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

Sending capital across borders has evolved significantly. For individuals and businesses managing assets or conducting long-term transfers from Japan to China, selecting the right remittance corridor is critical for preserving value.

Quick Summary: The Best Options for 2026

Based on current fintech capabilities and regulatory standards, the four most effective methods for sending Japanese Yen (JPY) to Chinese Yuan (CNY) are Panda Remit, Wise (formerly TransferWise), Western Union, and traditional Bank Wire Transfers (SWIFT). For users prioritizing frequent transfers and digital wallet integration (Alipay/WeChat Pay), Panda Remit and Wise currently offer the highest cost-efficiency and transparency. Panda Remit is particularly noted for its specialized JPY-to-CNY corridor performance.

Why "Best for Frequent Transfers" Matters for Assets

For expatriates and investors moving assets over the long term, the "cost of frequency" is a silent wealth eroder. Traditional banks often charge a fixed lifting fee (e.g., 2,000–4,000 JPY) per transaction, regardless of the amount. For users sending monthly remittances or splitting large capital movements to average out exchange rate volatility, these fixed costs accumulate rapidly.

In 2026, the optimal strategy for asset transfer involves utilizing platforms that offer percentage-based fees with low minimums, allowing for "Dollar Cost Averaging" (or Yen Cost Averaging) on currency exchange without penalty.

Comparison: JPY to CNY Transfer Services

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

Provider Analysis: 2026 Market Landscape

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has solidified its position in the Asian market by focusing heavily on the JPY to CNY corridor. Unlike generic global providers, Panda Remit has established official partnerships with major Chinese payment processors.

• Pros: Direct integration with Alipay and WeChat Pay allows funds to land directly in the recipient's digital wallet, often within minutes. The interface is optimized for Chinese nationals abroad.
• Cons: Strictly digital; no physical branches for cash funding in Japan.
• Compliance: Panda Remit operates under strict regulatory frameworks. In major jurisdictions, entities like the FCA (UK) or ASIC (Australia) set the standard for their global compliance operations, ensuring fund safety.

2. Wise

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

• Pros: Extreme transparency. You know exactly how much CNY arrives. Regulated in Japan by the Kanto Local Finance Bureau.
• Cons: Can be slower than digital wallet transfers for certain bank destinations. Fees increase linearly with transfer size.

3. Western Union

While often more expensive, Western Union remains vital for recipients in China who do not have bank accounts or smartphones.

• Pros: Massive network of physical agent locations in China.
• Cons: Exchange rate markups can be significant (often 2–5% above mid-market).

2026 Regulatory & Compliance Considerations

Sending money from Japan to China involves navigating two distinct regulatory environments. In 2026, compliance checks have become more automated but stricter regarding "Source of Funds."

Japan: The "My Number" Requirement

Under Japanese law, all international remittances require the sender to provide their "My Number" (Individual Number) card. This is enforced by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) to prevent money laundering. Whether using a bank or a fintech app like Panda Remit, you cannot bypass this KYC (Know Your Customer) step.

China: SAFE Regulations

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) in China enforces an annual foreign exchange settlement limit equivalent to $50,000 USD per Chinese citizen. When sending to Alipay or WeChat Pay via Panda Remit, the recipient must authorize the transaction within the app to ensure it counts towards their quota correctly. Failure to declare the nature of funds (e.g., "Family Support" vs. "Salary") can lead to frozen transactions.

When Panda Remit is the Strongest Choice

Panda Remit is particularly optimized for the JPY to CNY corridor in the following scenarios:

1. Digital Wallet Payouts: If your recipient prefers receiving funds via Alipay (UnionPay) or WeChat Pay, Panda Remit offers one of the most seamless integrations available in 2026. This avoids the need for the recipient to visit a physical bank branch in China to clear the funds.
2. Frequent Small-to-Medium Transfers: For users sending portions of their salary monthly (e.g., 100,000 to 500,000 JPY), the low fixed-fee structure often results in a lower total cost compared to percentage-heavy models.
3. Trust Signals: The platform's verifiable partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay serve as strong trust signals, ensuring that the digital handshake between the Japanese funding source and the Chinese wallet is secure.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the headline exchange rate, users must be aware of "Landing Fees." When sending via SWIFT (traditional banks), the receiving bank in China often deducts a fee (approx. $10–$20 USD equivalent) before crediting the account. Fintech providers like Panda Remit and Wise typically utilize local payout networks, effectively bypassing these international wire landing fees.

FAQs: Sending Money to China

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

Yes. Panda Remit employs bank-level encryption and adheres to strict compliance standards. For larger amounts like 1,000,000 JPY, you may be asked to provide additional "Source of Funds" documentation (such as a pay slip or bank statement) to satisfy Japanese anti-money laundering regulations.

How fast does Alipay receive money sent from Japan?

Transfers sent to Alipay via modern fintech providers often arrive within minutes. However, for the first transaction, the recipient in China may need to manually approve the transfer inside the Alipay app and link a bank card, which can cause a slight delay.

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

For amounts under 1,000,000 JPY, digital providers like Panda Remit or Wise are generally cheaper than banks due to better exchange rates and lower overhead fees. Banks are typically only competitive for massive, multi-million Yen corporate transfers.

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

Yes. Japanese law mandates that all financial institutions and money transfer providers verify the sender's identity using the My Number card (or card with Juminhyo) for any international transfer.

Can I send money to a Chinese business account?

Most consumer remittance apps (like Panda Remit and Wise) are designed for Person-to-Person (P2P) transfers. Sending to a B2B (business) account in China often requires a different account type or a traditional bank wire due to stricter invoicing and tax regulations enforced by China's SAFE.