Paying suppliers is often a critical step in shipping, whether you’re moving large cargo or importing a small package. Transacting with global businesses involves significant risk, including scams, complex monetary laws, failure to deliver goods, and wrong product delivery.
Having a safe and reliable means to send money from China to Kenya eliminates these risks through fraud mitigation, third-party holding, and strict verification processes, among others. In this article, we look at several methods you can consider when paying suppliers in Kenya from China and how Globetrot Logistics can support your clearing and forwarding needs.
What Are the Best Ways to Send Money From China to Kenya?
How you choose to transfer money to Kenya from China will depend on your shipping needs and circumstances, including:
- Your relationship with the supplier
- The amount you’re sending
- How long you have to wait for the transfer
- The recipient’s ability to access the money
Online Money Transfer to Kenya From China
There are websites and mobile apps that conveniently support sending money between different countries, including China to Kenya. To get started, you create an account, load money through a debit or credit card and when you send, the recipient can withdraw through their bank account or Mpesa mobile money.
Some digital channels allow instant transfers but it’s not always the case, especially if it’s your first transaction. The charges are also typically lower than bank transfers and the currency exchange rates are better. These platforms are ideal for suppliers whom you’ve already established trust and a long-lasting relationship, especially if it involves recurring payments.
Examples of online methods to send money from China to Kenya include:
- Wise Business: Wise is a fintech company that supports global money transfers, including a product specially created for B2B transactions. It’s ideal for saving on transaction charges or when you’re paying multiple suppliers at once.
- Wapi Pay: An online platform that helps people doing business between Africa and Asia make payments through banks and mobile money.
- Alibaba Trade Assurance: You can also pay through the methods available on Alibaba if your supplier is registered there. Their trade assurance feature ensures the supplier can only access the money after certain trigger actions, such as when you’ve confirmed the product’s quality.
Other online platforms, such as Paypal and Payoneer, can also be convenient for China to Kenya money transfer, but fees are often high and exchange rates poor.
Sending Money From a Chinese Bank Account to a Kenyan Bank Account
Your supplier may ask for a bank transfer instead, especially if you’re new partners, because it’s formal and you can trace transactions:
- Wire transfers: Your bank can help you move funds from your account to the supplier’s bank account through a SWIFT transfer but the fees for this tend to be high.
- International money transfer partners: You can also use platforms, such as Moneygram and Western Union, for your bank transfers but ensure it’s only for trusted suppliers.
If you’re dealing with very large amounts, a letter of credit from your bank can protect your money even further because the burden transfers to your bank.
Can You Send Money From China to Kenya via Mpesa?
Yes, you can send money from China into your Kenyan supplier’s Mpesa wallet but you can only do so through third-party international money transfer services, such as Remitly, Wise, and World Remit.
If you’re paying to Mpesa, beware of the limits, which allow only Ksh. 250,000 per transaction and a daily maximum of Ksh. 500,000.
How a Logistics Company Can Help
A clearing and forwarding agent can advise you on the best payment method depending on your shipping needs and circumstances. When transactions are complete and verified, a logistics company can further help you with:
- Warehouse storage as the cargo awaits customs processing
- Customs, documentation, and cargo inspection
- Finding container space to import your goods
- Facilitating the transportation, whether by air or sea freight
- Leveraging the most optimal and cost-effective route for your cargo
Globetrot Logistics Understands Cross-Border Shipping Payments
Paying international suppliers, especially when you’re just starting can be overwhelming because it involves different laws and requires a secure and reliable method. Consulting a logistics company will help you understand the best payment channel and shipping route for your cargo.
Contact us at Globetrot Logistics for a free shipping quote or professional support on optimizing your shipping solutions.
