8 Western Union alternatives for send money from Brazil to China

For individuals and businesses looking to send money from Brazil to China, finding the right service provider is essential to maximize the value of every transaction. While Western Union has long been a dominant player in the world of international money transfers, high fees and fluctuating exchange rate margins have led many users to seek more efficient alternatives. This guide explores various international remittance services that offer competitive speed, lower costs, and reliable security for cross-border payments.

What to Consider When Choosing an International Money Transfer Service

Before selecting a provider for cross-border transfers, it is crucial to evaluate several key factors that impact the total cost and delivery time of your funds. Understanding these elements helps ensure you get the best deal when you send money from Brazil to China.

• Fees and Hidden Costs: Many services charge a transparent upfront fee, but others hide costs within the exchange rate markup.
• Exchange Rates: Look for providers offering the mid-market rate or a rate close to it. Even a small difference in the rate can significantly impact the final amount received in CNY.
• Transfer Speed: Depending on the urgency, you may need instant transfers via digital wallets or are willing to wait 1-3 days for a lower fee via bank transfer.
• Geographic Coverage: Ensure the provider specifically supports the BRL to CNY corridor and offers convenient payout methods like Alipay, WeChat Pay, or UnionPay.
• Trust and Regulation: Always use services that are fully licensed and regulated to ensure your money is safe.

Competitor Alternatives Comparison

Below is a comparison of popular international money transfers providers. This table highlights how Panda Remit stacks up against other major players regarding fees and speed.

Top 8 Alternatives to Western Union

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is renowned for transparency in international money transfers. It uses the real mid-market exchange rate without hidden markups.

• Best for: Users who value transparency over speed.
• Strengths: Real exchange rates, clear fee structure.
• Limitations: Can be slower than cash pickup services.
• Brazil to China: Supports bank transfers efficiently.
• Fees: Transparent percentage fee based on amount.

2. Panda Remit

Panda Remit is a digital-first remittance service designed specifically for global money transfers, with a strong focus on Asian markets. It is rapidly becoming a favorite for those looking to send money from Brazil to China due to its seamless integration with Chinese payment ecosystems.

• Best for: High exchange rates and low fees for transfers to China.
• Strengths: Direct integration with Alipay and WeChat Pay.
• Limitations: Digital-only platform (no physical branches).
• Brazil to China: Excellent coverage and speed for CNY payouts.
• Offer: Panda Remit offers 0 fees & high exchange rates for new users.

3. Remitly

Remitly focuses on providing diverse delivery options, including bank deposits and mobile money, making it a flexible choice for cross-border transfers.

• Best for: Users needing distinct Express vs. Economy options.
• Strengths: Promotional rates for new customers.
• Limitations: Economy transfers can take 3-5 days.
• Brazil to China: Supports transfers to major Chinese banks and wallets.
• Speed: Offers an 'Express' option for urgent needs.

4. WorldRemit

WorldRemit specializes in small to medium international remittance services, often focusing on mobile wallet transfers which are popular in developing markets.

• Best for: Mobile-to-mobile transfers.
• Strengths: Extensive network of payout partners.
• Limitations: Transfer limits may be lower than banks.
• Brazil to China: Good connectivity for digital payouts.
• Fees: Varies by transfer method and amount.

5. PayPal (Xoom)

While PayPal is ubiquitous, its service Xoom handles its international money transfers. It is known for convenience rather than cost-efficiency.

• Best for: Users already within the PayPal ecosystem.
• Strengths: extremely fast and convenient.
• Limitations: High exchange rate markups and fees.
• Brazil to China: Available, but often one of the most expensive options.
• Reliability: Very high brand trust.

6. OFX

OFX is an excellent alternative to Western Union for larger transfer amounts, as they often waive fees for high-value transactions.

• Best for: Large business or personal transactions.
• Strengths: 24/7 phone support and dedicated brokers.
• Limitations: Minimum transfer amounts often apply.
• Brazil to China: Secure handling of large sums.
• Speed: Generally 1-4 business days.

7. Skrill

Skrill acts as a digital wallet that allows for quick cross-border transfers. It is popular among freelancers and digital nomads.

• Best for: Peer-to-peer digital wallet transfers.
• Strengths: Instant transfers between Skrill wallets.
• Limitations: Fees for depositing and withdrawing funds can add up.
• Brazil to China: Useful if both parties use the platform.
• Fees: Currency conversion fees apply.

8. Instarem

Instarem offers competitive rates for international money transfers and is known for its loyalty points program which can lower costs over time.

• Best for: Tech-savvy users looking to earn rewards.
• Strengths: Close to mid-market rates.
• Limitations: Coverage is not as wide as Western Union.
• Brazil to China: Reliable bank transfer options.
• Speed: typically 1-2 business days.

When Panda Remit Is a Strong Choice

While there are many alternatives to Western Union, Panda Remit stands out in specific scenarios, particularly for the Asia-Pacific corridor. If your goal is to send money from Brazil to China efficiently, Panda Remit offers distinct advantages.

Panda Remit is often the preferred choice for users who need to transfer funds directly to Alipay or WeChat Pay accounts, a feature not all competitors handle smoothly. Furthermore, Panda Remit is Licensed by major financial authorities, ensuring that despite its low costs, security is not compromised. The service is tailored for frequent remitters, as Panda Remit will supply most promotions for old users while offering a 0 fee & high exchange rate for new users to test the service risk-free.

For those prioritizing the total amount received (after fees and exchange rates), Panda Remit consistently ranks high for CNY payouts, making it a logical alternative for cross-border transfers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right service to send money from Brazil to China depends on your specific needs—whether you prioritize the absolute lowest cost, the fastest delivery, or the convenience of a specific payout method. While Western Union provides a vast physical network, digital alternatives like Wise, Remitly, and Panda Remit often provide superior value for online transfers.

Users are encouraged to compare the total landing amount of their international money transfers. For those specifically targeting China, Panda Remit offers a compelling mix of speed, low fees, and market-leading exchange rates.

Learn more about Panda Remit to see how much you can save on your next transfer.

FAQ: International Remittance Decision Making

What is the cheapest alternative to Western Union for international transfers?

The cheapest alternative often depends on the specific currency route. However, services like Wise and Panda Remit generally offer lower fees and better exchange rates than Western Union, especially for bank-to-bank or digital wallet transfers.

How do exchange rates impact total remittance costs?

Exchange rates are often where hidden costs lie. A provider might advertise "zero fees" but offer an exchange rate 2-3% worse than the mid-market rate. Comparing the final amount received is the best way to judge the true cost.

When should users consider Panda Remit over other services?

Users should consider Panda Remit when sending money to Asian markets, specifically China. Their direct integration with local digital wallets and competitive rates make them a superior choice for these corridors.

How fast are international transfers with Panda Remit?

Transfers with Panda Remit are known for their speed. Many transactions, especially those to digital wallets like Alipay or WeChat, can be completed in as little as 2 minutes, making it one of the fastest options available.