Western Union Send Money to China: A Guide to Transfer

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Sending money to China can be a bit tricky, but with the right guidance, you'll be able to get it done quickly and easily. Western Union offers a reliable way to transfer funds to China, with a wide range of options for both senders and receivers.

To start, you'll need to create a Western Union account online or through their mobile app, which is a simple and secure process. This will give you access to their online transfer system.

You can then use Western Union's online transfer system to send money to China, which is available 24/7.

Availability and Access

Western Union provides a truly global platform for financial transactions, with its services accessible in more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, including China.

You can transfer money to a qualifying Chinese commercial bank account within minutes using Western Union's services.

China is the third-largest recipient of remittances globally, receiving approximately USD 50 billion in 2023.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Send Money With Western Union 2024 | Step-By-Step Transfer Guide

Transferring money via Western Union is quick and convenient, especially with the integration of Weixin's user base and Western Union's global network.

Western Union's collaboration with Tencent aims to cater to the preferences of China's tech-savvy population by offering a better money transfer service.

You can remit up to $2,000 per transaction as a US customer, and funds can only be received into bank accounts and debit cards.

The money transfer services are reportedly available for receipt on the same day, even on weekends and holidays.

Locations and Services

In China, you won't find traditional Western Union branches, but rather agents who can help you send money. There are about 150 agents in Beijing and Shanghai, so you'll have plenty of options.

You can find Western Union agent locations in Beijing and Shanghai, but they're actually Chinese banks in each city. These banks serve as service locations for Western Union.

To send money to China, you'll need to visit one of these agents or service locations.

Alipay Access

Credit: youtube.com, How to pay in China like a local?5 issues you need to know about Alipay 如何在中国使用支付宝

You can easily send money to Alipay using Western Union. Visit Western Union's website or download their money transfer app to get started.

To transfer money, follow these simple steps: register your profile, select China as the recipient's country, choose the amount you want to send, select the payment method, provide the recipient's details, select the reason for the transfer, and confirm the payment.

There are no Western Union branches in China, but you can find agents - Chinese banks in each city. In Beijing, for example, there are about 150 agents, so you can easily find one near you.

Here are 8 Western Union service locations in Beijing:

Shanghai Locations

If you're in Shanghai, you can find Western Union Agent locations throughout the city.

The Shanghai Pudong Development Bank is located at 240 West Nanjing Road, in the Huangpu District.

You can also visit the China Construction Bank at No 725 Fuzhou Road, also in the Huangpu District.

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The Bank of China has two locations, one at 170 West Nanjing Road and another at 1 Mid Jinling Road.

If you're looking for a Postal Savings Bank of China, you can find one at 176 North Chongqing Road, or at No 1310 Middle Huaihai Road Xuhui District.

Here's a list of some of the Western Union Agent locations in Shanghai:

From the UK

From the UK, you have several options to send money abroad. Barclays charges £25 in person, but it's free online or with a personal account. HSBC charges £9 in person, but it's £4 online.

Wire transfers from a local bank in the UK are safe and reliable, with fast arrival times, but you'll need to know the SWIFT code and be prepared for a higher fee. For example, NatWest charges £0 for standard international payments, but £15 for urgent ones.

If you're looking for alternatives, online remittance companies like PayPal, PaySend, Wise, Western Union, and OFX are also safe and reliable. PayPal charges 5% of the transaction amount, from £0.99 to £2.99. PaySend charges £1, but with a limit of £800 per transfer for ordinary users.

Isometric image of online money transfer via mobile phones on light background \
Credit: pexels.com, Isometric image of online money transfer via mobile phones on light background \

Wise charges £2 for transactions under £400, and 0.5% of the transaction amount for larger transfers. Western Union charges from £15, with a high handling fee. OFX charges £0, but with a minimum transfer limit of £100, and offers bank-beating rates.

Here's a quick comparison of some popular options:

Fees and Limits

Fees for sending money with Western Union vary based on the destination country, amount, payment method, and how the recipient wants to receive the money. Note that this does not include agent location fees.

