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

Quick Summary: Best Options for JPY to CNY Transfers

For frequent transfers from Japan to China in 2026, Panda Remit and Wise offer the most competitive value due to transparent exchange rates and direct integration with Alipay and WeChat Pay. While traditional banks like SBI Shinsei offer high-limit security, they often incur significant intermediary (lifting) fees. Always verify the JPY/CNY mid-market rate and ensure the provider is licensed by the Kanto Local Finance Bureau before sending.

Why Optimizing for Frequent Transfers Matters for Overseas Work

For Chinese nationals working in Japan or Japanese expatriates managing cross-border finances, the cost of remittance is not a one-time fee but a recurring overhead. In 2026, the divergence between digital remittance providers and traditional SWIFT-based banking has widened.

Frequent senders must prioritize FX spread transparency over advertised "zero fee" claims. A service charging 0 JPY in fees but marking up the exchange rate by 2% can cost a user sending 100,000 JPY significantly more than a provider with a small upfront fee and a mid-market rate. Furthermore, speed is critical for migration-related payments; digital wallets like Alipay have set a new standard for near-instant settlement.

Comparison: Top Providers for Japan to China (2026)

Analysis of Top Money Transfer Providers

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist for the Asian corridor. Operating under the legal entity name in Japan, it is regulated as a Funds Transfer Service Provider. Its primary advantage lies in its specific optimization for the JPY to CNY corridor.

• Pros: Direct partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay allow for rapid settlement. The user interface is tailored for Chinese migrants.
• Cons: Transaction limits are subject to Japanese Type II Funds Transfer regulations (typically capped at 1 million JPY per transaction).

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains the industry benchmark for transparency. They use the mid-market rate (the one seen on Google) and charge a visible fee.

• Pros: No hidden exchange rate markups. Highly trusted global regulatory footprint.
• Cons: Fees can be higher than competitors for larger transfer amounts due to the percentage-based structure.

3. Western Union

While often more expensive, Western Union's vast physical network remains relevant for recipients in rural China who may not have access to digital banking or smartphones.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money internationally requires strict adherence to financial regulations in both the sending and receiving countries. In 2026, compliance checks have become more automated but rigorous.

Japan: Kanto Local Finance Bureau & FSA

Legitimate non-bank remittance services in Japan must be registered with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau (or other regional bureaus) under the Payment Services Act. Users should verify a provider's registration number before sending funds. Additionally, the "My Number" card is a mandatory requirement for KYC (Know Your Customer) verification for all international transfers from Japan.

China: SAFE Regulations

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) in China enforces an annual foreign exchange settlement quota (typically $50,000 USD equivalent) for Chinese citizens. Transfers sent to Alipay or WeChat Pay balance generally count toward this quota. Senders must ensure the recipient has not exceeded their annual limit to avoid frozen funds.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the headline exchange rate, users sending JPY to CNY must be aware of "Lifting Fees." When sending via traditional banks (SWIFT), intermediary banks often deduct 2,500 to 4,000 JPY from the principal amount before it reaches China. Fintech providers like Panda Remit and Wise typically utilize local payout networks, bypassing the SWIFT network and eliminating these hidden lifting fees.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit is particularly strong for the JPY to CNY corridor due to its specific infrastructure. Unlike generic global providers, Panda Remit has integrated deeply with Chinese payment ecosystems.

It is a strong choice when:

• Speed is a priority: Leveraging official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay, funds often arrive within minutes, which is crucial for urgent family support.
• Mobile Convenience: The service is optimized for mobile usage, allowing users to complete KYC using their Japanese Residence Card or My Number card entirely via smartphone.
• Cost Efficiency: For amounts under 500,000 JPY, the flat-fee structure combined with a competitive exchange rate often results in more CNY received compared to SWIFT transfers.

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

FAQs: Sending Money from Japan to China

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

Yes, provided the service is licensed. In Japan, Panda Remit operates as a registered Funds Transfer Service Provider regulated by the Kanto Local Finance Bureau. However, under Type II regulations, there is a strict cap of 1 million JPY per transaction. For amounts exceeding this, multiple transfers or a bank-based service may be required.

How fast does Alipay receive money sent from Japan?

Transfers sent to Alipay via fintech providers like Panda Remit or Wise are typically near-instant, often arriving within minutes of payment confirmation. However, first-time transfers may take longer due to recipient identity verification requirements within the Alipay app.

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

Yes. Under Japanese law, presenting a My Number (Individual Number) card or notification slip is mandatory for all international remittance transactions to verify tax residency and identity.

What is the cheapest way to send JPY to CNY for salary remittance?

For regular salary remittances, digital providers (Panda Remit, Wise) usually offer the lowest total cost because they avoid the high lifting fees charged by intermediary banks in the SWIFT network.

Does the recipient in China pay fees to receive the money?

Generally, no. When using digital remittance services that payout to Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay, the recipient receives the full CNY amount displayed at the time of booking. However, if using a traditional wire transfer (SWIFT), the receiving bank in China may charge a landing fee.