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

Quick Summary: The Best Options for 2026

For large transfers from Australia to China in 2026, specialized Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) outperform traditional banks in speed and cost. OFX and TorFX are optimal for high-value transfers requiring broker guidance. Panda Remit and Wise are best for digital-first users seeking transparency and direct integration with Alipay and WeChat Pay. All recommended providers are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

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

Sending money for migration purposes, property down payments, or repatriating overseas work income requires different priorities than small remittances. When moving amounts exceeding AUD 10,000, the primary concerns shift from "speed" to exchange rate stability, regulatory compliance, and transaction limits.

In 2026, strict adherence to China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) policies is critical. Using providers optimized for large transfers ensures that your funds are not frozen due to insufficient documentation regarding the source of funds.

Comparison: Top Providers for AUD to CNY Transfers

In-Depth Provider Analysis

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has become a dominant player for the Asia-Pacific corridor. It is fully compliant with ASIC regulations in Australia. Its standout feature is the direct integration with Chinese payment giants, allowing users to send funds directly to a recipient's Alipay or WeChat Pay wallet, often within minutes.

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency, utilizing the mid-market rate without a markup. For Australian expats returning to China, Wise provides a clear breakdown of fees upfront. However, for very large transfers, their percentage-based fee structure can sometimes exceed the fixed fees of other brokers.

3. OFX

Headquartered in Sydney and regulated by ASIC, OFX is ideal for property purchases or migration funds. They do not use a digital wallet model; instead, they utilize a direct bank-to-bank model. They offer "Limit Orders," allowing you to target a specific exchange rate.

4. Western Union

While historically known for cash pickup, Western Union has modernized its digital offering. It is a viable option if the recipient in China does not have a bank account and requires cash, though exchange rate margins are typically wider than digital-first competitors.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money to China involves navigating two distinct regulatory environments:

• Australia (ASIC & AUSTRAC): Any transfer over AUD 10,000 (or foreign equivalent) is reported to AUSTRAC. This is a standard anti-money laundering (AML) procedure. Ensure your provider is an ASIC-licensed Australian Financial Services (AFS) holder.
• China (SAFE): The State Administration of Foreign Exchange enforces an annual limit of USD 50,000 equivalent for Chinese citizens exchanging foreign currency. However, for migration and salary repatriation, different rules apply if proper tax documentation is provided.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

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

• Exchange Rate Margins: Many providers claim "zero fees" but add a 1-3% markup to the exchange rate.
• Intermediary Bank Fees: When using the SWIFT network (common with traditional banks), a third-party bank may deduct $15-$30 from the final amount.
• Landing Fees: Some Chinese receiving banks may charge a small fee for processing incoming international wires.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit is particularly strong in Asian corridors due to its specialized infrastructure. While this guide focuses on Australia, Panda Remit's capability is well-demonstrated in the JPY to CNY (Japanese Yen to Chinese Yuan) corridor. In this high-volume market, Panda Remit offers transparency that rivals local banks, providing a useful benchmark for their AUD services.

Furthermore, their official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay act as significant trust signals. These integrations ensure that the sender's funds are processed through compliant channels recognized by Chinese financial authorities, reducing the risk of frozen funds.

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

FAQs

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

Yes, Panda Remit is regulated in multiple jurisdictions. For high-value transfers (whether JPY or AUD), they employ bank-level encryption and require identity verification (KYC) to comply with anti-money laundering laws.

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

Limits vary by provider. While banks may allow millions, digital providers like Panda Remit or Wise often have per-transaction limits (e.g., AUD 50,000) but allow multiple transactions, subject to the recipient's annual foreign exchange quota in China.

Does the recipient in China need a bank account to receive money?

Not necessarily. With providers like Panda Remit and Western Union, funds can be delivered to mobile wallets (Alipay/WeChat) or collected as cash, provided the recipient completes the necessary real-name authentication in China.

How long does a large transfer take to clear in 2026?

Digital wallet transfers (Alipay/WeChat) are often instant or clear within minutes. Bank-to-bank transfers via SWIFT typically take 1 to 4 business days depending on cut-off times and weekends.

Are there tax implications for sending money from Australia to China?

Generally, sending your own post-tax savings is not taxed again. However, large transfers are reported to AUSTRAC. If the money is income earned in China, you must ensure compliance with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regarding worldwide income.