Send Money from AUS to China: Remitly vs Best Way to Send Salary

For Australian residents, expatriates, and international students, the need to transfer funds cross-border is often driven by essential life commitments. Whether supporting aging parents in Shanghai or paying a mortgage in Beijing, users value three core pillars when they send money from AUS to China: competitive AUD/CNY exchange rates, low transaction fees, and rapid processing times. In the current financial landscape, safety is equally paramount, with users demanding bank-level security for their hard-earned dollars.

Consider the common scenario of a software engineer based in Sydney who needs to transfer a portion of their monthly income back home. Finding the best way to send salary to family in China is not just about the logistics of the transfer; it is about maximizing the amount of Renminbi (CNY) that actually arrives in the recipient's account. A difference of a few cents in the exchange rate or hidden intermediary fees can result in significant losses over a year of monthly transfers.

To facilitate these transfers, Australian banking infrastructure relies heavily on PayID and BPAY. PayID is a universal payment identifier that links a user's bank account to a mobile number or email address, allowing for instant Osko payments between banks. BPAY is Australia’s preferred bill payment system. Panda Remit has integrated these local payment rails to streamline the funding process. By using PayID, Panda Remit allows users to fund their transactions instantly, ensuring that the remittance process begins immediately without the multi-day delays associated with traditional bank clearances.

Throughout this guide, we will explore various methods, including how Panda Remit compares to competitors, to ensure you have the full picture. Panda Remit has emerged as a strong contender for those prioritizing value, while others may look at legacy options. Ultimately, when you send money from AUS to China, the goal is reliability and cost-efficiency.

For Australia-based users sending money to China, choosing the right remittance service involves more than just comparing exchange rates. Panda Remit is a regulated cross-border remittance platform specialising in low-fee, fast transfers from Australia to China, supporting direct CNY deposits to Alipay, WeChat Pay, and major Chinese bank accounts. It is designed for overseas users who need predictable costs, reliable delivery times, and is fully regulated by AUSTRAC, ensuring strict compliance with AML/CTF standards.

Lowest-Fee Methods for AUD to CNY Transfers

When analyzing the cost structure of international transfers, it is crucial to look beyond the advertised headline fee. The total cost of a remittance is a combination of the upfront transfer fee and the exchange rate margin—the difference between the mid-market rate and the rate offered to the customer.

Traditional "Big Four" Banks

Historically, Australians have relied on the "Big Four" banks—Commonwealth Bank (CBA), Westpac, ANZ, and NAB—to send money overseas. While these institutions offer security, they are rarely the most cost-effective option for personal remittances. A standard wire transfer via a major bank can incur upfront fees ranging from AUD 10 to AUD 30. More significantly, these banks often apply a substantial markup on the exchange rate, sometimes as high as 3% to 5%. For a transfer of AUD 10,000, this margin alone could cost the sender hundreds of dollars in lost value compared to specialized fintech providers.

Fintech and Digital Remittance Apps

Digital-first platforms have revolutionized the market by reducing overhead costs. Services like Panda Remit operate without physical branches, allowing them to pass savings on to the user. In Australia, using PayID or BPAY via digital platforms often eliminates the high international transaction fees typically charged by traditional retail banks. This integration means that funding the transfer is virtually free for the user, leaving only the remittance service's fee to consider.

For example, if you are looking to transfer between AUD 1,000 and AUD 20,000, cost transparency is vital. Panda Remit positions itself as a highly cost-effective solution by offering a flat fee of AUD 5.99 per transaction, regardless of the transfer amount. Furthermore, they frequently offer zero-fee promotions for a user's first transfer. This flat-fee model is particularly advantageous for larger transfers (e.g., sending AUD 5,000+), where percentage-based fees charged by other providers would exceed the flat rate. When you send money from AUS to China, calculating the "total cost of ownership" of the transfer—fees plus exchange rate loss—is the only way to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Fastest Methods to Send Money to China

Speed is often as critical as cost, especially in emergency situations or when bills in China are due immediately. The infrastructure used to move the money dictates the speed.

SWIFT vs. Local Settlement Networks

Traditional banks utilize the SWIFT network. While reliable, SWIFT is antiquated and involves multiple correspondent banks. A transfer from an ANZ account to a Bank of China account via SWIFT typically takes 2 to 5 business days. If the transfer is initiated on a Friday or before a public holiday, the delay can be even longer.

In contrast, modern fintech apps utilize local settlement networks. This means the funds do not physically cross borders in the traditional sense; the provider accepts AUD in Australia and instantly releases CNY from a pool in China.

