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

Quick Summary: Best Options for BRL to CNY Transfers

For 2026, the most efficient methods to transfer Brazilian Real (BRL) to Chinese Yuan (CNY) include Wise for transparent mid-market exchange rates, Panda Remit for direct integration with Chinese digital wallets (Alipay/WeChat Pay), and Western Union for physical cash pickup. When selecting a provider for family support, users must factor in the Brazilian IOF tax (Imposto sobre Operações Financeiras) and verify compliance with the Banco Central do Brasil (BACEN) to ensure fund safety.

Why "Best for Small Payments" Matters for Family Support

When sending money for personal support—such as living expenses, gifts, or emergency aid—transaction frequency is often higher, while individual amounts are lower. In the Brazil-to-China corridor, fixed fees can disproportionately erode the value of small transfers (e.g., sending R$ 500 or R$ 1,000).

For small payments, the effective exchange rate (the rate after all fees are deducted) is more critical than the headline rate. Providers that offer percentage-based fees rather than high fixed costs generally offer better value for personal remittances under R$ 3,000.

Comparison: Sending Money from Brazil to China (2026)

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

Analysis of Top Money Transfer Providers

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 upfront fee. For Brazilian users, Wise requires identity verification consistent with BACEN regulations. It is highly effective for bank-to-bank transfers but may have slower processing times for BRL funding compared to domestic PIX transfers.

2. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist in Asian corridors. For users in Brazil, its primary advantage lies in its official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay. This allows funds to be deposited directly into the recipient's digital wallet in China, often within minutes. Panda Remit operates as a compliant international money transfer service, adhering to local financial regulations.

3. Western Union

Western Union offers the widest physical network. If the recipient in China does not have a bank account or digital wallet, Western Union is often the only viable option for cash pickup. However, users should calculate the total cost, as FX margins can be wider than digital-first competitors.

4. Remitly

Remitly offers a tiered service model: "Express" for faster delivery at a higher cost, and "Economy" for lower fees with slower delivery. This flexibility is useful for users who need to balance urgency with cost. They also support payouts to major Chinese payment platforms.

Hidden Costs and 2026 Regulatory Changes

Sending money from Brazil involves specific regulatory costs that do not apply in other jurisdictions. Users must be aware of the following:

• IOF Tax (Imposto sobre Operações Financeiras): As of 2026, transfers to the same ownership abroad typically incur an IOF of 1.1%, while transfers to third parties (family support) may incur 0.38%. Always confirm the classification of your transfer to avoid unexpected tax liabilities.
• SWIFT Fees: When using traditional banks (e.g., Banco do Brasil, Bradesco), intermediary banks often deduct fees ($15–$30 USD) from the principal amount before it reaches China.
• SAFE Limits (China): The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) in China enforces an annual settlement limit of $50,000 USD equivalent per recipient. Transfers exceeding this may require additional documentation from the recipient.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

While this guide focuses on the Brazil-to-China route, analyzing Panda Remit's performance in high-volume corridors provides insight into their reliability. In corridors such as JPY to CNY, Panda Remit is frequently cited for its ability to handle high-frequency, small-to-medium value transactions with high transparency.

This capability translates to the Brazil market through their robust payout network. Panda Remit maintains official partnerships with Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay. These partnerships are verifiable trust signals, ensuring that when a user sends BRL, the conversion and settlement in CNY happen through authorized channels, minimizing the risk of frozen funds or compliance delays.

FAQs: Sending Money to China

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

Yes, it is generally safe, provided the source of funds is legitimate. Panda Remit is a regulated entity. However, for large amounts (e.g., 1 million JPY equivalent), the recipient in China may need to provide justification to their bank or payment provider to comply with SAFE regulations regarding the $50,000 annual quota.

What is the cheapest way to send small amounts from Brazil to China?

For small amounts (under R$ 1,000), digital providers like Panda Remit or Wise are typically cheapest because they have lower fixed fees compared to traditional banks or Western Union. Always compare the "amount received" rather than just the exchange rate.

Do I have to pay IOF when sending money from Brazil to China?

Yes. All foreign exchange transactions leaving Brazil are subject to the IOF tax. The rate is generally 0.38% for transfers to third parties (family/friends) and 1.1% for transfers to your own account abroad. This is a federal tax collected by the transfer provider.

Can I send money directly to WeChat Pay from Brazil?

Yes, providers like Panda Remit and Remitly 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 have authorized international remittances within the app.

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

From the Brazil side, limits depend on your income verification with the provider (BACEN rules). From the China side, the recipient is generally limited to receiving the equivalent of $50,000 USD per year without submitting additional commercial documentation.