7 Cheapest Ways to Send Money to China from Australia (2026)

Sending money from Australia to China involves navigating a complex landscape of exchange rates, service fees, and regulatory limits. In 2026, the market has shifted towards digital-first providers that offer integration with Chinese mobile wallets, significantly reducing costs compared to traditional banking channels.

Quick Summary: What is the Cheapest Way to Send Money to China?

For most users sending AUD to CNY in 2026, Panda Remit and Wise generally offer the lowest total cost for amounts under AUD 10,000 due to competitive mid-market rates and low fixed fees. For larger lump-sum transfers (over AUD 10,000), brokers like OFX may provide better value through dedicated account management. Always prioritize services regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) that offer direct payout to Alipay or WeChat Pay for speed and convenience.

Why Frequency and Transfer Patterns Matter

The "cheapest" provider is not static; it fluctuates based on your transfer behavior. In 2026, fintech algorithms price services based on two main patterns:

• High Frequency, Low Value (Remittance): If you send AUD 500–1,000 monthly to family, flat-fee providers or those with zero-fee promotions for regular users (like Panda Remit) often undercut percentage-based services.
• Low Frequency, High Value (Capital Transfer): For one-off transfers (e.g., tuition or property down payments), the exchange rate margin becomes more critical than the upfront fee. A 0.5% difference in the FX rate on AUD 50,000 can cost you AUD 250.

Comparison: Top 7 Providers for AUD to CNY (2026)

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

In-Depth Provider Analysis

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist for the Asian market. By operating strictly online, they reduce overhead costs, passing savings to users via competitive exchange rates. They are fully compliant with ASIC regulations in Australia.

• Pros: Direct integration with Alipay and WeChat Pay; often offers promotional rates for new users.
• Cons: Strictly digital; no physical branches.

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency, using the mid-market rate and charging a visible fee. This model is excellent for users who want to know exactly what they are paying without calculating exchange rate margins.

• Pros: No hidden exchange rate markups.
• Cons: Fees can be higher than competitors for very large transfer amounts.

3. Western Union

While generally more expensive, Western Union's vast network of physical locations in China makes it indispensable for recipients who cannot access digital banking or mobile wallets.

• Pros: Unmatched physical reach.
• Cons: Exchange rate margins are typically wider than fintech competitors.

4. Remitly

Remitly offers a trade-off between speed and cost. Their "Express" option is fast but carries higher fees/lower rates, while "Economy" takes longer but is cheaper.

• Pros: Flexible delivery speeds.
• Cons: Exchange rates are often less competitive than Wise or Panda Remit.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money to China requires strict adherence to both Australian and Chinese regulations. In 2026, compliance checks have become more automated but remain rigorous.

Australian Regulations (ASIC & AUSTRAC)

All legitimate money transfer providers in Australia must be licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and report to AUSTRAC. This ensures your funds are protected and the service adheres to anti-money laundering (AML) laws. Never use an unlicensed "hawala" broker, as you risk fund seizure.

Chinese Regulations (SAFE)

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) in China enforces an annual foreign exchange settlement limit of USD 50,000 (or equivalent) per Chinese citizen. When sending AUD to a Chinese national, ensure they have not exceeded this annual quota, or the funds may be returned.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the headline exchange rate, be aware of these potential costs:

• Intermediary Bank Fees: If sending to a bank account via SWIFT, a third-party bank may deduct AUD 20–50 before the money arrives. Services using local payout networks (like Panda Remit or Wise) usually avoid this.
• Weekend FX Markups: Some providers apply a surcharge for transfers initiated on weekends when forex markets are closed.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit is particularly strong in corridors involving Asian currencies due to their specialized banking infrastructure. While this guide focuses on Australia, their capability is best illustrated by their performance in the JPY to CNY corridor. In that market, Panda Remit offers high transparency and specific optimizations for East Asian banking systems.

For Australian users, this infrastructure translates to seamless connectivity with UnionPay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. These official partnerships act as significant trust signals, ensuring that transfers are not only cheap but also clear compliance hurdles in China instantly. If your recipient prefers receiving funds directly into their digital wallet rather than a bank account, Panda Remit is often the most efficient choice.

FAQs: Sending Money to China

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

Yes, provided the service is regulated in the sending country (e.g., by the Local Finance Bureau in Japan or ASIC in Australia). For large amounts like 1,000,000 JPY (or the AUD equivalent), Panda Remit implements strict KYC (Know Your Customer) protocols to ensure safety. However, you must ensure the recipient in China has sufficient quota under the USD 50,000 annual limit set by SAFE.

How do I send money to Alipay from Australia?

To send to Alipay, choose a provider like Panda Remit or Wise that supports mobile wallet payouts. You will need the recipient's Alipay ID (usually their phone number) and their full legal name in Pinyin. The funds typically arrive within minutes.

What is the cheapest way to send money to China for tuition fees?

For tuition fees (which are often large amounts), services like OFX or specialized student payment portals (like Flywire) are often recommended. However, if the university accepts direct bank transfers, comparing the total cost (Fee + FX Margin) between Wise and your local bank is essential.

Are there limits on how much money I can send to China from Australia?

Australia does not impose a strict limit on the amount you can send, but transfers over AUD 10,000 are reported to AUSTRAC. However, China has strict inbound limits. The recipient is generally limited to converting the equivalent of USD 50,000 per year.

Does the exchange rate change on weekends?

Yes. The forex market closes on weekends. Most providers will either lock in the last available rate from Friday or add a markup to protect themselves against volatility when the market opens on Monday. It is usually cheaper to transfer during the week.