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

Quick Answer: The cheapest ways to send money from Brazil to China in 2026 typically involve digital remittance providers rather than traditional banks. Services like Wise, Panda Remit, and Remitly offer competitive exchange rates and lower fees. For education-related transfers, prioritize providers that integrate directly with Alipay and WeChat Pay for speed. Always factor in the Brazilian IOF (Tax on Financial Operations), which applies to all BRL outflows.

Why "Cheapest" Matters for Education Transfers

When funding education in China from Brazil, the cost of transfer goes beyond the upfront fee. International students and their families must navigate the exchange rate spread (the difference between the market rate and the provider's rate) and local taxes. In Brazil, the IOF tax can range from 0.38% to 1.1% for transfers to different ownership accounts. Over the course of a four-year degree, minimizing these costs can save thousands of Reais (BRL).

Comparison: Top Money Transfer Services (BRL to CNY)

Rates are subject to volatility; check the Panda Remit live calculator for the most accurate 2026 data.

Analysis of Top Providers

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency. They utilize the mid-market exchange rate and charge a visible fee. For Brazilian users, Wise handles the IOF collection clearly during the funding process. It is highly effective for paying tuition fees directly to universities that accept bank transfers.

2. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist in Asian corridors. It is particularly strong for users requiring direct integration with Chinese digital wallets. By partnering officially with Alipay and WeChat Pay, Panda Remit facilitates compliant transfers that clear quickly—often a necessity for students needing immediate access to living expenses.

3. Remitly

Remitly offers flexibility through two speeds: Economy (lower fees, slower delivery) and Express (higher fees, instant delivery). This is useful for urgent situations, such as emergency medical costs for students in China.

4. Western Union

While generally more expensive due to wider exchange rate spreads, Western Union provides an essential service: cash pickup. If a student in China does not yet have a local bank account or access to digital wallets, this remains a viable, albeit costlier, option.

5. WorldRemit

WorldRemit offers robust mobile-first transfers. Their app is user-friendly for recurring small transfers, such as monthly allowances, though their exchange rates should be compared against Wise and Panda Remit before finalizing large tuition payments.

6. OFX

OFX is optimized for large transfers. They often waive transfer fees for amounts over a certain threshold, making them a strong contender for paying full-year tuition or accommodation fees in a single transaction.

7. Traditional Banks (Banco do Brasil, Itaú, Bradesco)

Traditional SWIFT transfers via major Brazilian banks are generally the most expensive option due to high intermediary fees and less favorable exchange rates. However, they are sometimes the only method accepted for specific institutional payments requiring official bank validation.

8. Xe

Xe provides reliable service for larger transfers and offers forward contracts, allowing users to lock in a rate today for a transfer at a later date—a useful tool for hedging against BRL volatility.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit distinguishes itself through specific corridor optimizations. While this guide focuses on Brazil, analyzing their performance in high-volume corridors like JPY to CNY reveals their competitive edge. In the Japan-China corridor, Panda Remit offers high transparency and minimal spreads, a model they replicate for BRL to CNY transfers.

For Brazilian users, the key advantage lies in the payout ecosystem. Panda Remit’s official cooperation with UnionPay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay ensures that funds are not just sent, but successfully received and cleared according to Chinese regulations. This integration reduces the risk of funds being frozen or returned due to compliance checks.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money internationally requires adherence to strict financial regulations to prevent fraud and money laundering.

• Brazil (BACEN): The Central Bank of Brazil requires proper identification (CPF) for all foreign exchange transactions. The IOF tax is mandatory. Ensure your provider explicitly states the IOF cost to avoid under-sending the final amount.
• China (SAFE): The State Administration of Foreign Exchange enforces an annual limit of USD 50,000 (or equivalent) for Chinese nationals receiving foreign currency. However, transfers for tuition and medical care often have exemptions if proper documentation is provided.
• Global Oversight: Reputable providers are regulated by top-tier bodies. For example, look for regulation by the FCA (UK) or ASIC (Australia) in addition to local Brazilian authorization. This multi-jurisdictional oversight is a key trust signal.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the headline fee, watch for Intermediary Bank Fees. When sending to a Chinese bank account via SWIFT, a third-party bank may deduct $15-$30 from the principal amount. Digital wallet transfers (Alipay/WeChat) usually avoid this specific hidden cost.

FAQs

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

Yes, for users in Japan sending to China, Panda Remit is safe and regulated. They employ bank-level encryption and are compliant with local financial regulations. The same security protocols apply to transfers originating from Brazil, ensuring high-value transfers are protected.

How does the Brazilian IOF tax affect student transfers to China?

The IOF (Imposto sobre Operações Financeiras) is a federal tax. For transfers to a third party (like a university or landlord), the rate is typically 0.38%. If you are transferring to your own account abroad, the rate is 1.1%. Always confirm the classification of your transfer to calculate the total cost accurately.

Can I send tuition directly to a Chinese university via Alipay?

It depends on the university. While Alipay supports international tuition payments for many institutions, you must verify if your specific university accepts this method. If not, a direct bank transfer via a provider like Wise or OFX is recommended.

What documentation is needed to send money from Brazil to China?

You will generally need your CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas), a valid photo ID, and the recipient's details (UnionPay card number, Alipay ID, or bank account details). For high-value transfers, proof of income or source of funds may be requested by the Central Bank of Brazil.

Are there limits on how much money a student can receive in China?

While the standard annual limit for converting foreign currency to CNY is USD 50,000 equivalent per person, funds sent specifically for tuition often do not count toward this limit if processed directly to the educational institution or if supporting documents are provided to the bank.