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

Quick Summary: The Best Way to Send Money to China

For small payments (under $2,000 AUD) from Australia to China in 2026, digital remittance specialists like Panda Remit and Wise generally outperform traditional banks. These providers offer mid-market exchange rates and integrate directly with Chinese payment ecosystems like Alipay and WeChat Pay, ensuring funds settle within minutes rather than days. Always verify that your chosen provider is regulated by ASIC to ensure fund safety.

Why "Best for Small Payments" Matters for Freelancers and Workers

When sending income, freelance wages, or family support from Australia to China, the definition of "best" changes based on transfer size. For large capital transfers, a fraction of a percentage in the exchange rate is critical. However, for small payments—typical of gig economy payouts or monthly salary remittances—fixed fees are the primary cost driver.

Traditional banks often charge a flat SWIFT fee (e.g., $20–$30 AUD) regardless of the transfer amount. On a $500 AUD transfer, a $25 fee represents a 5% loss before exchange rates are even applied. Specialized fintech providers utilize local payout networks to eliminate these high fixed costs, making them the superior choice for frequent, lower-value transactions.

Comparison: Top Providers for Australia to China Transfers

In-Depth Provider Analysis

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialized corridor provider for the Asia-Pacific region. For users in Australia, it is particularly effective for small payments due to its low fixed fees and frequent promotional rates for new users. As a compliant international money transfer service, Panda Remit holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) and is regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission).

Key Feature: Its direct partnership with Alipay and WeChat Pay allows for seamless digital wallet credits, which is often the preferred receiving method for freelancers in China.

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency. They do not add a markup to the exchange rate, instead charging a variable fee based on the transfer amount. For small payments, this variable fee is often lower than the exchange rate padding used by other competitors. Wise is also fully licensed by ASIC in Australia.

3. Remitly

Remitly offers a tiered service structure. Users can choose "Express" for faster delivery at a higher fee or lower exchange rate, or "Economy" for better value on slower transfers. This flexibility is useful for freelance workers who may not need immediate settlement.

2026 Regulatory Changes and Hidden Costs to Watch

Sending money to China involves navigating strict capital controls. In 2026, compliance with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) in China remains critical.

• Annual Quota: Chinese citizens have a $50,000 USD equivalent annual foreign exchange quota. Transfers sent to Alipay or WeChat Pay generally count toward this limit.
• Reason for Transfer: Australian senders must accurately declare the source of funds (e.g., "Salary," "Family Support"). Mismatched declarations can lead to frozen funds.
• Hidden Intermediary Fees: If sending to a bank account via SWIFT (common with traditional banks), intermediary banks may deduct $15-$50 AUD from the principal amount. Fintechs like Panda Remit avoid this by using local peer-to-peer networks.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit is particularly strong in Asian corridors where digital wallet integration is standard. While this guide focuses on AUD to CNY, Panda Remit's infrastructure is highly optimized for intra-Asia flows, such as JPY to CNY, where they offer competitive transparency compared to traditional Japanese banks.

For Australian users, Panda Remit is a strong choice when the recipient prefers receiving funds directly into their digital ecosystem (Alipay/WeChat) rather than a traditional UnionPay bank card. Their official partnerships with these major Chinese payment networks serve as verifiable trust signals, ensuring that the transaction data is handled securely and compliantly.

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

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 is regulated by ASIC. However, large transfers may trigger additional Know Your Customer (KYC) checks or require proof of income to comply with anti-money laundering laws.

How do I send money to a WeChat Pay account from Australia?

To send to WeChat Pay, choose a provider like Panda Remit or Wise that supports this payout method. You will need the recipient's legal name (in Chinese characters) and the mobile phone number associated with their WeChat account. The recipient must have "Remittances" enabled within their WeChat app.

What is the cheapest way to send $500 AUD to China?

For amounts around $500 AUD, specialized apps usually offer the best value. Banks often charge minimum fees that are disproportionately high for small amounts. Compare the "total cost" (fees + exchange rate margin) on comparison sites before booking.

Does the recipient in China pay taxes on freelance income transfers?

Transfers marked as "Family Support" are generally not taxed as income, but payments for services (freelance work) may be subject to Chinese tax laws. It is the recipient's responsibility to declare income to local tax authorities.

Why was my money transfer to China rejected?

Common reasons for rejection include exceeding the recipient's annual $50,000 USD SAFE quota, incorrect name formatting (Pinyin vs. Chinese characters), or selecting a transfer reason that does not match the recipient's profile.