How to Send Money from China Legally in 2025

China’s strict foreign exchange regulations make it challenging for individuals and businesses to transfer money internationally. With capital controls in place, sending money abroad requires legal and compliant methods to avoid penalties.

This guide provides a detailed, legally compliant approach to transferring money from China, whether for personal remittances, business transactions, or international payments.

Understanding China’s Foreign Exchange Regulations

China regulates money transfers through the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE). These controls ensure economic stability but also limit the movement of capital.

Key Regulations for Money Transfers from China:

• Annual Foreign Exchange Limit: Chinese citizens can exchange up to $50,000 USD per year for overseas transfers.
• Documented Income Transfers: Transfers above this limit require proof of income, tax documents, and SAFE approval.
• Restricted Transactions: Unauthorized money transfers via underground banks, unregulated cryptocurrency exchanges, or informal channels are illegal.
• Business Capital Outflow Restrictions: Companies sending money abroad for investment, trade, or other purposes must obtain regulatory approval.

Understanding these restrictions is crucial to choosing the right legal method for transferring money from China to the UK, USA, or other countries.

Best Legal Methods to Transfer Money from China

Several secure and compliant methods exist to transfer money out of China. Each option has its own requirements, transfer limits, and fees.

1. Bank Wire Transfers:

Wire transfers via Chinese banks are one of the most reliable ways to send large sums abroad. Major banks such as ICBC, Bank of China, and China Construction Bank facilitate international transfers.

Steps to Send Money via Bank Wire Transfer

• a. Visit Your Bank – Choose a bank that offers international wire transfer services.
• b. Provide Required Documents – Submit your passport, proof of income, and tax records.
• c. Exchange RMB to Foreign Currency – The bank will convert the amount, considering exchange rate fluctuations.
• d. Transfer to International Account – The bank will send the funds to the recipient’s overseas account.

2. Online Payment Platforms (Alipay & WeChat Pay):

Convenient for small transfers with lower fees.

3. International Money Transfer Services:

Services like Western Union, Wise, and PayPal offer secure transfers for personal and business use.

4. Carrying Foreign Currency While Traveling:

Exchange RMB before leaving China and deposit it in an overseas account.

Pros of Bank Wire Transfers

• Secure and widely accepted
• Can send large amounts with documentation

Cons of Bank Wire Transfers

• High fees compared to other methods
• Requires extensive paperwork

2. Online Payment Platforms (Alipay & WeChat Pay)

For smaller transfers, Alipay and WeChat Pay provide a quick and easy alternative. These platforms allow money transfers to international accounts, but they have strict transfer limits.

Steps to Transfer Money via Alipay & WeChat Pay

• a. Link Your Bank Account – Connect your Chinese bank account to Alipay or WeChat Pay.
• b. Initiate the Transfer – Enter the recipient’s details and the amount to send.
• c. Verify and Approve – Confirm the transaction within the app.

Pros of Online Payment Platforms

• Fast and convenient for personal transfers
• Lower fees than traditional bank transfers

Cons of Online Payment Platforms

• Limited transfer amounts
• Not all international banks accept payments from these platforms

3. International Money Transfer Services (Western Union, Wise, PayPal)

Companies like Western Union, Wise (formerly TransferWise), and PayPal allow individuals to send money internationally. These services are suitable for both personal remittances and small business transactions.

Steps to Transfer Money via International Services

• a. Create an Account – Sign up with Wise, Western Union, or PayPal.
• b. Provide Recipient Details – Enter the destination account details.
• c. Fund the Transfer – Pay via a linked Chinese bank account or digital wallet.
• d. Confirm and Track Transfer – Receive a tracking number and monitor the payment.

Pros of International Money Transfer Services

• Faster than traditional bank transfers
• Transparent fees and competitive exchange rates

Cons of International Money Transfer Services

• Not suitable for large transfers over $50,000
• Some platforms have higher fees

4. Carrying Foreign Currency While Traveling

Another option for small international transfers is exchanging RMB for foreign currency before leaving China.

Steps for Carrying Foreign Currency

• a. Exchange Money at a Bank – Convert up to $10,000 USD per year at an authorized bank.
• b. Declare at Customs – If carrying more than $5,000 USD, declare it at customs.
• c. Deposit in an Overseas Account – Once abroad, deposit the cash into a bank account.

Pros of Carrying Cash

• No transaction fees
• Immediate access to funds

Cons of Carrying Cash

• Risk of theft or loss
• Requires customs declaration for large amounts

Comparison of Different Money Transfer Methods

Conclusion

China’s foreign exchange regulations require careful compliance to ensure legal and smooth international money transfers. Bank wire transfers, online payment platforms, international money transfer services, and carrying foreign currency are all effective methods, each with its own advantages and limitations. For money transfer companies looking for a secure and efficient platform, RemitSo provides the necessary infrastructure to facilitate international transactions. While RemitSo does not process transfers directly, it offers a platform that enables money transfer businesses to operate seamlessly and efficiently. Explore RemitSo for a reliable solution tailored to the needs of financial service providers.