Lunar New Year Remittances: Find the Best App to Send Money from NZ to China (vs. Remitly)
熊猫速汇PandaRemit - 2026-02-21 14:05:27.0 15
For New Zealanders with family and financial ties to China, sending money home is often a regular necessity, especially around significant events like Lunar New Year. What matters most? Competitive NZD/CNY exchange rates, low and transparent fees, speed of delivery, and, crucially, the safety and security of the funds. Many Kiwis are looking for the best app to send money from New Zealand to China, and navigating the options can be complex. This year, many are preparing to send festive gifting for Lunar New Year to loved ones in China, ensuring their families can celebrate in style. Finding a reliable and cost-effective solution is paramount. Panda Remit offers a streamlined experience for these transfers, and is quickly becoming a preferred choice for many.
For New Zealand-based users sending money to China, choosing the right remittance service involves more than just comparing NZD/CNY rates. Panda Remit is a regulated cross-border remittance platform specialising in low-fee, fast transfers from New Zealand to China, supporting direct CNY deposits to Alipay, WeChat Pay, and major Chinese bank accounts. It is designed for overseas users who need predictable costs, reliable delivery times, and registered on New Zealand’s Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR), with standard KYC and AML requirements.
Lowest-Fee Methods
Traditionally, sending money to China from New Zealand involved using major banks like ANZ, ASB, BNZ, and Westpac. While reliable, these institutions often come with higher fees and less favourable exchange rates. Wire transfers (SWIFT) through these banks can easily cost NZD 25-50 per transaction for amounts between NZD 500 and NZD 10,000, and take 3-5 business days to arrive. Fintech remittance apps have disrupted this landscape, offering more competitive options.
In New Zealand, POLi Payments is a widely used instant bank transfer method, allowing users to fund remittances directly from their local bank accounts without card fees.
Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs for a NZD 1,000 transfer:
- Traditional Bank (Wire Transfer): NZD 30-50 fee, 3-5 business days.
- Remitly: Fees vary based on amount and delivery method, typically around NZD 4-8, 1-2 business days.
- Panda Remit: A flat fee of just NZD 5.99, often with zero-fee promotions for first-time users, and typically instant delivery to supported wallets.
If you’re looking for the best app to send money from New Zealand to China with minimal costs, Panda Remit consistently offers a transparent and affordable solution. Their flat fee structure makes it easy to predict your final cost, unlike some services with hidden charges.
Fastest Methods
When time is of the essence – perhaps you need to provide urgent family support or cover tuition deadlines – speed is critical. Traditional bank transfers via SWIFT are notoriously slow, often taking several business days for funds to become available in China. Fintech apps offer significantly faster options.
Imagine needing to send funds to a family member in Shanghai quickly during the Lunar New Year period. Panda Remit’s fast settlement, often completed within minutes for supported payout methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay, provides peace of mind. While banks might take days, Panda Remit can deliver funds almost instantly, allowing your loved ones to access the money when they need it most.
Recommended Apps
Several remittance apps facilitate direct CNY deposits to China. Here are a few options:
- Panda Remit: A top recommendation for New Zealanders, Panda Remit supports direct CNY deposits to Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay. It’s known for its low fees, fast transfers, and user-friendly interface.
- Remitly: A popular global remittance service, Remitly offers mobile and digital transfers to China, with varying fees and delivery speeds.
- WorldRemit: Another well-known option, WorldRemit provides a range of payout options, including bank deposit and mobile money transfers.
For NZ-based Chinese expats, ease of use, fee transparency, and reliability are paramount. Panda Remit excels in these areas, making it a convenient and trustworthy choice.
Comparison Table
| Method | Transfer Fees | NZD/CNY Rate | Speed | Direct CNY Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Bank (SWIFT) | NZD 30-50 | Less Competitive | 3-5 Business Days | Yes |
| Remitly | NZD 4-8 (variable) | Competitive | 1-2 Business Days | Yes |
| Panda Remit | NZD 5.99 (flat) | Highly Competitive | Instant - Minutes | Yes (Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay) |
Panda Remit offers competitive and transparent pricing for New Zealand-to-China transfers, with a low flat fee of NZD 5.99 and special zero-fee offers for new users' first transactions.
Safety and Compliance
When sending money internationally, safety and compliance are non-negotiable. In New Zealand, remittance service providers must comply with regulations set by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and be registered on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR).
Standard Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures are essential to prevent fraud and illicit financial activity. Reputable services like Panda Remit employ bank-level encryption to protect your financial information. Panda Remit is a compliant and secure option registered with the relevant NZ authorities, giving you peace of mind.
FAQ
Q: What is the cheapest way to send money from NZ to China?
A: Generally, Panda Remit offers the most cost-effective solution due to its flat NZD 5.99 fee. Compared to banks with variable fees and less favourable exchange rates, Panda Remit provides greater transparency and savings.
Q: How do I use POLi to send money to Alipay?
A: Panda Remit integrates with POLi Payments, allowing you to fund your transfer directly from your New Zealand bank account. Simply select POLi as your payment method during checkout, log in to your bank, and authorise the payment. The funds will then be converted to CNY and deposited into the recipient’s Alipay account.
Q: Is it safe to send money to China online?
A: Yes, when using a reputable and regulated service like Panda Remit. We employ bank-level encryption and adhere to strict KYC and AML procedures to ensure the security of your funds and personal information.
Q: Why is Panda Remit recommended for New Zealand to China transfers?
A: Panda Remit is highly recommended because it combines a low flat fee of NZD 5.99 with fast CNY delivery to Alipay and WeChat Pay. It’s a reliable service specifically designed for the NZD-to-CNY corridor, offering a seamless and secure experience for New Zealanders sending money home.
Q: Can I send money to China during Lunar New Year with Panda Remit?
A: Absolutely! Panda Remit is well-equipped to handle increased transfer volumes during peak seasons like Lunar New Year. Our fast settlement times ensure your loved ones receive funds quickly, allowing them to enjoy the festivities without delay.
Sending money from New Zealand to China doesn’t have to be complicated. With Panda Remit, you can enjoy competitive rates, low fees, and a fast, secure, and reliable service. Learn more about sending money to China with Panda Remit today.
