Getting Money Out of China via Western Union

Is there any Western Union in China?

They have so-called "agent locations."

Independent companies known as Western Union agent locations offer money transfer services for both WU and its partner banks, including China Everbright Bank, China Construction Bank, and the Bank of China.

To find specific agent locations, you can check here.

Does Western Union work in China?

Western Union has more than 28,000 service locations in 31 regions and has been providing money transfer services in China since the early 1990s.

The financial services firm said it offers quick money transfers in just a few minutes by partnering with leading Chinese banks.

Consumers can send and receive money at service provider locations or through direct bank transfers using ChinaPay, a UnionPay subsidiary.

How can we send money through Western Union?

Online

After creating a profile, Chinese residents can send money online via partner banks' mobile or online banking.

But, how does it work?

• Go to a partner bank to apply for a debit card and set up online and mobile banking.
• Log in.
• Input transfer info., such as recipient details and transfer amount.
• Select a payment option like direct debit.
• A Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) is given to track the transfer after payment.
• The recipient receives the MTCN and can pick up the money at an agent location.

Western union partner banks in China include:

• Bank of China (BOC; only available via mobile banking)
• China Everbright Bank (CEB)
• Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPDB)
• Postal Savings Bank of China (PSBC)

According to its internal risk control requirement, Postal Savings Bank of China has instituted a new policy that limits its money transfer operations to 84 countries and territories.

The following are among the 84 whitelist nations and territories:

Through an agent location

The agent makes the transfer after the sender completes a Send Money form and provides the money, including fees.

To finish the transaction, all you need is a legitimate ID; no bank account, membership, credit card, or debit card are required.

The sender can check the status of the transfer online at any time after sending the money. They simply need their name and the tracking number or MTCN from the receipt.

Sending Cash Through Western Union Requirements

The sender needs to provide a government-issued ID to finish the transaction, like:

• China ID
• Passport, excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan passports
• Permit to Travel on the Mainland (for residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan only)

Acceptable IDs adhere to the rules and laws governing banking in China.

Sometimes, they would require more documentation, such as:

• Funding source: Where the money comes from, such as a salary, savings, or business revenue.
• Purpose: Reason for sending money, such as business payments or family support
• Activity by a third party: If sending money on behalf of a business or another person.

Western Union China Fees

It varies of course depending on the recipient's method of payment, the destination country, the amount of the transfer, and other factors.

Can foreigners transfer money out of China?

Officially, Western Union provides international money transfer services in China.

That doesn't mean, however, that using their services are not complicated at all, especially for expats. In fact, they complain about having trouble using these services for outgoing transfers.

Many report certain difficulties sending money overseas due to limitations or unavailability.

You can call their customer service or the bank agent location you're eyeing beforehand to confirm if they can actually execute the transaction for you.

Or, ask a local friend to help with remittances, albeit with caution.

Western Union China Contact

Customer service hotline

• +86 400 819 9377
• +86 021 6866 4610

Direct-to-bank service hotline

• +86 400 819 0488
• +86 021 6866 4622

Bottom Line

Strict currency controls impact all international transfer of funds from China, including those made via Western Union.

The transfer limitations are determined by the legal, taxable income that foreign workers in China receive.