10 Cheapest Ways: Send Money Australia to China (2026)

Quick Summary: The Best Options for 2026

For 2026, the cheapest ways to send money from Australia to China are typically specialized digital remittance providers rather than traditional banks. Panda Remit and Wise consistently offer the most competitive rates by minimizing the spread above the mid-market exchange rate. For recipients preferring instant access via Alipay or WeChat Pay, Panda Remit and Remitly provide direct integration. Always verify that your chosen provider is registered with ASIC (Australia) to ensure fund safety.

Why "Cheapest" Matters for Family & Personal Support

When sending money for family support—whether for living expenses, medical bills, or education—exchange rate margins and hidden fees can significantly erode the final amount received in Chinese Yuan (CNY). A difference of 1% in exchange rates on a $5,000 AUD transfer results in a loss of $50 AUD. Over recurring monthly transfers, this amounts to $600 AUD annually—funds that could otherwise support your family. Selecting a provider with transparent pricing is essential for maximizing the value of personal remittances.

Comparison: Top Providers for AUD to CNY

In-Depth Provider Analysis

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist for the Asian market. It is registered with ASIC in Australia, ensuring compliance with local financial regulations. They are known for offering exchange rates very close to the mid-market rate and low fixed fees. Their direct partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay allow for almost instant settlement, which is a key advantage for personal support transfers.

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is the industry benchmark for transparency, using the mid-market rate and charging a visible variable fee. While sometimes slightly more expensive than Panda Remit on specific corridors depending on volatility, Wise is highly reliable for bank-to-bank transfers. They also support transfers to Alipay and WeChat IDs.

3. Remitly

Remitly offers a dual-speed model: "Express" for urgent transfers (higher fees/lower rate) and "Economy" for slower transfers (better rates). This flexibility is useful for users who prioritize speed over cost in emergencies.

4. Western Union

While generally more expensive due to wider exchange rate spreads, Western Union remains vital for recipients in rural China who require cash pickup and do not have access to digital wallets or bank accounts.

5. WorldRemit

WorldRemit is competitive for smaller transfer amounts. They offer a user-friendly app and diverse payout options, though their exchange rates can fluctuate more than Wise or Panda Remit.

6. Revolut

For users who already bank with Revolut, sending money to China is convenient. However, weekend exchange rate markups and subscription limits can affect the total cost effectiveness compared to dedicated remittance firms.

7. OFX

OFX is a strong contender for large transfers (e.g., over $10,000 AUD). They often waive transfer fees for large amounts, though they make money on the exchange rate spread. They provide dedicated brokers, which is helpful for high-value family support.

8. CurrencyFair

CurrencyFair operates a peer-to-peer marketplace model. While this can result in excellent rates, liquidity for AUD to CNY may vary compared to major currency pairs, potentially affecting speed.

9. PayPal (Xoom)

PayPal is widely used but is often one of the most expensive options due to significant exchange rate markups and transaction fees. It is generally recommended only for convenience if the sender and receiver are already within the PayPal ecosystem.

10. Traditional Banks (CommBank, ANZ, NAB, Westpac)

Australian banks are generally the most expensive option for sending money to China. They utilize the SWIFT network, which incurs intermediary bank fees (often $20-$50 AUD) and typically apply a high margin on the exchange rate.

2026 Regulatory & Compliance Landscape

When sending money from Australia to China in 2026, users must navigate regulations from both ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) and China's SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange).

• ASIC & AUSTRAC: All legitimate remittance providers must be registered with AUSTRAC. This ensures they comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) laws.
• SAFE (China) Limits: Chinese citizens have an annual foreign exchange settlement quota of $50,000 USD equivalent. Transfers exceeding this limit may be rejected or require additional documentation proving the funds are for family support or medical expenses.

Hidden Costs to Watch

In 2026, be aware of "landing fees" charged by intermediary banks if you use the SWIFT network (common with traditional banks). Digital providers like Panda Remit and Wise typically use local payout networks, avoiding these unexpected deductions.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit is particularly strong for the Australia to China corridor due to its specific focus on Asian remittance markets. Beyond AUD, their infrastructure is robust across the region. For example, in the JPY to CNY corridor, Panda Remit is frequently cited for high transparency and speed, leveraging the same digital payout networks (UnionPay/Alipay) available to Australian users. This cross-market capability signals a deep integration with Chinese payment systems.

Trust Signals: Panda Remit maintains official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay, allowing for verifiable, compliant digital wallet top-ups. Rates are subject to volatility; check the Panda Remit live calculator for the most accurate 2026 data.

FAQs

Is it safe to send 1,000,000 JPY or equivalent AUD to China via Panda Remit?

Yes, provided the service is registered with the relevant financial authority (ASIC in Australia or the Local Finance Bureau in Japan). However, large transfers may trigger additional identity verification (KYC) checks to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

What is the cheapest way to send money to Alipay from Australia in 2026?

Digital remittance providers like Panda Remit and Wise are generally the cheapest ways to send funds directly to Alipay. They offer lower exchange rate spreads compared to banks and integrate directly with the Alipay app for faster settlement.

Does the $50,000 USD annual limit apply to family support transfers?

Yes, the $50,000 USD annual foreign exchange quota set by China's SAFE applies to personal exchanges. If your recipient has exceeded this limit, they may need to provide documentation to the bank to clear the funds, or you may need to send to a different family member.

How long does a transfer from Australia to China take via Wise vs Panda Remit?

Panda Remit often completes transfers to digital wallets (Alipay/WeChat) within minutes. Wise is also very fast, typically completing transfers within 24 hours, though bank-to-bank transfers can take 1-2 days depending on the receiving bank's processing times.

Are there hidden fees when sending money to China via Australian banks?

Yes, Australian banks often use the SWIFT network, which can incur intermediary bank fees ranging from $15 to $50 AUD. These fees are deducted from the transfer amount before it reaches the recipient, meaning the beneficiary receives less than expected.