Transferring money out of China has long been a challenge for expatriates and businesses due to the country’s strict foreign exchange controls. In 2025, the Chinese government continues to regulate capital outflows to maintain economic stability.

We’ve put together everything you need to know about how to get money out of China so you don’t have to figure it all out yourself. From bank transfers to digital platforms, we’ll walk you through the best legal options so you can move your money smoothly, safely, and without unnecessary roadblocks.

Understanding China’s Currency Control Policies

China keeps a tight grip on money moving in and out of the country. The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) sets strict rules to control fund transfers across borders.

• For individuals: You can only convert and send up to USD $50,000 per year in foreign currency.
• For businesses: You’ll need detailed paperwork to prove your transactions are legal, such as contracts and tax records.
• For everyone: Authorities closely track transfers to prevent illegal money movement.

To legally move money out of China, you need to follow the right steps and use approved methods. Below, we break down the most reliable ways to do it in 2025.

Available Methods to Get Money Out of China

1. Bank Wire Transfers

Bank wire transfers remain one of the most legitimate and widely accepted methods to get money out of China. However, they require proper documentation and adherence to China’s foreign exchange rules.

How It Works

• Transfers must be conducted through licensed Chinese banks (e.g., Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank).
• You can send money to an overseas bank account only after converting RMB to foreign currency through approved channels.
• Supporting documents are required, such as:
  • Proof of income (salary slips, tax statements, or employment contracts).
  • Tax clearance certificates for large transactions.
  • Proof of residency abroad (if applicable).

Things to Consider

Pros:

• Secure and fully compliant with Chinese regulations.
• Suitable for large transfers, especially for business purposes.

Cons:

• Transfers above USD $50,000 per year require SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange) approval.
• It can take several days to process.
• High fees (banks charge both a transfer fee and a foreign exchange fee).
• Unfavorable exchange rates compared to third-party platforms.

Best For:

Expats sending salaries abroad, businesses remitting profits, and individuals making large, one-time transfers.

2. Online Payment Platforms

Digital payment platforms like PayPal, Wise, Alipay, and WeChat Pay provide a convenient way to send money overseas.

How It Works

• You convert RMB into a foreign currency within the platform.
• Funds can then be sent to an overseas bank account or digital wallet.
• Some platforms support direct payments to international merchants or service providers.

Things to Consider

Pros:

• Faster than traditional bank transfers (instant to a few business days).
• More competitive exchange rates compared to banks (especially with Wise).
• Lower transfer fees in some cases.

Cons:

• Annual limits apply to Chinese residents.
• Some platforms require the sender to link a Chinese bank account or UnionPay card.
• Regulatory restrictions, not all platforms are accessible for large transactions.

Best For:

Freelancers, digital nomads, small business owners, and expats make moderate-sized transfers.

3. Foreign Currency Exchange & Carrying Cash (For Small Amounts)

If you’re travelling abroad, converting RMB to foreign currency and carrying cash is a straightforward option for small transactions.

How It Works

• You exchange up to USD $50,000 per year at an authorized Chinese bank or currency exchange service
• You can carry up to USD $5,000 in cash out of China without a customs declaration
• For amounts above USD $5,000, you must declare the funds to customs and provide supporting documents

Things to Consider

Pros:

• Simple for small personal transfers
• Avoids banking fees and transfer delays

Cons:

• Not practical for large sums, China strictly regulates cash outflows
• Security risk when carrying large amounts of cash
• Foreign exchange rates at banks may not be favourable

Best for

Travellers, students, and individuals making occasional small payments abroad

4. Using Overseas Chinese Bank Accounts (For Frequent Transfers)

Some Chinese banks with international branches allow easier money transfers through linked overseas accounts.

How It Works

• You open an offshore account with a Chinese bank that has international branches (e.g., HSBC China, ICBC, Bank of China)
• This account is linked to your domestic Chinese bank account, allowing for faster and lower-cost transfers
• Funds can be moved within the bank’s internal system, often with fewer restrictions than standard wire transfers

Things to Consider

Pros:

• More flexible compared to traditional bank wire transfers
• Lower transfer fees if using the same bank’s global network
• Easier for businesses and high-net-worth individuals to move funds regularly

Cons:

• Requires eligibility verification, which may include minimum deposit requirements
• Exchange rates are still subject to the bank’s policies
• Not all banks offer this service to non-residents

Best for

Expats and business owners who frequently move money in and out of China

5. International Education and Family Support Transfers (For Students & Dependents)

China allows international fund transfers for tuition fees, medical expenses, and living costs for family members abroad.

How It Works

• Parents can send money overseas for children studying abroad
• Documentation required:
  • University admission letter and tuition invoice
  • Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate)
  • Bank statements showing the source of funds
• The money is sent directly to the university or a dependent’s bank account

Things to Consider

Pros:

• Fully legal and compliant
• No annual cap when supporting education or medical needs
• Some banks offer specialized services for international students

Cons:

• Requires significant documentation
• Restricted to education and essential support payments

Best for

Parents supporting students abroad, families sending money for medical expenses

6. QDII (Qualified Domestic Institutional Investor) Funds (For Investors)

China’s QDII (Qualified Domestic Institutional Investor) program allows individuals and businesses to invest in overseas financial markets legally.

How It Works

• You invest in global stocks, bonds, or mutual funds through approved Chinese banks and financial institutions
• Funds remain within China’s regulatory framework while giving access to foreign investment opportunities
• Investment profits can be legally transferred back to China

Things to Consider

Pros:

• Completely legal and government-approved
• No need for direct foreign currency transfers—funds are invested through China’s financial system

Cons:

• Limited availability—only offered through specific institutions
• It is not a direct money transfer option but a strategic investment method

Best for

Investors looking for long-term foreign market exposure while keeping funds compliant with Chinese regulations.

How to Get Money Out of China with DSGPay

For businesses needing a fast and compliant way to receive money from China, DSGPay provides a reliable solution. As an MSO-licensed financial provider in Hong Kong, DSGPay allows companies to open a business account and receive payments from China into its global account.

How It Works

• Open a business account with DSGPay.
• Receive funds from China into DSGPay’s global account.
• Transfer money to over 30 countries quickly and securely.

Why Use DSGPay?

• Fast and secure payments: Avoid delays with quick international transfers.
• Competitive exchange rates: Get better rates compared to traditional banking.
• Multi-country transfers: Send funds to over 30 countries.
• Ideal for businesses: Perfect for cross-border trade and supplier payments.
• Fully compliant: Licensed under Hong Kong regulations for secure transactions.

DSGPay helps businesses simplify global payments while ensuring compliance, making it a smart choice for handling international transactions.

Now that you understand how to get money out of China, you can make informed decisions on the best method for your situation. Whether you need a bank transfer, an online payment platform, or a business-friendly solution, compliance is key to avoiding issues.

By choosing a secure and approved transfer method, you can ensure your money moves quickly and efficiently. Regulations may change, so staying updated will help you avoid delays and complications.

A Quick Recap: How to Get Money Out of China

Now that you understand how to get money out of China, you can make informed decisions on the best method for your situation. Whether you need a bank transfer, an online payment platform, or a business-friendly solution, compliance is key to avoiding issues.

By choosing a secure and approved transfer method, you can ensure your money moves quickly and efficiently. Regulations may change, so staying updated will help you avoid delays and complications.

For businesses, DSGPay simplifies receiving and transferring funds from China to over 30 countries, providing a hassle-free, compliant payment solution.