5 Best Ways to Send Money to China from Australia (2026)

Quick Summary: Best Options for 2026

For sending money from Australia to China in 2026, OFX and Wise are the top recommendations for large bank-to-bank transfers due to their transparent fee structures and regulatory compliance. Panda Remit is a leading choice for users requiring direct integration with Alipay and WeChat Pay, offering competitive rates for digital wallet payouts. Always ensure your provider is licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) before transacting.

Why "Best for Large Transfers" Matters for Income Repatriation

When transferring significant sums—such as freelance income, salary repatriation, or business payments—the criteria for selecting a provider shift from simple convenience to security and cost-efficiency. In 2026, the "best" provider for large transfers is defined by three critical factors:

• FX Margin Stability: Large transfers are sensitive to exchange rate markups. A 1% difference on a $10,000 AUD transfer results in a $100 loss.
• Source of Funds Compliance: For income transfers, providers must have robust compliance teams to handle documentation required by China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE).
• Transaction Limits: Freelancers and contractors often need to move amounts exceeding standard daily caps found in consumer banking apps.

Comparison: Top Providers for Australia to China Transfers

Provider Analysis

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency. They utilize the mid-market exchange rate without a markup, charging a variable fee instead. For freelancers sending invoices from Australia to China, Wise provides clear documentation which assists in proving the source of funds.

2. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has positioned itself as a compliant international money transfer service specifically optimized for the Asian market. It is particularly strong for users who prefer the recipient to receive funds via digital wallets.

Why it stands out: Panda Remit maintains official partnerships with major Chinese payment networks like Alipay and WeChat Pay, as well as UnionPay. This integration allows for rapid settlement, often faster than traditional SWIFT transfers. While this guide focuses on Australia, Panda Remit's infrastructure is proven across high-volume corridors; for example, their JPY to CNY corridor is widely cited for its efficiency, and the same technology powers their AUD to CNY route.

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

3. OFX

Headquartered in Sydney and regulated by ASIC, OFX is ideal for high-value transfers (e.g., over $10,000 AUD). Unlike app-first services, OFX offers access to currency brokers who can help lock in rates for future transfers, a valuable feature for businesses managing payroll volatility.

2026 Regulatory and Compliance Considerations

Sending money to China involves navigating two distinct regulatory environments. In 2026, compliance checks have become more automated but stricter regarding income verification.

• Australia (ASIC & AUSTRAC): All providers listed above are registered with AUSTRAC. For transfers exceeding $10,000 AUD, banks and transfer services are required to report the transaction details to AUSTRAC. This is a standard anti-money laundering (AML) procedure.
• China (SAFE): The State Administration of Foreign Exchange enforces an annual foreign exchange settlement limit of $50,000 USD (or equivalent) for Chinese citizens. When sending freelance income, the recipient may need to declare the funds as "Service Trade" rather than "Family Support" to ensure it does not count against their personal quota, though this requires submitting contracts or invoices.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the upfront transfer fee, users should be aware of "landing fees." When sending to a Chinese bank account via SWIFT (often used by traditional banks), the receiving bank in China may charge a fee to process the incoming wire. Services like Panda Remit and Wise (when using their local payout network) typically avoid these landing fees by utilizing local settlement networks rather than the SWIFT network.

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 operates under compliant structures. For large amounts, the platform may request additional identity verification (KYC) and proof of income to satisfy regulatory requirements.

How does the recipient receive money on WeChat Pay?

To receive funds via WeChat Pay, the recipient in China must have a Chinese National ID linked to their WeChat account and must have authorized the "Remittance" function within the app. Once the sender initiates the transfer via a partner like Panda Remit, the recipient receives a notification to sign and accept the funds.

What is the cheapest way to send freelance income to China?

For amounts under $5,000 AUD, digital-first providers like Panda Remit or Wise generally offer the lowest total cost due to lower overheads. For amounts over $10,000 AUD, OFX may offer better effective rates due to sliding scale margins.

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

Sending money itself does not trigger a tax event, but the source of the money (income) is subject to Australian taxation rules. If you are an Australian tax resident earning freelance income, you must pay tax on that income in Australia before or after transferring it, regardless of where the funds end up.

Why was my transfer to China rejected?

Common reasons for rejection in 2026 include exceeding the recipient's $50,000 USD annual quota, incorrect name matching (names must match the Chinese ID exactly, often in Pinyin), or failure to provide requested source of funds documentation.