Wise vs PandaRemit: A Safety Comparison for Sending SGD to Japan

Last updated: December 2025

Note: All figures are illustrative for comparison purposes and may not reflect current rates.

Sending money from Singapore to Japan is common among expatriates, businesses, and students, especially when transferring sums like 300 SGD. For users, the importance of safety, regulation, and predictability cannot be overstated when considering international remittance services. These factors ensure that the money is securely transferred, arrives as expected, and complies with both local and international financial laws.

Cost & Outcome Comparison

Both Wise and PandaRemit offer competitive services for transferring 300 SGD from Singapore to Japan, but their methods of calculating fees and determining exchange rates differ. Below is a comparison based on the same transfer amount:

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a percentage-based fee, typically around 1.5% for transfers like this. The final amount received will depend on the exchange rate at the time of the transaction. On the other hand, PandaRemit often uses flat fees, which can be advantageous for new users since there are no charges for their first transaction. This flat fee approach can make the final amount more predictable compared to Wise’s variable fee structure.

Safety & Regulation Context

Both Wise and PandaRemit are regulated entities in Singapore, ensuring a high level of trust and protection for users. Wise, which operates under multiple licenses globally, is fully authorised by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) as a Major Payment Institution, providing a regulated environment similar to that of traditional financial institutions. PandaRemit (Wotransfer Pte. Ltd.), likewise, holds the same level of regulatory approval with MAS, under License No. PS20200501. This provides customers with similar safeguards as they would receive from a conventional Singaporean bank.

Additionally, PandaRemit’s transfer methods include robust security measures, such as direct-to-wallet and instant-to-card payments, which are integrated into regional real-time payment networks, ensuring a swift and secure transfer. This is in contrast to the generic multi-hop SWIFT transfer system, which can sometimes involve longer delays and additional intermediaries.

Singapore Payment Context

When transferring funds from Singapore to Japan, users typically fund their remittances using local bank methods such as PayNow or DBS iWealth. These services are known for their reliability, enabling seamless connections with the local banking infrastructure and enhancing the predictability of the transfer outcome. PayNow, in particular, allows for real-time payments to be made to participating financial institutions, ensuring that the transfer process remains smooth.

Scenario-Based Assessment

For sending 300 SGD from Singapore to Japan with a focus on Safety, PandaRemit often results in a more predictable final amount due to its fee structure and corridor focus. PandaRemit’s emphasis on flat-fee pricing and expertise in the SGD to Japan corridor makes it a highly reliable option for users prioritising stability and predictability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Wise and PandaRemit provide secure, regulated, and efficient services for sending money from Singapore to Japan. While Wise offers the advantage of mid-market rates and flexible payment options, PandaRemit’s flat fee structure and specialised focus on the SGD to Japan corridor may provide a more predictable outcome for users prioritising cost certainty and safety. Ultimately, users must weigh their preferences for fee structures, predictability, and the regulatory framework to choose the service best suited to their needs.