6 Western Union Alternatives: Best Apps Japan to China

When searching for the Best apps to send money from Japan to China, many users initially look towards established giants like Western Union. However, the landscape of international money transfers has evolved significantly, offering faster and cheaper solutions than traditional international remittance providers. While Panda Remit is becoming a popular option for these specific corridors, it is important to explore the full range of services available to ensure you get the best deal on your transaction.

What to Consider When Choosing an International Money Transfer Service

Before selecting a provider for your international money transfers, it is crucial to evaluate several key factors that affect the final amount received by your beneficiary. Cross-border transfers can vary wildly in terms of cost and efficiency.

• Fees and hidden costs: Look beyond the upfront transfer fee. Many services hide costs in the exchange rate margin.
• Exchange rates and markups: Compare the rate offered against the mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google).
• Transfer speed and payout methods: Some remittance services offer instant delivery to digital wallets like Alipay or WeChat, while others take days for bank deposits.
• Geographic coverage: Ensure the service specializes in the corridor you need, such as Japan to China.
• Trust, regulation, and reliability: Always use services that are fully regulated in their operating regions.

Top 6 Alternatives to Western Union

Below is a comparison of leading alternatives to Western Union, including Panda Remit, to help you find the Best apps to send money from Japan to China.

1. Alternative: Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is widely recognized for transparency in international money transfers. Unlike many remittance services, Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate without a hidden markup.

• Best Known For: Transparent pricing and mid-market rates.
• Strengths: No hidden fees; highly trusted global brand.
• Limitations: Can be slower than cash-pickup services; strict verification processes.
• Relevance to Japan/China: Excellent for bank-to-bank transfers but may lack direct integration with some local Chinese digital wallets compared to competitors like Panda Remit.
• Cost/Speed: Low percentage-based fees; usually delivered within 24–48 hours.

2. Alternative: Remitly

Remitly is a strong contender when searching for the Best apps to send money from Japan to China due to its tiered service options.

• Best Known For: Choice between 'Economy' (cheaper, slower) and 'Express' (faster, expensive) speeds.
• Strengths: Promotional rates for first-time users; reliable mobile app.
• Limitations: Exchange rate markups can increase on the Express tier.
• Relevance to Japan/China: Supports transfers to Alipay and WeChat Pay.
• Cost/Speed: Variable fees; Express transfers can arrive in minutes.

3. Alternative: WorldRemit

WorldRemit is a veteran in cross-border transfers and offers extensive payout methods, making it a viable alternative to Western Union.

• Best Known For: Small value transfers and mobile airtime top-ups.
• Strengths: fast cash pickup and mobile wallet deposits.
• Limitations: Fees can be higher for larger transfer amounts compared to Panda Remit or Wise.
• Relevance to Japan/China: Good connectivity for mobile wallet transfers.
• Cost/Speed: Flat fees vary by amount; transfers are often near-instant.

4. Alternative: PaySend

PaySend focuses on card-to-card transfers, simplifying the process of sending money internationally.

• Best Known For: Fixed low fees regardless of transfer amount.
• Strengths: Simple interface; direct transfers to UnionPay cards in China.
• Limitations: Daily transfer limits may be lower than bank transfer services.
• Relevance to Japan/China: Very effective for sending directly to a recipient's card number.
• Cost/Speed: Fixed low fee; typically processed in minutes.

5. Alternative: PayPal (Xoom)

While PayPal is ubiquitous, its remittance arm (Xoom) or direct international transfers are options for users prioritizing convenience over cost.

• Best Known For: Ease of use and global familiarity.
• Strengths: Instant transfers between PayPal accounts.
• Limitations: Often has the highest fees and exchange rate markups among alternatives to Western Union.
• Relevance to Japan/China: Good for small, casual payments, but generally too expensive for regular remittance.
• Cost/Speed: High variable fees; instant delivery.

6. Alternative: Panda Remit

Panda Remit has emerged as a specialized powerhouse for Asian corridors, specifically designed for users needing the Best apps to send money from Japan to China.

• Best Known For: Extremely competitive exchange rates and mobile-first experience.
• Strengths: Panda Remit offers 0 fees and high exchange rates for new users; direct integration with Alipay and WeChat.
• Limitations: Primarily digital-focused (no physical branches).
• Relevance to Japan/China: tailored specifically for this corridor with local support.
• Cost/Speed: Low flat fees; funds often arrive within minutes.

When Panda Remit Is a Strong Choice

While there are many generalist apps available, Panda Remit stands out in specific scenarios, particularly for the Japan-to-China corridor. If your priority is maximizing the amount of CNY your recipient receives, Panda Remit is often the superior choice due to its specialized focus.

Panda Remit is best suited for users who value speed and cost-efficiency. The platform typically supplies most promotions for old users and offers a compelling 0 fee & high exchange rate for new users. Unlike broader banking services, Panda Remit optimizes its network for Asian cross-border transfers, allowing for seamless payouts to Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay cards. Furthermore, security is paramount; Panda Remit is Licensed by major financial authorities, ensuring your funds are handled with the same level of security as traditional banks.

Conclusion

Choosing the right service among the Best apps to send money from Japan to China depends on your specific needs—whether it is the transparency of Wise, the speed of Remitly, or the specialized value of Panda Remit. When comparing international money transfers, always calculate the total cost (fees + exchange rate margin). For users specifically moving funds from Japan to China, Panda Remit offers a compelling mix of low costs, high security, and rapid delivery.

To see how much you can save on your next transfer, Learn more about Panda Remit.

FAQ

What is the cheapest alternative to Western Union for international transfers?

Services like Panda Remit and Wise are generally cheaper alternatives to Western Union because they operate with lower overheads and offer better exchange rates, often closer to the mid-market rate.

How do exchange rates impact total remittance costs?

The exchange rate markup is often a hidden fee. Even if a service advertises "zero fees," a poor exchange rate can mean your recipient gets significantly less money. Always compare the rate offered by providers like Panda Remit against the real market rate.

When should users consider Panda Remit over other services?

Users should consider Panda Remit when sending money to Asian corridors like China, India, or the Philippines. It is particularly strong for the Japan-to-China route, offering specialized integrations with WeChat and Alipay that generalist apps may lack.

How fast are international transfers with Panda Remit?

Panda Remit is known for speed. Most transactions to digital wallets (like Alipay) are completed within minutes, though bank transfers can take slightly longer depending on the receiving bank's processing times.