Mastercard and Bank of Shanghai Streamline Money Transfers to China
Simplifies cross-border transfers to Alipay and WeChat Pay wallets, enabling digital nomads in China to use local mobile payment systems more easily.
Mastercard and Bank of Shanghai Streamline Money Transfers to China
Mastercard Move has partnered with the Bank of Shanghai to enable bi-directional cross-border payments into and out of China. This integration allows for seamless transfers directly to and from bank accounts, supplementing existing options for Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay. The system utilizes domestic networks like CIPS to route payments with multi-currency support, including CNY and USD.
This development significantly impacts digital nomads, expats, and travelers who previously relied heavily on cash or mobile wallets. It simplifies receiving local payouts and sending funds back home to regions including North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Additionally, the roughly 700,000 Chinese students studying abroad can now receive support from their families with faster processing and more predictable exchange rates.
To use this service, nomads and travelers should look for the Mastercard Move logo within their participating global bank or payment provider app. The system offers account-to-account routing with transparent tracking and simplified documentation requirements. While specific fees and transaction limits depend on your individual bank, the "multi-rail" approach means you can now choose between sending money to a card, a digital wallet, or a traditional bank account.
Stay updated on the latest nomad news to see how these financial integrations make living abroad easier.
Read our full China guide for the complete picture.