If you're sending money from China to the US, for example, the fees can range from $20.99 to $157.99, depending on the payment method. Here are some examples of fees for sending $1,000 to the US:

The limits on your Western Union money transfer from China will also vary based on the agent location and destination country. For example, the limit for sending $1,000 to the US is $1,000, and the exchange rate is Western Union's own exchange rate.

Out of Fees

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Sending money out of China with Western Union can be expensive, with fees ranging from $20.99 to $157.99 for a $1,000 transfer to the US.

The fees vary based on the destination country, the amount of money you're sending, and the payment method. For example, sending $1,000 to the US with a debit card costs $132.99, while paying with a credit card costs $157.99.

If you're paying online, credit card payments have the highest fees, followed by debit cards and then bank accounts. In contrast, paying with a bank account is the most economical option.

Here are some examples of fees for sending $1,000 to the US with different payment methods:

Paying with cash at a Western Union location is also an option, but it's not the most economical choice.

Alipay Transaction Limits

Alipay transaction limits can be a bit tricky to navigate, but don't worry, I've got you covered.

Alipay has transaction limits for sending and receiving money, but the exact amount isn't specified in the article. However, it's worth noting that foreigners using Alipay may have different limits than Chinese users.

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If you're looking to increase your Alipay transaction limit, the article doesn't provide a clear answer, but it suggests checking out the answer elsewhere.

You can, however, use Western Union to send money to Alipay, which is a convenient option for sending money to friends in China. The process involves registering on the Western Union website or app, selecting China as the recipient's country, and providing the necessary details.

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Register your profile and log in on the Western Union website or app.
  2. Select China as the country of your recipient and enter the amount you wish to send.
  3. Select the payment method and provide the necessary details of your receiver, including full name and Alipay ID.
  4. Select the reason and purpose of your money transfer.
  5. Confirm to complete the payment.

Sending Money

Sending money to China can be a daunting task, but don't worry, I've got you covered. Monito's comparison engine is trusted by 6 million users every year, which is a testament to its reliability.

With Monito, you can find low fees instantly. Their users have saved nearly $40 million in fees to date, which is a staggering amount. You can trust that Monito only recommends regulated and secure companies.

If you're looking for a hassle-free experience, Monito is a great option. Their app is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it a breeze to send money to China.

Payment Options and Providers

Credit: youtube.com, How To Send Money With Western Union 2024 | Step-By-Step Transfer Guide

Western Union is a top provider for sending money to China, with a Monito Score of 9.0 and a reputation for being the cheapest, top-rated, and fastest option in 100% of comparisons. They offer a convenient and fast way to send money to China, with the option to send up to $2,000 per transaction and receive funds on the same day.

Western Union has partnered with Tencent to enhance global payment access and cater to China's tech-savvy population. This collaboration aims to streamline the payment process and allow senders to bypass traditional cash collection methods.

You can compare 6 providers for a $100 transfer from the USA to China, including Western Union, Instarem, Wise, and more. Western Union offers a best deal with a Monito Score of 9.0, zero transfer fees, and a preferential exchange rate on your first transfer.

Veem

Veem is a payment service that uses blockchain technology to transfer money to China bank accounts. It claims to cut off middle-man bank charges, resulting in a low handling fee for the customer.

Credit: youtube.com, What is Veem: Online International Payments

Veem's process is similar to a regular wire transfer, requiring you to fill out information such as beneficiary name, account number, bank name, bank address, and SWIFT code.

Veem's service is almost the same as a wire transfer, using SWIFT code for transferring money to a China bank account. They charge a one-time fee and offer a low handling fee to benefit the customer.

Veem has a rating of 4.1 points on Trustpilot.

Top Providers

Western Union is the top provider for transfers to China, with a Monito Score of 9.0 and a 100% success rate in being the cheapest, top rated, and fastest option in comparisons made by Monito users.

Their transfer fees are free, and they offer a preferential exchange rate on the first transfer, making them a great option for those looking to save money.

