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

Summary: The Best Options for Small Transfers to China

For individuals sending small payments from Brazil to China in 2026, Panda Remit and Wise currently offer the most competitive balance of low fixed fees and transparent exchange rates. For family support requiring immediate access to funds, services integrated with Alipay and WeChat Pay (such as Panda Remit and Remitly) are recommended over traditional bank wires (SWIFT), which often incur high minimum fees that erode small transfer amounts. Always verify the IOF (Imposto sobre Operações Financeiras) implications before finalizing a transaction.

Why "Best for Small Payments" Matters for Family Support

When sending money for family maintenance or personal support, the transaction volume is often lower but more frequent (e.g., monthly stipends of 1,000 to 3,000 BRL). In this context, the fee structure is critical.

Traditional banks often charge a flat SWIFT fee (e.g., $20–$40 USD equivalent) regardless of the transfer size. For a small payment, this flat fee can represent 10% or more of the total value. Specialized fintech providers utilize local payment networks (like PIX in Brazil and local payouts in China), allowing them to charge percentage-based fees or very low flat fees, ensuring more of your money reaches your family.

Comparison: Sending BRL to CNY (2026)

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

Analysis of Top Money Transfer Providers

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist in the Asian remittance market. For users in Brazil, it offers a compliant digital workflow, often allowing funding via PIX. Its primary strength lies in its direct integration with Chinese payment ecosystems.

• Pros: Official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay ensure funds land directly in the recipient's digital wallet, often within minutes.
• Cons: Customer support is primarily digital/app-based.

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is renowned for using the mid-market exchange rate (the one seen on Google) and charging a transparent upfront fee.

• Pros: High transparency; you know exactly what the recipient gets. Regulated by the FCA (UK) and partnered with local Brazilian entities for IOF compliance.
• Cons: Can sometimes be slower than instant wallet transfers depending on the funding method.

3. Western Union

A legacy provider with a massive physical network.

• Pros: Unmatched for cash pickup if the recipient in China does not have a bank account or smartphone.
• Cons: Exchange rate margins can be higher; fees vary significantly based on payment method (credit card vs. bank transfer).

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money internationally involves strict adherence to financial regulations in both the source and destination countries.

Brazil Regulations (BACEN)

Transfers leaving Brazil are subject to the IOF (Tax on Financial Operations). As of 2026, users must ensure their provider correctly categorizes the transfer (e.g., "maintenance of residents") to apply the correct tax rate (typically 0.38% for transfers to different ownership, or 1.1% for transfers to self). All legitimate providers will collect this tax at the point of funding.

China Regulations (SAFE)

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) in China enforces an annual foreign exchange settlement quota equivalent to $50,000 USD per Chinese citizen.

• Impact: If your family member has exceeded their annual quota, the transfer may be rejected or held in a foreign currency account.
• Compliance: Providers like Panda Remit and Wise perform real-time checks against these limits when sending to Alipay or WeChat Pay.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

While this guide focuses on the Brazil (BRL) to China (CNY) corridor, Panda Remit's infrastructure is particularly robust due to its experience in high-volume Asian corridors. For example, in the JPY to CNY corridor, Panda Remit is frequently cited for offering competitive transparency and speed.

This technical maturity benefits Brazilian users because the underlying payout network—connecting to Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay—is the same. By leveraging these official partnerships, Panda Remit minimizes the "intermediary bank" delays often seen with traditional SWIFT transfers. This makes it a strong choice for users who prioritize mobile-first convenience for their recipients.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the advertised fee, be aware of these potential costs:

• Exchange Rate Spread: Many providers claim "zero fees" but add a markup to the exchange rate. Always compare the offered rate against the live market rate.
• Intermediary Fees: If sending via SWIFT (common with traditional banks), banks in between Brazil and China may deduct $15–$30 from the principal amount.
• IOF Variations: Ensure you are not paying the credit card IOF rate (often higher) if you can pay via bank transfer or PIX.

FAQs: Sending Money to China

Is it safe to send 5,000 BRL to China via Panda Remit?

Yes. Panda Remit operates under strict regulatory frameworks. In major jurisdictions, they hold licenses such as the MSO (Money Service Operator) in Hong Kong and partner with licensed entities in Brazil to ensure compliance with Central Bank of Brazil regulations.

How does the recipient in China receive money on WeChat Pay?

To receive funds via WeChat Pay, the recipient must be a Chinese national with a Chinese National ID card linked to their WeChat account. They must also authorize the "Weixin Remittance" function within the app to accept international transfers.

What is the IOF tax for sending money from Brazil to China in 2026?

For transfers to a third party (family support), the IOF is typically 0.38%. If you are transferring to your own account abroad, the rate is generally 1.1%. Always confirm with your provider before confirming the transfer.

Can I send money to a Chinese business account using these services?

Most remittance services like Panda Remit and Wise specialize in personal transfers (P2P). Sending to business accounts (B2B) often requires different documentation to satisfy anti-money laundering (AML) laws and may not be supported via the standard app interfaces.

Why was my transfer to Alipay rejected?

Common reasons for rejection include the recipient exceeding their $50,000 USD annual SAFE quota, a mismatch in the recipient's name (Pinyin vs. Chinese characters), or the recipient failing to authorize the transfer within the Alipay app within 24 hours.