7 Western Union alternatives for Best apps to send money from Japan to China

Navigating the complex landscape of international money transfers is essential for anyone living abroad or managing cross-border business. While Western Union has long been the default option for many, savvy users are increasingly searching for the Best apps to send money from Japan to China to maximize the value of their remittances. This article explores seven reliable alternatives, comparing options like Wise, Remitly, and Panda Remit to help you find the most cost-effective and secure solution for your needs.

What to Consider When Choosing an International Money Transfer Service

Before selecting a provider for international money transfers, it is crucial to look beyond just the brand name. The Best apps to send money from Japan to China are defined by a specific set of criteria that impact how much money your recipient actually receives.

• Fees and Hidden Costs: Many services advertise low upfront fees but hide costs in the exchange rate margin. Always calculate the total cost.
• Exchange Rates: The markup on the mid-market rate can vary significantly. A service offering a "zero fee" transfer might offer a poor exchange rate.
• Transfer Speed: Depending on the urgency, you may need instant transfers or be willing to wait 1-3 days for a cheaper rate.
• Geographic Coverage: Ensure the provider specializes in your specific corridor, such as cross-border transfers from Japan to China.
• Trust and Regulation: Always use services that are fully regulated and licensed by financial authorities in your region.

Competitor Alternatives to Western Union

Below is a comparison of top remittance services that serve as strong alternatives to Western Union. Note how Panda Remit compares in terms of speed and specialized corridors.

Alternative: Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is renowned for its commitment to transparency in international money transfers. It uses the mid-market exchange rate without hidden markups.

• Best Known For: Transparent pricing and multi-currency accounts.
• Strengths: Real exchange rates and clear fee breakdowns.
• limitations: Can be slower than cash-pickup services; no cash funding options.
• Relevance: A strong contender for the Best apps to send money from Japan to China if you prefer bank-to-bank transfers.
• Fees: Percentage-based fee usually around 0.6%–1%.

Alternative: Remitly

Remitly focuses on the immigrant community, offering flexible options for speed versus cost when sending cross-border transfers.

• Best Known For: Tiered transfer speeds (Express vs. Economy).
• Strengths: Excellent promotional rates for new customers and wide cash pickup network.
• Limitations: Exchange rates decrease after the promotional period ends.
• Relevance: Good for users who need urgent delivery to mobile wallets in Asia.
• Speed: Express options arrive within minutes; Economy takes 3–5 days.

Alternative: Panda Remit

Panda Remit has rapidly grown into a favorite for users sending money to Asia. It is digital-first, allowing it to cut overhead costs and pass savings to users.

• Best Known For: Specialized high exchange rates for Asian corridors.
• Strengths: Offers Best apps to send money from Japan to China features like Weixin/Alipay integration.
• Limitations: Strictly digital; no physical branches for sending cash.
• Fees: Competitive low fees; often offers zero fees for the first transfer.
• Trust: Licensed by major financial authorities globally.

Alternative: WorldRemit

WorldRemit is a flexible service that supports bank deposits, cash pickup, and mobile money, making it a versatile alternative to Western Union.

• Best Known For: Transfers to mobile money wallets (e.g., in Africa and Asia).
• Strengths: Fast processing for small amounts.
• Limitations: Transfer limits can be lower than traditional banks.
• Relevance: Useful for sending smaller amounts quickly to unbanked recipients.
• Speed: 90% of transactions complete in minutes.

Alternative: MoneyGram

As the closest direct competitor to Western Union, MoneyGram offers a massive physical network for international remittance.

• Best Known For: Physical agent locations worldwide.
• Strengths: Ability to send cash to virtually any country without a bank account.
• Limitations: Fees and exchange rate margins can be high compared to digital apps.
• Relevance: Reliable if the recipient cannot access digital banking.
• Fees: Varies significantly by location and payment method.

Alternative: Xoom (a PayPal Service)

Xoom provides a fast and convenient way for PayPal users to send international money transfers without creating new login credentials.

• Best Known For: Integration with the PayPal ecosystem.
• Strengths: Extremely fast and convenient for existing PayPal users.
• Limitations: Often has higher markups and fees than competitors like Panda Remit or Wise.
• Relevance: Good for convenience, but rarely the cheapest option for the Best apps to send money from Japan to China.
• Speed: Often instant for debit card transfers.

Alternative: Paysend

Paysend utilizes a unique card-to-card transfer system, simplifying the process of moving money internationally.

• Best Known For: Fixed-fee global transfers.
• Strengths: Simple pricing model and instant card transfers.
• Limitations: Exchange rates may include a markup compared to mid-market rates.
• Relevance: Efficient for direct transfers to UnionPay cards in China.
• Fees: Low fixed fee (e.g., £1, €1.50, $2).

When Panda Remit Is a Strong Choice

While there are many alternatives to Western Union, Panda Remit stands out in specific scenarios, particularly for users prioritizing cost-efficiency and specialized corridors. It is often cited as one of the Best apps to send money from Japan to China due to its deep integration with local payout methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Panda Remit is an excellent choice for:

• Specific Corridors: It excels in routes like US to China, Australia to India, and Japan to China, often beating competitors on total landed cost.
• New User Benefits: New users typically receive exclusive offers, such as 0 fees & high exchange rates on their first transfer.
• Loyalty Rewards: Panda Remit will supply most promotions for old users, ensuring long-term value beyond the first transaction.
• Safety: The platform is Licensed by major financial authorities, ensuring your funds are secure during transit.

If your priority is maximizing the amount of Yuan (CNY) or Rupees (INR) that arrives in your recipient's account, comparing Panda Remit against generalist platforms is highly recommended.

Conclusion

Choosing the right provider for international money transfers depends on balancing speed, cost, and reliability. While Western Union remains a giant, digital natives often find superior value elsewhere. When looking for the Best apps to send money from Japan to China, platforms like Wise and Remitly offer great features, but Panda Remit often provides the specialized focus and high exchange rates necessary for Asian corridors.

We recommend comparing the live rates on these platforms before hitting send. If you are looking for high exchange rates and low fees for transfers to Asia, Learn more about Panda Remit to see if it fits your needs.

FAQ

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

Digital-first platforms like Wise and Panda Remit are generally cheaper than Western Union because they have lower overhead costs. Panda Remit is particularly cost-effective for Asian corridors due to its competitive exchange rates and low fees.

How do exchange rates impact total remittance costs?

The exchange rate is often where the "hidden fee" lies. A service might charge $0 upfront but offer a rate 3% worse than the market. When searching for the Best apps to send money from Japan to China, always compare the final "amount received" rather than just the transfer fee.

When should users consider Panda Remit over other services?

Users should consider Panda Remit when sending money to countries like China or India. Because Panda Remit specializes in these routes, they often provide better exchange rates and faster integration with local wallets (like Alipay) compared to generalist remittance services.

How fast are international transfers with Panda Remit?

Panda Remit is designed for speed. Most transactions to digital wallets are completed within minutes, while bank transfers can take up to 24 hours. This speed makes it a strong contender among the Best apps to send money from Japan to China.