According to Monito, Western Union has over 10 million online customers, making it a reliable and trustworthy option.

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Here are the top providers for transfers to China, based on Monito's data:

It's worth noting that Monito's data is sourced in real-time, and they constantly monitor the quality of their comparison data, but cannot guarantee its accuracy.

Sending from Specific Countries

If you're sending money from Europe, you can try Rewire, which provides international money transfers and banking services to people living in 21 countries in Europe. It offers a flat fee of €5.49 for sending EUR, ILS, and GBP to China.

For transfers from Australia or New Zealand, Orbitremit is a good choice, especially since it's fee-free for sending Australian Dollars, Great Britain Pounds, and New Zealand Dollars to China.

If you're in Africa, Rapidtransfer (Ecobank) is a viable option, as it's a cooperation between China's Alipay and African Ecobank for international remittances.

Here's a quick rundown of the options:

Return

If you're sending money from the US, you have a lot of options. Western Union, for example, has a vast network of up to 500,000 agent locations.

They've been around since 1871, which is a testament to their reliability and trustworthiness.

From the US

Close-up Shot of Paper Money and Gold Coins
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Sending from the US can be a bit tricky, especially if you're not familiar with the options. Western Union offers a weak exchange rate, which can cost you around 5% more than the mid-market price. This might not seem like a lot, but it adds up quickly.

If you're sending a significant amount, Western Union's handling fee can be much higher than a bank's Telegraphic Transfer service. For example, if you're sending over $5,000, the handling fee with Western Union will be higher than what a bank charges.

You can also use a local bank in the US to send money to China. This method is suitable for large-amount remittances and usually takes 24 hours. The handling fee varies from bank to bank, but it's generally between $15 and $45.

Some popular online remittance tools in the US include WorldRemit, Western Union, Wise, and Xoom. These services are easy to use and can be completed in just a few steps. However, be aware that their handling fees and arrival times may vary.

If you're looking for a reliable way to send money to China from the US, consider using a third-party money transfer service like Epay or Western Union. These services often have more competitive exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks.

From Canada to

A Person Holding a Black Envelope with Money
Credit: pexels.com, A Person Holding a Black Envelope with Money

Sending money from Canada can be a relatively straightforward process, especially if you're sending it to China. You can go to the Bank of China or ICBC in Canada and send money to the recipient's corresponding bank account, which usually arrives within 24 hours.

The handling fee varies from bank to bank, generally ranging from 10 CAD to 20 CAD. Some banks in Canada, like RBC Royal Bank of Canada, and The Toronto-Dominion Bank, support international remittance.

For example, the fee for a wire transfer from Royal Bank of Canada starts at 45 CAD, and from Toronto-Dominion Bank starts at 30 CAD. These fees can be relatively high, making online money transfer tools a more attractive option for small-amount remittances.

WorldRemit and PaySend are two online tools that are recommended for sending money from Canada to China. WorldRemit's handling fee is up to 3.99 CAD, which decreases with larger transfer amounts, and there is no remittance limit.

From Other Countries

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If you're in Europe, Rewire is a viable option for sending international money transfers to China. You can send EUR, ILS, and GBP to China with a flat fee of €5.49.

Rewire provides banking services to people living in 21 countries in Europe, making it a convenient choice for those in the region. As a new customer, you can get two free transfers.

If you're in Australia or New Zealand, Orbitremit can be a good choice for sending money to China. It's specially designed to send Australian Dollars, Great Britain Pounds, and New Zealand Dollars to other countries, and transfers to China are fee-free.

For those in Africa, Rapidtransfer (Ecobank) is a good option for sending money to China. China's Alipay has cooperated with African Ecobank for international remittances.

Felicia Koss

Junior Writer

Felicia Koss is a rising star in the world of finance writing, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics into accessible, engaging pieces. Her articles have covered a range of topics, from retirement account loans to other financial matters that affect everyday people. With a focus on clarity and concision, Felicia's writing has helped readers make informed decisions about their financial futures.

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