7 Best Ways to Send Money: Brazil to China (2026 Guide)

Quick Summary: The Best Options for 2026

For large transfers from Brazil to China in 2026, Panda Remit and Wise currently offer the most efficient balance of cost and speed. Panda Remit is particularly optimized for the BRL to CNY corridor due to its integration with Brazil's PIX system and China's Alipay/WeChat Pay networks. Traditional banks remain a secure but slower option for amounts exceeding R$100,000, often involving higher SWIFT fees and IOF tax implications.

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

Migrants and overseas workers moving capital between Brazil and China face unique challenges compared to casual remitters. When repatriating savings, paying for international tuition, or purchasing property, a variance of 1-2% in exchange rates can result in significant financial loss. In the context of Brazil, the IOF (Imposto sobre Operações Financeiras) tax adds a layer of complexity that requires providers who offer transparent fee structures to ensure compliance with the Banco Central do Brasil (BACEN) regulations.

Comparison: Sending Money from Brazil to China

Provider Analysis: 2026 Market Leaders

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist in Asian corridors. For users in Brazil, it stands out by accepting funding via PIX, Brazil's instant payment system. This allows for near-instant funding of transfers.

• Compliance: Panda Remit operates with strict adherence to international financial regulations, ensuring KYC (Know Your Customer) protocols are met for large transfers.
• Partnerships: They hold official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay, facilitating direct disbursements to digital wallets in China, which is often preferred over traditional bank deposits by Chinese recipients.
• Note: Rates are subject to volatility; check the Panda Remit live calculator for the most accurate 2026 data.

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency, utilizing the mid-market exchange rate without a markup. For Brazilian residents, Wise handles the IOF tax calculation clearly at the point of transfer. It is an excellent choice for bank-to-bank transfers where the recipient prefers funds landing directly in a UnionPay card or bank account.

3. Western Union

While often more expensive regarding exchange rate margins, Western Union's physical network remains unmatched. If the recipient in China lacks a bank account or digital wallet, Western Union allows for cash pickup in RMB at thousands of locations across China.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money from Brazil to China involves two distinct regulatory environments:

Brazil: Banco Central do Brasil (BACEN)

All foreign exchange transactions in Brazil are monitored. For 2026, the IOF tax remains a critical factor. Standard transfers to third parties typically incur an IOF of 0.38%, while transfers to your own account abroad (same ownership) may incur 1.1%. Large transfers (generally over R$10,000) require full identification and proof of funds to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) laws.

China: State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE)

China maintains strict capital controls. As of 2026, the annual foreign exchange settlement quota for Chinese citizens remains at the equivalent of USD 50,000. Transfers exceeding this limit may require the recipient to provide additional documentation to their bank in China to release the funds.

Hidden Costs to Watch

Beyond the upfront fee, users must be aware of:

• Intermediary Bank Fees: When using SWIFT (traditional banks), intermediary banks may deduct $15-$30 from the principal amount before it reaches China.
• Exchange Rate Margins: Many providers claim "zero fees" but add a 2-3% markup on the exchange rate. Always compare the offered rate against the live market rate (Google rate).
• IOF Tax: Ensure your provider calculates this correctly. Under-payment of IOF can lead to fines from the Brazilian revenue service (Receita Federal).

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice: The BRL to CNY Corridor

While Panda Remit is globally recognized for corridors like JPY to CNY, its infrastructure for the Brazil (BRL) to China (CNY) route is particularly robust in 2026. The integration of local payment rails is the key differentiator:

• Inbound (Brazil): By integrating PIX, Panda Remit eliminates the 1-2 day delay often associated with TED transfers or boletos.
• Outbound (China): The ability to terminate directly into Alipay or WeChat Pay wallets is crucial. In China's digital-first economy, these are the primary methods for daily transactions. This capability bypasses the need for the recipient to physically visit a bank branch to settle foreign currency, provided the transfer is within the SAFE annual quotas.

FAQs: Sending Money to China

Is it safe to send 50,000 BRL to China via Panda Remit?

Yes. Panda Remit employs bank-level encryption and complies with regulatory standards in both Brazil and receiving jurisdictions. For amounts this large, be prepared to complete identity verification (KYC) steps.

How does the IOF tax affect my transfer from Brazil?

The IOF is a mandatory federal tax. Most money transfer apps will automatically calculate and deduct this fee (usually 0.38% for transfers to others) from your total payment to ensure compliance with Brazilian law.

Can I send money directly to a WeChat account from Brazil?

Yes, providers like Panda Remit and Remitly allow you to send funds directly to a WeChat Pay wallet. The recipient must have a Chinese National ID linked to their WeChat account to receive international remittances.

What is the fastest way to send money from Brazil to China?

Digital providers utilizing PIX for funding and Alipay/WeChat for payout are the fastest. These transfers can often be completed in minutes, whereas SWIFT bank transfers may take 3-5 business days.

Are there limits on how much money I can send to China?

From Brazil, limits depend on your provider and your verified income level. In China, the recipient is generally limited to receiving the equivalent of USD 50,000 per year without submitting extra documentation to SAFE.