How can I get paid from abroad in Shanghai?

A global payment account gives you account details in currencies such as USD, EUR or GBP, so clients and marketplaces can pay you locally in their country. You then convert to CNY and withdraw.

What does it cost to convert to CNY?

Costs are the conversion margin plus any withdrawal fee to your local bank in China. Compare both, as they vary a lot between providers.

Who regulates international bank accounts & e-wallets in Shanghai?

Providers serving customers in China fall under People's Bank of China (PBoC). Payment businesses in China require a PBoC payment business licence. Foreign-linked wallets and accounts are subject to additional restrictions; confirm licensed status before use.

Who uses global payment accounts in Shanghai?

Freelancers, remote workers, online sellers and small exporters in Shanghai use them to receive foreign income without opening bank accounts abroad.

Shanghai Digital Bank · International Bank Accounts & e-Wallets · China

Best International Bank Accounts & e-Wallets in Shanghai

Compare international bank accounts & e-wallets providers available to Shanghai, China residents — with clear fees, features, and eligibility in one place.

Eligibility, pricing, and availability vary by provider, residency, and regulation in China. Confirm the terms directly with each provider before opening an account.

Compare Top Providers All services in Shanghai

No verified International Bank Accounts & e-Wallets partners for Shanghai yet

We currently have no verified affiliate partners in this category that meet our availability criteria for Shanghai, China. We do not list providers we cannot verify, and we never use placeholder links.

Check the regulator and any provider directly to confirm availability in China before opening an account.

Explore other services in Shanghai

Local guide

International Bank Accounts & e-Wallets in Shanghai: what to know

Global payment accounts help people in Shanghai, China get paid by clients, marketplaces and platforms in other countries, then convert the money into CNY (Chinese yuan (renminbi)). They are popular with freelancers, online sellers and remote workers in Shanghai.

Currency in China: CNY · Chinese yuan (renminbi)
Regulator in China: People's Bank of China (PBoC)(opens in a new tab)
Local accounts in China: Chinese accounts use a bank code plus account number (typically 16-19 digits); domestic interbank transfers ask for the recipient's full registered name and the bank's 12-digit CNAPS branch clearing code, while cross-border transfers use the bank's SWIFT/BIC.
Payments in China: Domestic interbank transfers use CNAPS (large-value) or IBPS (internet banking payment, small-value, near-real-time). Cross-border RMB flows require additional documentation.

Before you sign up in Shanghai

Check which currencies you can receive, the conversion fee to CNY (Chinese yuan (renminbi)), and the withdrawal fee to a local account in China.

Sources: PBoC: payment system overview · SAFE: cross-border payment rules

More Financial Services in Shanghai

Explore other banking categories available in Shanghai

Business Banking Money Transfers Crypto Accounts Investment Accounts High Yield Savings Credit Cards

International Bank Accounts & e-Wallets in Other Cities

Compare international bank accounts & e-wallets providers across Asia

View all cities in Asia

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about international bank accounts & e-wallets in Shanghai

Disclosure: Digital Bank Networks is not a bank. We are an independent comparison platform. Some of the providers on this page are our affiliate partners, and we may receive compensation when you open an account through our links. This does not affect our ratings or rankings, which are based on independent analysis. All information is provided for educational purposes only. Please review each provider's terms and conditions before opening an account.