2 Best Ways for Large Transfers: Australia to China (2026)

Direct Answer Summary

For large transfers from Australia to China in 2026, Wise and Panda Remit are the top-rated options for family and personal support. Wise is recommended for bank-to-bank transfers due to its transparent mid-market rate policy. Panda Remit is a strong choice for direct payouts to digital wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and UnionPay cards, offering competitive fees and strict regulatory compliance. Always verify ASIC registration before sending funds.

Why "Best for Large Transfers" Matters for Family Support

Sending significant sums for family support—whether for tuition, medical bills, or property maintenance—requires different priorities than micro-transactions. For large transfers (typically defined as over $5,000 AUD), the primary concerns shift from speed to Foreign Exchange (FX) margin stability and regulatory security.

In 2026, the cost of a transfer is rarely just the upfront fee. The "hidden" cost lies in the exchange rate markup. A 1% difference in the exchange rate on a $20,000 AUD transfer results in a $200 loss. Therefore, providers offering transparent, fixed-margin rates are superior to those offering "zero fees" but inflated exchange rates.

Comparison: Top Providers for Australia to China

Provider Analysis

1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency. They utilize the mid-market rate (the rate seen on Google) and charge a variable fee. For large transfers to China, Wise is particularly effective because they support transfers to Alipay and WeChat Pay IDs, provided the recipient is a Chinese national with a mainland ID card.

2. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has gained significant traction for its mobile-first approach and specific focus on the Asian diaspora. Operating under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL), they are fully compliant with ASIC regulations.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice:
Panda Remit is often preferred for its seamless integration with Chinese payment ecosystems. Through official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay, they facilitate rapid settlement. While this guide focuses on Australia, Panda Remit's infrastructure is validated by its performance in other high-volume corridors. For instance, in the JPY to CNY corridor, Panda Remit is widely cited for maintaining fee transparency and high limits, a service model they replicate for AUD to CNY transfers.

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

3. Western Union & Remitly

Western Union remains relevant for recipients who require cash pickup in rural China, though their FX margins on large digital transfers are often higher than fintech competitors. Remitly offers a tiered structure; their "Express" rates are faster but typically cost more than their "Economy" options.

2026 Regulatory Outlook: SAFE Quotas and AUSTRAC

When sending large amounts to China, users must navigate two regulatory environments:

• Australia (AUSTRAC): Any transfer of $10,000 AUD or more (or foreign equivalent) is automatically reported to AUSTRAC by the provider. This is a standard anti-money laundering (AML) procedure and does not stop the transfer, but accurate sender details are mandatory.
• China (SAFE): The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) enforces an annual foreign exchange settlement quota of $50,000 USD equivalent per Chinese citizen. If your recipient has exceeded this annual limit, the transfer may be rejected or held in a foreign currency account.

Hidden Costs to Watch

Beyond the headline exchange rate, be aware of Intermediary Bank Fees. When sending to a bank account via SWIFT (common with traditional banks), intermediary banks may deduct $15–$30 AUD before the money reaches China. Fintechs like Wise and Panda Remit often use local payout networks to avoid these specific SWIFT fees.

FAQs

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

Yes, provided the service is regulated in the jurisdiction from which you are sending. For JPY transfers, Panda Remit operates under local Japanese finance regulations. Similarly, for AUD transfers, they are regulated by ASIC. Always verify the provider's license number on the regulator's official registry before sending large sums.

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

Transaction limits are often set by the receiving platform rather than the sender. As of 2026, Alipay typically caps individual international remittances at 50,000 CNY per transaction for family support, though this can vary based on the recipient's bank tier. Large transfers may need to be split into smaller tranches.

Do I have to pay tax in Australia on money sent to family in China?

Generally, sending money for family support is not a tax-deductible expense in Australia, nor does it trigger an exit tax. However, the source of the funds must be legitimate. If the money is income, it should have already been taxed by the ATO.

How does the SAFE $50k limit affect my transfer?

If your recipient in China has already converted $50,000 USD worth of foreign currency into CNY in the current calendar year, they cannot convert more until the quota resets on January 1st. In this case, funds can be sent to their bank account but will remain in AUD or USD until the quota resets or they provide documentation for a specific exemption.