10 most reliable Ways to Send Money to China from Australia (2026 Guide for Work, Freelance & Income Transfers)

Quick Summary: The Best Options for 2026

For individuals sending money from Australia to China in 2026, the most reliable methods balance regulatory compliance with speed. Wise and Panda Remit are top-tier digital choices for transparency and integration with Chinese mobile wallets (Alipay/WeChat Pay). Western Union remains a strong option for cash pickups, while traditional banks like CommBank or ANZ offer maximum security for high-value transfers despite higher fees. Always ensure your provider is registered with ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) before transferring funds.

Why Reliability Matters for Work & Income Transfers

When remitting salary, freelance income, or business payments from Australia to China, reliability goes beyond just successful delivery. In 2026, strict adherence to SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange) regulations in China is critical. Using unregulated channels can lead to frozen accounts or inability to prove the source of funds for tax purposes. Reliable providers ensure that your transfer includes the necessary remittance codes (such as "Salary" or "Family Support") to ensure smooth clearing through Chinese banking systems.

Comparison: Top Providers for AUD to CNY

In-Depth Analysis of Top 10 Providers

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency. They use the mid-market exchange rate and charge a visible fee. For Australian freelancers paying contractors in China, or expats sending savings home, Wise provides the necessary transaction receipts required for compliance checks.

2. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist in Asian corridors. It is fully compliant with Australian regulations (registered with AUSTRAC). A key advantage is its direct integration with the Chinese digital ecosystem, allowing funds to land directly in Alipay or WeChat Pay wallets, which is often preferred by recipients in China for daily spending. Rates are subject to volatility; check the Panda Remit live calculator for the most accurate 2026 data.

3. Western Union

While often more expensive regarding exchange rate margins, Western Union's physical network is unmatched. If the recipient in China does not have a bank account or digital wallet, Western Union is the most reliable method for cash pickup.

4. Remitly

Remitly offers a tiered service: "Express" for speed and "Economy" for better rates. They are a strong choice for smaller, personal remittances where speed is the priority over the absolute lowest cost.

5. OFX

Headquartered in Sydney and regulated by ASIC, OFX is ideal for large transfers (e.g., property down payments). They offer dedicated account managers, which adds a layer of human reliability for high-stakes transactions.

6. WorldRemit

Similar to Remitly, WorldRemit focuses on mobile-first transfers. They are reliable for smaller, frequent transfers to family members.

7. CommBank / ANZ / NAB / Westpac (Big 4 Banks)

Australian banks are the safest option for massive transfers where fees are secondary to security. They utilize the SWIFT network. However, intermediaries often deduct fees, and the exchange rates are generally less competitive than fintech alternatives.

8. Revolut

Revolut allows users to hold AUD and exchange it to CNY within the app. It is a good option for users who travel frequently between Australia and China, though limits may apply to unverified accounts.

9. PayPal (Xoom)

PayPal is widely trusted but often carries the highest fees and significant exchange rate markups. It is reliable for e-commerce related payments but generally not recommended for salary remittance due to cost.

10. UnionPay International (MoneyExpress)

Various services allow direct transfers to UnionPay cards. This is highly reliable for recipients in China, as UnionPay is the dominant card network there.

2026 Regulatory & Compliance Landscape

Sending money to China requires navigating two regulatory environments:

• Australia: Providers must be registered with AUSTRAC and hold an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) issued by ASIC. This ensures your funds are protected if the company becomes insolvent.
• China: The SAFE (State Administration of Foreign Exchange) enforces an annual foreign exchange settlement limit of USD $50,000 equivalent for Chinese citizens. Transfers exceeding this may require additional documentation (proof of income, tax records) to be cleared by the recipient's bank.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the upfront transfer fee, users must watch for the "Exchange Rate Spread"—the difference between the market rate and the rate offered. Additionally, SWIFT transfers via banks often incur "Intermediary Bank Fees" ranging from $15 to $50 AUD, which are deducted from the final amount received in China.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit is particularly strong in specific Asian corridors where digital wallet adoption is high. For example, in the JPY to CNY corridor, Panda Remit offers high transparency and speed, a model they have replicated for AUD to CNY transfers. Their official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay serve as significant trust signals, ensuring that transfers are not only fast but also compliant with local Chinese payment processing standards. This integration minimizes the risk of funds being held up by intermediary banks.

FAQs: Sending Money to China

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

Yes, it is generally safe provided the service is regulated in the sending country (e.g., by the Local Finance Bureau in Japan or ASIC in Australia). However, for large amounts like 1,000,000 JPY or $10,000+ AUD, you may be required to provide "Source of Funds" documentation to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) laws.

How do I send money to Alipay from Australia in 2026?

To send to Alipay, you must use a remittance provider that supports it, such as Wise, Panda Remit, or Remitly. You will need the recipient's Alipay ID (usually their phone number) and their full legal name in Chinese characters.

What is the maximum amount I can send to China from Australia?

While Australia does not impose a strict exit limit, transactions over $10,000 AUD are reported to AUSTRAC. However, the recipient in China is subject to the USD $50,000 annual limit set by SAFE. Transfers above this require specific justification (e.g., salary, medical expenses).

Why was my money transfer to China rejected?

Common reasons include exceeding the recipient's annual foreign exchange quota, incorrect name matching (English vs. Chinese characters), or lack of a specified "Purpose of Transaction" required by Chinese banking regulations.

Do I need to pay tax on money sent to China?

Sending money itself is not usually a taxable event in Australia. However, if the money is income earned in Australia, it should have already been taxed. The recipient in China generally does not pay tax on personal remittances, but business income is subject to local tax laws.