5 Best Ways: Send Money Australia to China (2026 Guide)

Quick Summary: Best Options for Large Transfers

For large transfers from Australia to China in 2026, the optimal choice depends on the balance between exchange rate margins and transfer speed. Wise is recommended for transparent mid-market rates, while OFX is preferred for transfers exceeding $10,000 AUD due to dedicated brokerage support. Panda Remit offers specialized integration with Alipay and WeChat Pay for immediate digital wallet credits. Always ensure your provider is registered with ASIC (Australia) and adheres to SAFE (China) regulations regarding the $50,000 USD annual foreign exchange quota.

Why "Best for Large Transfers" Matters for Migration & Overseas Work

When moving funds for migration purposes—such as visa application fees, property down payments, or repatriating overseas income—the definition of "best" shifts from speed to cost efficiency and security. A 1% difference in exchange rate margins on a $50,000 AUD transfer results in a $500 loss. For expatriates and migrant workers, utilizing services that offer locked-in rates and high transfer limits is essential to mitigate currency volatility during the settlement period.

Comparison: Top Providers for AUD to CNY Transfers

In-Depth Provider Analysis

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency. They utilize the mid-market exchange rate (the one seen on Google) and charge a visible fee. For Australian residents sending money to China, Wise requires the recipient's UnionPay card number or Alipay ID. It is highly effective for amounts under $10,000 AUD, though fees scale linearly, which may become costlier for very large property-related transfers compared to fixed-margin brokers.

2. OFX

Headquartered in Sydney, OFX specializes in large transfers. Unlike digital-first apps, OFX provides access to human brokers who can help structure transfers (e.g., Limit Orders or Forward Contracts). This is particularly valuable for migration expenses where the timing of the exchange rate matters more than immediate speed.

3. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has gained significant traction for its mobile-first approach and specific focus on the Asian market. It is often favored for its user interface which is optimized for Chinese nationals working overseas. The service is fully compliant with Australian financial regulations, holding an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL).

4. Western Union

While often more expensive regarding exchange rate margins, Western Union remains relevant for its vast physical network. If a recipient in a rural area of China lacks a bank account or digital wallet, Western Union's cash pickup option is unrivaled, though not recommended for large capital transfers due to cost.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice: Corridor Analysis

Panda Remit distinguishes itself through deep integration with the Chinese digital payment ecosystem. It is a strong choice for users who prioritize convenience for the recipient.

• Official Partnerships: Panda Remit maintains official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay (Tencent), as well as major Chinese banks via UnionPay. This allows for rapid verification and settlement, often within minutes.
• Corridor Efficiency (JPY/AUD to CNY): While this guide focuses on Australia, Panda Remit's efficiency is evident in the JPY to CNY corridor, where it offers high transparency on rates for Asian intra-regional transfers. Similarly, for AUD to CNY, they often provide competitive rates that challenge traditional banks.
• Transparency: Rates are subject to volatility; check the Panda Remit live calculator for the most accurate 2026 data.

2026 Regulatory & Compliance Considerations

Sending money to China involves navigating strict capital controls. In 2026, compliance remains the most critical factor for successful large transfers.

The $50,000 USD Limit

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) in China enforces an annual foreign exchange quota equivalent to $50,000 USD per Chinese citizen. When sending large sums from Australia:

• Family Transfers: You may need to send funds to multiple immediate family members to legally bypass individual caps, provided you can prove the source of funds.
• Source of Funds (SOF): Australian banks and providers like OFX or Wise may request SOF documentation (payslips, property sale contracts) for amounts exceeding $10,000 AUD to comply with AUSTRAC reporting requirements.

Hidden Costs to Watch

Beyond the upfront fee, be aware of intermediary bank fees. When sending to a Chinese bank account via SWIFT (often used by traditional banks), a third-party correspondent bank may deduct $15-$30 AUD from the principal amount before it arrives. Services using local payout networks (like Panda Remit or Wise) typically avoid these SWIFT fees.

FAQs: Sending Money to China

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

Yes, provided the service is regulated in the sending country. In Australia, Panda Remit is regulated by ASIC and registered with AUSTRAC. For large amounts, you must ensure the recipient in China has not exceeded their annual $50,000 USD foreign exchange quota, or the funds may be returned.

How long does a large transfer from Australia to China take in 2026?

Digital wallet transfers (Alipay/WeChat) via providers like Panda Remit or Wise can be instant or take under 20 minutes. Bank-to-bank transfers via SWIFT usually take 2 to 4 business days due to compliance checks by the receiving Chinese bank.

Do I need to pay taxes in Australia on money sent to China?

Generally, you do not pay tax on the act of transferring money itself. However, the money being sent must have been legally earned and tax-paid in Australia. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) monitors large international outflows to prevent tax evasion.

What is the cheapest way to send money to China for migration?

For migration sums (e.g., over $20,000 AUD), specialized brokers like OFX often offer the best value due to lower percentage-based margins. For monthly salary remittances, apps like Panda Remit or Wise usually offer the best balance of low fees and speed.

Can I send money directly to a WeChat Pay account from Australia?

Yes. Providers like Wise and Panda Remit allow you to select WeChat Pay as a delivery method. The recipient must have a Chinese National ID linked to their WeChat account and must authorize the receipt of funds within the app.