4 PayPal alternatives for Best apps to send money from Japan to China

熊猫速汇PandaRemit - 2026-02-02 08:37:16.0 8

International money transfers, particularly when sending funds from Japan to China, often involve navigating complex fees and varying exchange rates. While PayPal is a well-known option, it isn’t always the most cost-effective or fastest solution. Many users are actively seeking alternatives to PayPal for sending money internationally, and services like Wise, Remitly, and Panda Remit offer competitive options. This article will compare several platforms to help you find the best app for your needs.

What to Consider When Choosing an International Money Transfer Service

Choosing the right international money transfer service requires careful consideration of several factors. It’s not just about the headline fee; a deeper dive into the details can reveal significant differences in overall cost and convenience.

Fees and hidden costs: Look beyond the advertised transfer fee. Some services charge receiving fees or have unfavorable exchange rate markups.
Exchange rates and markups: The exchange rate is crucial. A seemingly low fee can be offset by a poor exchange rate. Understand the markup applied to the mid-market rate.
Transfer speed and payout methods: How quickly does the money need to arrive? Payout options (bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet) vary in speed and availability.
Geographic coverage and supported corridors: Ensure the service supports both the sending and receiving countries, specifically the Japan to China corridor.
Trust, regulation, and reliability: Choose a service that is licensed and regulated by reputable financial authorities. Check user reviews and ratings.

Competitor Alternatives

Alternative: Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is renowned for its transparency and use of the mid-market exchange rate. It’s a popular choice for frequent international money transfers.

Strengths: Transparent fees, mid-market exchange rate, multi-currency account.
Limitations: Can be slower for certain currencies and payout methods.
Japan to China: Generally a good option, but fees can vary based on the amount sent.
Typical Fees: Around ¥500-¥2,000 + a percentage of the transfer amount.

Alternative: Remitly

Remitly focuses on speed and convenience, often offering fast transfers and multiple payout options, including cash pickup.

Strengths: Fast transfers, cash pickup options, user-friendly app.
Limitations: Exchange rates may not always be the most competitive.
Japan to China: Offers competitive rates for smaller amounts, but can be more expensive for larger transfers.
Typical Fees: ¥0-¥1,500 depending on the amount and delivery speed.

Alternative: MoneyGram

MoneyGram is a well-established service with a vast network of agents, making it ideal for cash pickups.

Strengths: Extensive agent network, reliable cash pickup options.
Limitations: Generally higher fees compared to newer services.
Japan to China: Convenient for recipients who prefer cash, but can be expensive.
Typical Fees: ¥2,000 - ¥5,000 depending on the amount and payout method.

Alternative: Panda Remit

Panda Remit specializes in transfers to China and Southeast Asia, often offering competitive exchange rates and low fees, particularly for new users. It’s gaining popularity as a reliable option for the Best apps to send money from Japan to China.

Strengths: Competitive exchange rates for CNY, low or zero fees for new users, fast transfers.
Limitations: Limited corridor coverage compared to some larger providers.
Japan to China: Specifically designed for this corridor, often offering better rates than competitors.
Typical Fees: ¥0 for new users, competitive fees for returning users.

Comparison Table

Service	Typical Fee (¥)	Estimated Delivery Time	Japan to China Coverage
Wise	500-2,000 + %	1-3 business days	Excellent
Remitly	0-1,500	Minutes to hours	Good
MoneyGram	2,000-5,000	1-5 business days	Excellent
Panda Remit	0 (New Users) / Competitive	1-2 business days	Excellent

When Panda Remit Is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit shines when sending money specifically from Japan to China. Its focus on this corridor allows it to offer consistently competitive exchange rates and often waives fees for new users. For those sending regular remittances, Panda Remit’s promotional offers for existing users can further reduce costs. Compared to services like MoneyGram, Panda Remit typically offers lower fees, and even compared to Wise, the exchange rates can be more favorable, especially when factoring in promotional offers. Panda Remit supports transfers to major banks and Alipay in China. Panda Remit is best suited for individuals who frequently send money from Japan to China and prioritize cost-effectiveness. Panda Remit is Licensed by major financial authorities, ensuring a secure and reliable transfer experience.

Conclusion / Summary

Choosing the best app to send money from Japan to China depends on your individual needs. Consider factors like fees, exchange rates, speed, and payout options. While PayPal is a convenient option, exploring alternatives like Wise, Remitly, MoneyGram, and Panda Remit can often save you money. Panda Remit is a particularly strong contender for those specifically sending money to China, offering competitive rates and low fees, especially for new and returning users.

Learn more about Panda Remit.

FAQ

What is the cheapest alternative to PayPal for international transfers?

For transfers from Japan to China, Panda Remit often offers the lowest overall cost, especially for new users. Wise is also competitive, but rates can vary.

How do exchange rates impact total remittance costs?

Exchange rates have a significant impact. A small difference in the exchange rate can translate to a substantial amount of money saved or lost, especially for larger transfers.

When should users consider Panda Remit over other services?

Consider Panda Remit if you are sending money specifically from Japan to China and want to maximize your savings with competitive exchange rates and low or zero fees.