9 Best Ways to Send Money: Australia to China (2026 Guide)

Sending funds across borders requires navigating a complex landscape of exchange rates, regulatory limits, and transfer fees. For individuals managing assets or making long-term transfers from Australia to China, selecting the right provider is critical to preserving capital.

Quick Summary: Best Options for AUD to CNY (2026)

For frequent transfers and asset management, Panda Remit and Wise currently offer the most competitive balance of exchange rates and transparency for amounts under $10,000 AUD. For larger lump-sum asset transfers (over $50,000 AUD), specialized brokers like OFX or TorFX provide dedicated account management. Traditional banks (e.g., CommBank, ANZ) offer security but typically charge higher margins. Always verify ASIC registration before transferring.

Why "Best for Frequent Transfers" Matters for Assets

When moving assets or engaging in long-term financial support, the "cost averaging" of transfer fees becomes significant. A provider that is optimal for a one-time emergency transfer (prioritizing speed over cost) is often unsuitable for regular asset migration. For long-term transfers, users must prioritize:

• Spread Consistency: Ensuring the FX margin remains stable over multiple transactions.
• Compliance Ease: Providers that seamlessly handle KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements for repeated high-volume transfers.
• Payout Integration: Direct connections to Chinese digital wallets (Alipay/WeChat Pay) versus traditional UnionPay bank deposits.

Comparison: Top Providers for Australia to China

Provider Analysis

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has established itself as a specialized corridor provider for the Asia-Pacific region. Operating under ASIC regulation in Australia, it is particularly strong for users who need funds delivered directly to digital wallets.

Pros:

• Official partnerships with Alipay and WeChat Pay facilitate seamless receipt of funds in China.
• Competitive exchange rates for AUD to CNY compared to traditional banks.
• Digital-first interface designed for mobile users.

Cons:

• Customer support is primarily digital/in-app.

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 benchmark for transparency, utilizing the mid-market rate and charging a visible fee. For users sending AUD to CNY, Wise allows transfers to Alipay and UnionPay cards.

Pros:

• No hidden markup on the exchange rate.
• Regulated by ASIC (Australia) and FCA (UK).

3. OFX

For users moving significant assets (e.g., property sales or repatriation of savings), OFX offers a brokerage model. They do not charge transfer fees but take a smaller margin on the exchange rate.

Pros:

• Dedicated account managers for large sums.
• Strong history of handling high-value transactions securely.

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations (2026)

Sending money to China is subject to strict capital controls. In 2026, compliance remains the primary concern for long-term transfers.

• Australia (Source): All legitimate remittance providers must be registered with AUSTRAC and hold an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) issued by ASIC. Users should verify the license number on the ASIC registry before sending funds.
• China (Destination): The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) enforces an annual limit of $50,000 USD equivalent per Chinese citizen for foreign exchange settlements. Transfers exceeding this limit may be rejected or require extensive documentation proving the source of funds (e.g., salary, inheritance).

Hidden Costs to Watch in 2026

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

1. Intermediary Bank Fees: When sending via SWIFT (common with banks), intermediary institutions may deduct $15-$30 AUD before the money reaches China.
2. Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Avoid allowing the receiving bank to convert the funds. Always send in CNY (if possible) or ensure the provider handles the conversion before the transfer initiates.

When Panda Remit is a Strong Choice

While this guide focuses on Australia, Panda Remit's infrastructure is particularly optimized for Asian corridors. For example, in the JPY to CNY corridor, Panda Remit often provides higher transparency regarding payout times compared to generalist global providers. This regional specialization translates to the AUD corridor through their direct integration with UnionPay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. These partnerships act as trust signals, ensuring that the provider is technically integrated with China's domestic payment infrastructure, reducing the likelihood of failed transfers due to technical incompatibility.

FAQs

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, for large amounts, you must ensure the recipient in China has not exceeded their annual $50,000 USD foreign exchange quota set by SAFE.

How long does a transfer from Australia to Alipay take?

Transfers to Alipay via providers like Panda Remit or Wise are often near-instant, typically arriving within minutes. However, first-time transfers may take longer due to identity verification checks.

Can I send money to a Chinese business bank account from Australia?

Yes, B2B transfers are permitted but require different documentation than P2P transfers. You will typically need to provide invoices or contracts to satisfy anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

What is the cheapest way to send money to China regularly?

For regular, smaller amounts, digital remittance apps (Panda Remit, Wise) usually offer the lowest total cost. For infrequent, very large amounts, FX brokers (OFX) may offer better negotiated rates.

Do I have to pay taxes on money sent to China?

Generally, sending money itself is not a taxable event in Australia, but the source of the funds (capital gains, income) must have been taxed. China may have tax implications for the recipient depending on the nature of the funds (income vs. gift).