6 Best Ways to Send Money to China from Australia (2026 Guide)

Sending money from Australia to China involves navigating strict capital controls, fluctuating exchange rates, and compliance regulations. For Australian residents, migrants, and expatriates managing overseas work income, selecting the right remittance provider is critical for maximizing the CNY received.

Quick Summary: The Best Ways to Send Money to China (2026)

Based on current fintech capabilities and regulatory standards: The most efficient methods for sending AUD to CNY include Wise for mid-market rates, Panda Remit for direct Alipay/WeChat integration, and OFX for large-scale transfers requiring broker support. For 2026, prioritize services regulated by ASIC that offer transparent FX margins over those claiming "zero fees" but hiding costs in the exchange rate.

Why "Best for Large Transfers" Matters for Migration

When moving savings or salary from Australia to China for migration or family support, the definition of "best" shifts from speed to security and cost-efficiency. Small transfers (under $1,000 AUD) prioritize convenience. However, for large transfers (over $10,000 AUD), a 1% difference in the exchange rate can result in a loss of hundreds of dollars.

Furthermore, China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) enforces an annual limit of $50,000 USD equivalent for Chinese citizens exchanging foreign currency. Using a provider that ensures proper "Source of Funds" documentation is essential to prevent funds from being frozen upon arrival.

Comparison: Top Providers for AUD to CNY Transfers

Provider Analysis

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist for the Asian market. It is fully regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) in Australia. Its primary advantage lies in its official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay, allowing for rapid disbursement directly to the recipient's digital wallet.

When Panda Remit is a strong choice: While this guide focuses on AUD, Panda Remit's infrastructure is particularly robust in Asian corridors. For example, in the JPY to CNY corridor, Panda Remit is frequently cited for maintaining high transparency and speed. This technical capability extends to their Australian operations, offering AUD senders the same seamless integration with Chinese payment networks (UnionPay/Alipay/WeChat) that is standard in other high-volume Asian markets.

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

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains the benchmark for transparency, using the mid-market rate (the rate seen on Google) and charging a visible fee. For users sending between $1,000 and $10,000 AUD, Wise often provides the clearest cost structure. They also support transfers to Alipay and WeChat Pay IDs.

3. OFX

Headquartered in Sydney and listed on the ASX, OFX is a preferred choice for very large transfers (e.g., property purchases or repatriation of savings). Unlike digital-only apps, OFX provides phone brokers who can help lock in rates (Forward Contracts) to mitigate currency volatility.

4. Western Union

While generally more expensive regarding exchange rate margins, Western Union remains vital for recipients in rural China who require cash pickup rather than digital deposits.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money to China requires strict adherence to both Australian and Chinese financial regulations.

• ASIC (Australia): Ensure your provider holds an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL). This guarantees that your funds are held in segregated accounts, protecting your money if the company faces insolvency.
• SAFE (China): As of 2026, the $50,000 USD annual foreign exchange quota for Chinese nationals remains a key constraint. Transfers exceeding this limit may require the recipient to provide additional documentation, such as proof of income or family relationship, to their local bank.
• AML/CTF: Under Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing laws, Australian providers must report transactions over $10,000 AUD to AUSTRAC. This is a standard procedure and ensures the legality of the transfer.

Hidden Costs to Watch

Beyond the upfront transfer fee, users must be aware of:

• Exchange Rate Margins: Many banks charge a $0 upfront fee but add a 3-5% markup on the exchange rate.
• Intermediary Bank Fees: If using the SWIFT network (common with traditional banks), intermediary banks may deduct $20-$50 AUD from the principal amount before it reaches China.
• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Never allow the receiving bank to convert the currency. Always send in CNY (if supported) or AUD, ensuring you know the conversion rate beforehand.

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 AUD transfers). For large amounts like 1,000,000 JPY (or equivalent AUD), Panda Remit utilizes secure encryption and complies with local financial regulations. However, large transfers may trigger identity verification checks to comply with anti-money laundering laws.

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

Alipay generally imposes a limit of 50,000 CNY per transaction for international remittances. However, users can receive multiple transfers up to the annual SAFE limit of $50,000 USD equivalent. Always check the specific tier limits of the recipient's Alipay account.

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

Generally, sending post-tax income from Australia to family in China for living expenses is not taxed as income in China. However, large transfers may be scrutinized by the Chinese tax authorities to ensure they are not undeclared business income. Consult a tax professional for specific advice.

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

Traditional bank transfers via SWIFT can take 2 to 5 business days. In contrast, fintech providers integrated with the Chinese banking system (like Panda Remit or Wise) can often complete transfers in minutes or within 24 hours.

Why was my transfer to China rejected?

Common reasons include exceeding the recipient's annual foreign exchange quota, incorrect name formatting (names must match the Chinese ID exactly, often in Pinyin), or lack of "purpose of payment" documentation required by Chinese banks.