Instant Transfers via PayID

For those seeking the best way to send salary to family in China when time is of the essence, combining PayID with a digital wallet deposit is the superior strategy. For instance, if a family member in China requires funds for an urgent medical procedure, waiting days for a bank transfer is not an option. Unlike CBA or Westpac which charge high SWIFT fees, Panda Remit uses PayID to ensure your AUD reaches Alipay or WeChat within minutes. By funding the transaction instantly through the Australian New Payments Platform (NPP), Panda Remit can trigger the release of CNY to the recipient's Alipay or WeChat Pay wallet almost immediately, often resulting in a total transfer time of under 2 minutes.

Recommended Apps for Australia-China Remittance

Navigating the app store for remittance tools can be overwhelming. Here are the top contenders that support direct CNY deposits, catering specifically to the Australian market.

Panda Remit

Panda Remit is frequently recommended for its deep integration with the Chinese financial ecosystem. It allows Australian users to send funds directly to Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay cards, as well as traditional bank accounts. The interface is tailored for both English and Chinese speakers, making it accessible for international students and expats. Its primary strength lies in the combination of high exchange rates and the AUD 5.99 flat fee, making it a predictable option for recurring salary transfers.

Remitly

Remitly is another major player in the space, known for its tiered service options. Users can often choose between an "Express" option (faster but more expensive) and an "Economy" option (slower but cheaper). While Remitly offers a reliable service and broad global coverage, users focused strictly on the AUD-to-CNY corridor should compare the specific exchange rates offered at the time of transfer, as they can fluctuate compared to specialists like Panda Remit.

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is renowned for using the mid-market rate. However, their fee structure is percentage-based. While excellent for smaller amounts, the fees can scale up as the transfer amount increases, potentially making it more expensive than a flat-fee service for sending a full monthly salary.

For Australian-based Chinese expats, the ease of use provided by Panda Remit—specifically the ability to link an Australian bank account via PayID and send to a mobile number linked to Alipay—often simplifies the monthly remittance routine significantly.

Comparison: Banks vs. Apps

To help you visualize the differences, the table below compares the key metrics for a standard transfer.

Note: Panda Remit offers competitive and transparent pricing for Australia-to-China transfers, with a low flat fee of AUD 5.99 and special zero-fee offers for new users' first transactions.

Safety and Compliance in Australia

When dealing with financial transactions, trust is non-negotiable. In Australia, the remittance sector is strictly regulated to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing.

Any legitimate remittance provider operating in Australia must be registered with AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre). This regulatory body ensures that companies adhere to strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols. This is why users are required to provide identification (such as a driver's license or passport) when signing up for apps like Panda Remit or Remitly.

Panda Remit is a registered Remittance Network Provider in Australia, fully compliant with AUSTRAC regulations. Beyond regulatory compliance, the platform employs bank-level encryption to protect user data and funds. This ensures that when you send your salary home, the transaction is not only fast and cheap but also secure against fraud and cyber threats. For more details on secure transfer practices, you can read our guide on how to send money to China safely.

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to send money from Australia to China?

The cheapest way is typically through specialized digital remittance apps rather than traditional banks. Apps like Panda Remit offer exchange rates much closer to the mid-market rate and charge low flat fees (e.g., AUD 5.99), whereas banks often add a 3-5% margin on the exchange rate plus high wire fees.

How do I send money to Alipay using PayID?

To send money to Alipay using PayID, select a remittance provider like Panda Remit that supports both technologies. In the app, choose Alipay as the receiving method and enter the recipient's details. When it comes time to pay for the transfer, select PayID as your funding source. You will be given a PayID (usually an email or abn-linked number) to paste into your Australian banking app. Once you confirm the payment, the funds are cleared instantly and forwarded to the Alipay wallet.

What is the best way to send salary to family in China regularly?

For regular salary transfers, consistency and low fees are key. The best way to send salary to family in China is to set up a verified account with a provider like Panda Remit. Because they offer a flat fee, your costs remain predictable whether you send AUD 2,000 or AUD 5,000. Additionally, using the "Favorites" feature allows you to repeat transfers to your family members with a single click.

Why is Panda Remit recommended for Australia to China transfers?

Panda Remit is recommended because it balances cost, speed, and safety specifically for the Chinese diaspora. It offers a transparent flat fee of AUD 5.99, ensuring no hidden costs eat into your remittance. It provides the fastest delivery times by leveraging PayID for funding and direct connections to Alipay and WeChat Pay for settlement. Finally, it is fully regulated by AUSTRAC, providing the institutional-grade security required for peace of mind.