How To Send Money Overseas When You Live In China

As an expat working in Shanghai, you might consider sending money to your family abroad. Sending the money out of the country might be challenging. ASI Movers compiled advices and tips that might be useful to you during the process.


Through Your Bank

a building with a sign on it

When it comes to money transactions, China is very strict! Using Alipay, Paypal or even sending a Chinese bank card overseas and withdrawing from a foreign country are all considered ILLEGAL!
China has a suitable system if you are willing to send money abroad. In short, you need to show that you legally earned your money, and you have paid tax on it.
On your way to the bank, you need to bring your work contract and the yearly income tax statement (you can get this document from the HR or finance department of the company you’re working at). Additionally, you will need your passport with a valid Chinese visa (your visa must not expire soon) otherwise the bank will refuse to carry out any kind of transaction. Moreover, you need to provide the bank with the foreign account details: such as the account holder number, name, address, telephone number, the bank Swift, and the bank phone number.

the bank teller will certainly be thorough and will reject your application if even one document is missing, so be diligent and make sure you go in prepared!

Once you make sure your taxes are paid and you have all the documents mentioned above, you are good to go, you can send up to 50,000 USD annually, and the limit can vary from bank to bank, so make sure to do some research first.

Note: you might spend a considerable amount of time at the bank, patience is the key!


Taking Cash On A Plane

aerial view of airplane wing

One other way to send your cash outside China would be through airplanes, yet the rules are clear, for Chinese and non-Chinese citizens the maximum amount that could be carried is 5000 USD.


For more than 10 years, ASI Movers has been accompanying expats and helping them with their relocation from, to and within China. We are aware of the struggles expats might face when moving in or out of China and are dedicated to providing you with the most accurate information regarding your life in the Middle Kingdom, for your international journey to be the smoothest possible!


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