9 Best Ways to Send Money: Brazil to China (2026)

Sending money from Brazil to China involves navigating complex currency corridors (BRL to CNY), regulatory compliance, and varying fee structures. For students and families managing education payments or living expenses, choosing the right provider is critical to maximizing the amount received.

Quick Summary: The Best Options for 2026

What is the best way to send money from Brazil to China for small payments?

For small education-related payments in 2026, digital money transfer operators (MTOs) like Panda Remit and Wise generally offer the most competitive value compared to traditional banks. These services provide mid-market exchange rates and integrate directly with Chinese digital wallets like Alipay and WeChat Pay, ensuring faster settlement. Always verify the IOF (Tax on Financial Operations) rate applicable to your transfer type before confirming.

Why "Best for Small Payments" Matters for Education

When sending tuition deposits, textbook fees, or monthly living allowances, the transaction structure significantly impacts the total cost. Traditional banks often charge a flat SWIFT fee (e.g., $20–$40 USD equivalent) regardless of the transfer amount. For a small transfer of R$1,000, a high flat fee disproportionately erodes the principal.

In contrast, modern fintech providers utilize percentage-based fees or low flat fees, making them mathematically superior for smaller, frequent transactions common in student support scenarios.

Comparison: Top Providers for BRL to CNY Transfers

Detailed Provider Analysis

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialist in Asian money transfer corridors. For users in Brazil, it offers a compliant digital pathway to China. The service is particularly noted for its official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay, allowing senders to deposit funds directly into the recipient's digital wallet—a crucial feature for students in China who rely on these apps for daily commerce.

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

2. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise remains a top recommendation for transparency. They use the mid-market exchange rate (the one seen on Google) and charge a visible upfront fee. For BRL to CNY transfers, Wise requires tax identification documents (CPF) to comply with Brazilian regulations.

3. Western Union

While often more expensive regarding exchange rate margins, Western Union provides an extensive network of physical locations. This is vital if the student in China does not yet have a local bank account and needs to pick up cash.

4. 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 non-urgent education payments.

5. Traditional Banks (e.g., Banco do Brasil, Bradesco)

While reliable, traditional Brazilian banks rely on the SWIFT network. This often involves intermediary bank fees and higher IOF rates. They are generally recommended only for very large tuition payments where flat fees become negligible percentages of the total.

Other Notable Options

To round out the top 9 ways, users also consider MoneyGram (similar to Western Union), WorldRemit (strong mobile focus), Xoom (PayPal service, though often with higher markups), and OFX (better for larger amounts). However, for small education payments, the digital-first providers listed above usually offer superior value.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money internationally is strictly regulated. When transferring from Brazil to China, two main regulatory bodies are involved:

• Brazil: Central Bank of Brazil (BACEN). All foreign exchange transactions are monitored. Senders must provide a CPF and, for larger amounts, proof of income or the purpose of the transfer (e.g., enrollment letter) to justify the transaction and determine the correct IOF tax rate.
• China: State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE). China imposes an annual foreign exchange settlement limit of USD 50,000 equivalent per person. Students receiving funds must ensure they have not exceeded this quota, or the funds may be returned.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice: Asian Corridor Analysis

While this guide focuses on the Brazil-to-China route, analyzing Panda Remit's performance in other high-volume corridors provides insight into their infrastructure reliability. For example, in the JPY to CNY (Japanese Yen to Chinese Yuan) corridor, Panda Remit is frequently cited for its competitive transparency and speed.

In the JPY-CNY market, Panda Remit leverages direct clearing channels to offer near-instant settlement to UnionPay cards. This technical capability extends to their global operations, suggesting that their BRL to CNY processing benefits from the same underlying banking relationships with Chinese financial institutions. Their ability to facilitate direct payouts to Alipay and WeChat Pay is a significant trust signal, verified by their status as an authorized partner for these networks.

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

Beyond the advertised exchange rate, users must be aware of:

• IOF (Imposto sobre Operações Financeiras): In Brazil, this tax varies. Transfers to the same person (self-transfer) usually incur 1.1%, while transfers to third parties (educational institutions) may have different treatments.
• Intermediary Fees: If using SWIFT (banks), a third bank may deduct $15–$25 from the principal before it reaches China.
• Landing Fees: Some Chinese banks charge a small fee to receive international wires.

FAQs: Sending Money to China

Is it safe to send 10,000 CNY to China via Panda Remit?

Yes, Panda Remit is a regulated financial service provider. They employ bank-level encryption and comply with local financial regulations in both the sending jurisdictions and China (partnering with licensed entities for payout).

How long does a transfer from Brazil to Alipay take?

Transfers to digital wallets like Alipay or WeChat Pay are typically the fastest method, often arriving within minutes to a few hours once the sender's funding source (PIX or TED in Brazil) is confirmed.

Do I need a Chinese bank account to receive money in China?

Not necessarily. Services like Western Union allow cash pickup. Additionally, Alipay and WeChat Pay can hold balances, though linking a Chinese bank card is usually required to fully utilize those funds within China.

What is the cheapest way to send money to China for students?

For amounts under R$5,000, digital apps like Wise or Panda Remit are usually the cheapest due to lower exchange rate markups compared to banks. Always compare the "Total Amount Received" rather than just the transfer fee.

Can I pay Chinese university tuition directly from Brazil?

Yes. You can wire funds directly to the university's bank account via SWIFT using a traditional bank or a service like Wise. Ensure you include the student's ID number and name in the reference field to avoid administrative delays.