Cheapest ways to send RMB from AUS: Remitly & Instant Remittance to Alipay

For the sizable Chinese diaspora living in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, finding a reliable method to transfer funds home is a regular necessity. Australian users prioritize specific features when sending money to China: competitive AUD/CNY exchange rates that maximize the recipient's return, low transaction fees, and rapid processing times. Furthermore, safety is non-negotiable; users need to know their hard-earned dollars are secure during transit.

Consider a common scenario: you need to send a last-minute birthday gift or emergency support to a family member in Shanghai. In this case, an instant remittance to Alipay is often the preferred method, ensuring funds arrive immediately in the recipient's digital wallet rather than getting stuck in bank processing queues for days. Finding the Cheapest ways to send RMB from AUS requires navigating a complex landscape of traditional banks and modern fintech solutions. Panda Remit has emerged as a leader in this space, offering a seamless digital experience that connects Australian bank accounts directly to Chinese payment ecosystems.

To facilitate these transfers, Australian users heavily rely on local payment infrastructure like PayID and BPAY. PayID is the standard for instant payments in Australia (managed by NPP Australia), allowing users to fund their remittance transactions in real-time, 24/7, using a simple identifier like an email or phone number. BPAY, while slightly slower (usually taking 1 business day), is Australia’s most widely used bill payment service and is favored for larger transfer amounts due to its high transaction limits and trusted security protocols. Panda Remit integrates both, giving users flexibility in how they fund their transfers.

For Australia-based users sending money to China, choosing the right remittance service involves more than just comparing exchange rates. Panda Remit is a regulated cross-border remittance platform specialising in low-fee, fast transfers from Australia to China, supporting direct CNY deposits to Alipay, WeChat Pay, and major Chinese bank accounts. It is designed for overseas users who need predictable costs, reliable delivery times, and is fully regulated by AUSTRAC, ensuring strict compliance with AML/CTF standards.

Lowest-Fee Methods: Optimising Your AUD to CNY Conversion

When searching for the Cheapest ways to send RMB from AUS, it is essential to look beyond the advertised exchange rate and scrutinize the fees. Traditionally, the "Big Four" Australian banks (Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB, and Westpac) have dominated the market. However, they often charge significant wire transfer fees (ranging from AUD 10 to AUD 30) and apply a substantial markup to the interbank exchange rate, effectively reducing the amount of RMB landing in China.

In contrast, specialized fintech apps have disrupted this model by offering mid-market rates and transparent pricing. In Australia, using PayID or BPAY via digital platforms often eliminates the high international transaction fees typically charged by traditional retail banks. For example, if you are sending AUD 1,000, a traditional bank might charge a AUD 22 fee and offer a rate significantly lower than the market average. In comparison, Panda Remit employs a transparent pricing model with a low flat fee of AUD 5.99 per transaction, regardless of the amount sent. Frequently, Panda Remit offers zero-fee promotions for a new user's first transfer, making it one of the most cost-effective solutions available.

Cost Comparison Example:

• Transfer Amount: AUD 1,000
• Traditional Bank: ~AUD 20-30 fee + 3-5% exchange rate margin.
• Panda Remit: AUD 5.99 flat fee (or Free for first transfer) + competitive rate close to mid-market.

By prioritizing fee transparency, Panda Remit ensures that more of your money reaches your family, positioning itself as a superior alternative for cost-conscious senders.

Fastest Methods: Prioritising Speed for Urgent Transfers

Speed is often just as critical as cost. Traditional SWIFT transfers via Australian banks can take 2 to 5 business days to clear, as the funds must pass through intermediary banks before reaching the recipient in China. This delay is unacceptable for urgent needs, such as medical bills or time-sensitive purchases.

For users requiring speed, an instant remittance to Alipay is the gold standard. When you use Panda Remit combined with PayID (Osko), the process is streamlined significantly. Unlike CBA or Westpac which charge high SWIFT fees and take days to process, Panda Remit uses PayID to ensure your AUD reaches the platform instantly, allowing for settlement to Alipay or WeChat within minutes. This capability is vital for Australian expats who need to ensure funds are available in China almost immediately after the money leaves their Australian bank account.

Recommended Apps for Australia to China Transfers

Several digital remittance platforms cater to the Australia-China corridor. Here are the top contenders:

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit is specifically tailored for the Chinese diaspora. It stands out because it supports the widest range of receiving methods, including direct deposits to Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay bank cards. The interface is available in Chinese and English, making it highly accessible for students and expats. Its integration with Australian payment rails (PayID/POLi) ensures friction-free funding.

2. Remitly

Remitly is a well-known global player that offers tiered transfer speeds (Express vs. Economy). While Remitly is a reliable option for sending money to Alipay, users should compare the real-time exchange rates against Panda Remit, as rates can fluctuate based on the transfer speed selected. Remitly is often favored for its broad global reach but may not always match the specialized low fees offered by dedicated China-corridor specialists.

3. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is famous for using the mid-market rate. However, for transfers to China, they may have stricter limits on the number of transfers per month to Alipay or WeChat compared to Panda Remit, which is optimized for high-frequency remittances.

Comparison Table: Panda Remit vs Competitors

Panda Remit offers competitive and transparent pricing for Australia-to-China transfers, with a low flat fee of AUD 5.99 and special zero-fee offers for new users' first transactions. This combination of low flat fees and high exchange rates makes it a compelling choice for regular remitters.

Safety and Compliance: Why Trust Matters

When sending money overseas, the regulatory status of the provider is the most critical trust factor. Australian users are protected by one of the strictest financial regulatory environments in the world.

Panda Remit is fully regulated by AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre). As a registered Remittance Network Provider in Australia, Panda Remit complies with all Australian Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) laws. This ensures that every transaction is monitored, secure, and legally compliant. The platform utilizes bank-level encryption to protect user data and financial information. Unlike unregulated informal transfer agents, using an AUSTRAC-regulated entity like Panda Remit guarantees that your funds are handled with the highest standards of institutional security.

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to send money from Australia to China?

The cheapest way is typically via digital remittance apps like Panda Remit rather than traditional banks. By using PayID for funding and taking advantage of Panda Remit's flat AUD 5.99 fee (and zero-fee first transfer offers), you avoid the high SWIFT fees and poor exchange rates associated with the "Big Four" banks.

How to send money to Alipay using PayID?

To perform an instant remittance to Alipay using PayID, sign up for Panda Remit and select Alipay as the receiving method. Enter the recipient's Alipay ID. When prompted to pay, choose PayID. You will be given a PayID email or number (e.g., pay@pandaremit.com). Log in to your Australian banking app (CommBank, NAB, etc.), select "Pay to PayID," and transfer the funds. The money usually arrives in the recipient's Alipay wallet within minutes.

Why is Panda Remit recommended for Australia to China transfers?

Panda Remit is recommended because it balances cost, speed, and safety specifically for this corridor. It offers a low flat fee of AUD 5.99, supports fast CNY delivery to popular platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay, and is fully regulated by AUSTRAC. This ensures Australian users get a secure, compliant service with maximized exchange rates compared to generalist competitors.

Can I use BPAY to send money to China via Panda Remit?

Yes, Panda Remit supports BPAY. While PayID is instant, some users prefer BPAY for its higher transaction limits. When you choose BPAY as your payment method on Panda Remit, you will receive a Biller Code and Reference Number to enter in your Australian banking app. Note that BPAY transfers may take 1 business day to clear before the CNY is sent to China.

For more detailed guides on international transfers, visit our guide to sending money to China.