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

Sending money from Brazil to China involves navigating complex currency controls, the Brazilian IOF tax (Imposto sobre Operações Financeiras), and Chinese receiving limits. For freelancers, expatriates, and businesses managing small payments in 2026, selecting the right provider is critical to maximizing the amount of CNY (Renminbi) received.

Quick Summary: Best Options for 2026

For small payments and freelance income sent from Brazil to China in 2026, digital money transfer operators like Wise, Panda Remit, and Remitly offer the most competitive value compared to traditional banks. These providers utilize local payout networks (Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay) to bypass SWIFT fees, ensuring faster settlement times and lower exchange rate margins. Always verify the IOF tax classification (0.38% for third-party vs. 1.1% for self-transfer) before initiating the transaction.

Why "Best for Small Payments" Matters for Income Transfers

When transferring smaller amounts (e.g., under 10,000 BRL) for freelance work or salary remittance, fixed fees and minimum charges can disproportionately erode the principal amount. Traditional banks often charge a flat SWIFT fee (ranging from $20 to $40 USD equivalent) plus a spread. For a small payment, this can represent a cost of 5-10%. Specialized fintech providers structure their fees as a percentage or a low flat rate, making them economically superior for frequent, lower-value transactions typical of the gig economy.

Comparison: Sending Money from Brazil to China

The following table compares key providers based on 2026 service standards for transfers from BRL to CNY.

Provider Analysis

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a benchmark for transparency. They utilize the mid-market exchange rate and charge a visible fee. For Brazilian users, Wise facilitates payments via BOLETO or TED/PIX, simplifying the funding process. They are fully integrated with Alipay and WeChat Pay, requiring the recipient's ID and phone number.

2. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist in Asian remittance corridors. Unlike generalist providers, their infrastructure is heavily optimized for payouts into mainland China. They offer direct integration with Alipay and WeChat Pay, often resulting in near-instant settlement once compliance checks are cleared. They are a compliant international money transfer service regulated in multiple jurisdictions.

3. Remitly

Remitly offers a tiered service: "Express" for faster delivery at a higher fee/lower rate, and "Economy" for better rates with slower delivery. This flexibility is useful for freelancers who may need emergency funds settled immediately in China.

4. Western Union

While often more expensive regarding exchange rate spreads, Western Union is vital for recipients in rural China who may not have access to digital wallets or bank accounts, as they offer widespread cash pickup locations.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money internationally requires adherence to strict financial regulations in both Brazil and China.

• Brazil (BACEN): The Central Bank of Brazil (Banco Central do Brasil) requires all foreign exchange transactions to be registered. Providers must collect your CPF and proof of income for high-volume transfers. The IOF tax is mandatory: typically 0.38% for sending to different people and 1.1% for sending to your own account abroad.
• China (SAFE): The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) enforces an annual foreign exchange settlement quota of $50,000 USD equivalent for Chinese citizens. Transfers via apps like Alipay count toward this quota.
• KYC Requirements: Expect to provide government-issued ID (RG or CNH in Brazil) and facial verification.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the upfront fee, users must be aware of:

• Exchange Rate Margins: Many providers claim "zero fees" but add a markup to the exchange rate. Always compare the offered rate against the live mid-market rate.
• Intermediary Bank Fees: If using SWIFT (traditional banks), intermediary banks may deduct $15-$25 from the transfer amount before it reaches China.
• Receiving Fees: While rare for digital wallets, some Chinese rural banks may charge a small fee for incoming international wires.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit is particularly strong in corridors connecting major economies to China. While this guide focuses on Brazil, analyzing their performance in high-volume corridors like JPY to CNY reveals their competitive advantage. In the Japan-China corridor, Panda Remit consistently offers transparency on spreads and leverages official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay to ensure funds settle within minutes.

For Brazilian users, this same infrastructure supports BRL to CNY transfers. The platform's specific focus on the Chinese market means their customer support and compliance teams are better equipped to handle SAFE (China) regulatory blocks than generalist providers. 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 10,000 BRL to China via Panda Remit?

Yes, it is safe. Panda Remit is a regulated financial service provider. They employ bank-level encryption to protect data and funds. Additionally, their partnerships with major payment processors like Alipay and WeChat Pay add a layer of verification to the transaction.

How do I avoid high IOF taxes when sending money from Brazil?

You cannot legally avoid IOF, but you can ensure you pay the correct rate. Transfers to third parties (payments for services, family support) generally incur a 0.38% IOF, whereas transfers to your own account abroad incur 1.1%. Ensure you classify the transfer purpose correctly with your provider.

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

Yes, providers like Wise, 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 and must authorize the "WeChat Remittances" function.

What is the maximum amount I can send to China in 2026?

From Brazil, limits depend on your provider and your verified income level (tax returns). On the receiving end in China, the recipient is subject to the $50,000 USD annual quota set by SAFE. Individual transactions via mobile wallets are often capped at 50,000 CNY per transfer.

Why was my transfer to China rejected?

Common reasons for rejection include exceeding the recipient's annual SAFE quota, incorrect name formatting (Chinese names should be in Pinyin), or the recipient failing to authorize the transfer inside their Alipay or WeChat app within the required timeframe.