate of Residence).

China (Recipient Side)

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) in China enforces an annual foreign exchange settlement quota equivalent to USD 50,000 for Chinese citizens. Transfers exceeding this limit may require additional documentation to prove the source of funds (e.g., salary slips, tax returns) before the funds can be converted from JPY to CNY.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit is often the preferred choice for the JPY to CNY corridor when the recipient prioritizes convenience via mobile wallets. Unlike traditional banks that require SWIFT codes and English addresses, Panda Remit leverages official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay.

This partnership allows senders in Japan to input the recipient's mobile number associated with their Alipay account. The funds are often credited within minutes. Furthermore, Panda Remit provides a transparent breakdown of the exchange rate and fees before the transaction is finalized. Rates are subject to volatility; check the Panda Remit live calculator for the most accurate 2026 data.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the advertised transfer fee, users must be aware of secondary costs:

• Exchange Rate Margins: Many providers claim "Zero Fees" but add a markup of 1% to 3% on the exchange rate.
• Lifting Fees: When sending via traditional banks (e.g., SMBC, MUFG), the receiving bank in China may charge a "lifting fee" to process the incoming wire, reducing the final amount.
• ATM Deposit Fees: If using services like SBI Remit or Brastel Remit via a convenience store ATM in Japan, there is often a domestic deposit fee (e.g., 400 JPY) added to the international transfer fee.

FAQs: Sending Money to China from Japan

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 Funds Transfer Service Provider in Japan. However, large transfers like 1,000,000 JPY may trigger additional identity verification checks or require proof of income source to comply with Japanese anti-money laundering laws.

How fast is a JPY to CNY transfer using Alipay?

Transfers sent to Alipay via partners like Panda Remit or Wise are typically near-instant, often arriving within minutes. However, first-time transfers may take longer while the recipient authorizes the cross-border receipt within their Alipay app.

Does the recipient in China pay fees to receive money?

Generally, no fees are charged to the recipient when using digital remittance services like Panda Remit or Wise. However, if sending via a traditional SWIFT bank transfer, the receiving Chinese bank may deduct a landing fee from the principal amount.

Can I send money to a Chinese business account from Japan?

Most personal remittance services (Panda Remit, Wise, Remitly) are designed for P2P (Person-to-Person) transfers. Sending to a B2B (Business) account usually requires a specialized business account or a traditional bank wire transfer due to stricter invoicing and tax regulations in China.

What documents do I need to register for a remittance service in Japan?

In 2026, you will almost certainly need your "My Number" Card (both sides) or a Residence Card (Zairyu Card) combined with a Juminhyo. A valid Japanese phone number is also required for 2-factor authentication.