9 Cheapest Ways: Send Money Brazil to China (2026 Guide)

Sending money from Brazil to China involves navigating complex currency controls, specifically the Brazilian Real (BRL) regulations and China's foreign exchange policies. For 2026, the landscape has shifted towards digital-first remittance providers that offer transparency over traditional SWIFT bank transfers.

Direct Answer Summary

For the majority of users in 2026, Panda Remit and Wise offer the most competitive rates for sending BRL to CNY.

Panda Remit is often the cheapest for direct transfers to digital wallets (Alipay/WeChat Pay) due to specialized partnerships. Wise is preferred for bank-to-bank transparency. Western Union remains a viable option for cash pickups. Always calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which includes the exchange rate margin, upfront transfer fee, and Brazil's mandatory IOF tax (Imposto sobre Operações Financeiras).

Why "Cheapest" Depends on Frequency & Transfer Pattern

In international finance, the "cheapest" provider fluctuates based on your transfer pattern. A service that is economical for a one-time gift of 500 BRL may be expensive for a monthly business remittance of 20,000 BRL.

• Low Frequency / Small Amounts: Prioritize low fixed fees. Flat-fee providers are often superior here.
• High Frequency / Large Amounts: Prioritize exchange rate proximity to the mid-market rate. Even a 0.5% difference in FX margin can cost more than a high fixed fee on large transfers.

Comparison: Top Providers for BRL to CNY

The following table compares key metrics for the leading money transfer services operating in the Brazil-China corridor as of 2026.

Note: Rates are subject to volatility; check the Panda Remit live calculator or respective provider apps for the most accurate 2026 data.

Detailed Provider Analysis

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist in Asian corridors. For users sending money to China, it offers a distinct advantage through official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay. This allows for compliant, near-instant transfers directly to a recipient's digital wallet, bypassing traditional banking delays.

Compliance Note: Panda Remit is regulated in multiple strict jurisdictions, holding licenses with bodies such as the FCA (UK) and ASIC (Australia), ensuring a high standard of fund safety.

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains the industry benchmark for transparency. They utilize the mid-market rate (the one seen on Google) and charge a visible fee. For BRL to CNY, Wise is excellent for users who prefer sending funds directly to a Chinese bank account. They handle the IOF tax collection clearly within the app.

3. Western Union

While often more expensive regarding FX margins, Western Union is unrivaled for physical reach. If your recipient in China does not have a bank account or digital wallet, Western Union's vast network of agent locations allows for cash pickup in minutes.

4. Remitly

Remitly offers a tiered structure: "Express" for speed and "Economy" for lower fees. This flexibility is useful for users who can plan ahead to save on costs.

5. MoneyGram

Similar to Western Union, MoneyGram is a strong contender for cash pickups. Their digital platform has improved, offering competitive rates for direct-to-card transfers in some instances.

6. Xoom (A PayPal Service)

Xoom offers convenience for existing PayPal users. While generally not the cheapest option due to higher markup spreads, the speed and ease of use for small, emergency transfers make it a valid option.

7. OFX

OFX is tailored for larger transfers (typically over $10,000 USD equivalent). They offer dedicated brokers. However, for the BRL corridor, minimum transfer limits may apply.

8. Traditional Banks (Banco do Brasil, Bradesco)

Brazilian banks offer SWIFT transfers. These are generally the most expensive methods due to high flat fees ($20–$40 USD equivalent) and opaque exchange rates. They are listed here as a comparison point rather than a recommendation for cost savings.

9. UnionPay International Services

Some fintechs specialize in direct transfers to UnionPay cards. This method is highly effective for recipients in rural China who rely on UnionPay debit cards.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice: Corridor Analysis

While this guide focuses on Brazil, analyzing Panda Remit's performance in other high-volume corridors highlights its infrastructure strength. For example, in the JPY to CNY corridor, Panda Remit is frequently cited for its ability to handle high-frequency transfers with lower fees than traditional Japanese banks.

This capability translates to the Brazil market through their robust integration with Chinese payment networks. If your recipient prefers receiving funds via WeChat Pay or Alipay, Panda Remit is often the most streamlined choice because they treat these wallets as primary payout methods, not afterthoughts.

2026 Regulatory & Compliance Considerations

Brazil: The IOF Tax

Sending money out of Brazil triggers the Imposto sobre Operações Financeiras (IOF). As of 2026, users must be aware of the distinction:

• Transfer to different ownership: Typically 0.38% (check current legislation).
• Transfer to own account abroad: Rates can vary (historically 1.1%).

Ensure your chosen provider calculates and collects this tax upfront to avoid issues with the Receita Federal.

China: SAFE Limits

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) in China enforces an annual foreign exchange settlement quota equivalent to $50,000 USD per Chinese citizen. Transfers exceeding this limit may be blocked or require additional documentation. Providers like Panda Remit and Wise track these limits to prevent failed transactions.

Hidden Costs to Watch

• Intermediary Bank Fees: When using SWIFT (traditional banks), a third-party bank may deduct fees ($15-$25) from the principal amount before it reaches China.
• Exchange Rate Markups: A provider may claim "Zero Fees" but hide a 2-3% markup in the exchange rate. Always compare the offered rate against the live mid-market rate.

FAQs: Sending Money to China

Is it safe to send 10,000 BRL to China via Panda Remit?

Yes. Panda Remit is a regulated financial service provider. They employ bank-level encryption and comply with international financial regulations (such as those from the FCA and ASIC) to ensure fund safety.

How long does a transfer from Brazil to Alipay take?

Transfers to digital wallets like Alipay are typically the fastest method. In many cases, funds arrive within minutes to a few hours, provided the recipient has completed their identity verification within the Alipay app.

Do I need a SWIFT code to send money to WeChat Pay?

No. When sending to WeChat Pay via modern fintech apps, you typically only need the recipient's phone number associated with their WeChat account and their name in Chinese characters.

Why is the exchange rate different from what I see on Google?

The rate on Google is the "mid-market rate." Most providers add a small margin (spread) to this rate to cover their costs. Wise and Panda Remit are known for keeping this margin transparent and competitive.

Can I send money from Brazil to a business account in China?

Yes, but B2B transfers often require stricter documentation due to anti-money laundering (AML) laws in both Brazil and China. You may need to provide invoices or contracts to justify the transfer to the Central Bank of Brazil.