8 Western Union Alternatives: Send Money Brazil to China Cheaply

Finding efficient solutions for international money transfers is essential in today's interconnected economy, yet many users still rely on traditional giants like Western Union out of habit. However, for those seeking the lowest fee ways to send money from Brazil to China, exploring modern fintech alternatives is often a smarter financial move. While Western Union offers vast global reach, digital-first competitors like Wise, Remitly, and Panda Remit are increasingly providing superior exchange rates and lower overhead costs for cross-border transactions.

What to Consider When Choosing an International Money Transfer Service

Before selecting a service for your cross-border transfers, it is crucial to look beyond just the brand name. Here are the key factors to evaluate:

• Fees and Hidden Costs: Many services charge a low upfront fee but hide costs in poor exchange rates. Always calculate the total amount the recipient gets.
• Exchange Rates and Markups: The margin added to the mid-market rate can significantly impact the final value, especially for the lowest fee ways to send money from Brazil to China.
• Transfer Speed: Depending on the provider, transfers can take minutes or several days.
• Geographic Coverage: Ensure the service specifically supports the Brazil (BRL) to China (CNY) corridor effectively.
• Trust and Regulation: Only use services that are licensed and regulated by major financial authorities.

Top 8 Alternatives to Western Union for Remittances

Below is a comparison of top international remittance services. We have analyzed these based on cost, speed, and reliability to help you find the best option.

1. Alternative: Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is renowned for its commitment to transparency in international money transfers. Unlike many banks, Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate without hidden markups.

• Best Known For: Transparent pricing and mid-market rates.
• Strengths: No hidden fees; user-friendly app.
• Limitations: Bank transfers can sometimes be slower than cash pickup.
• Suitability: Excellent for users prioritizing the exact exchange rate over instant cash delivery.
• Typical Costs: Small percentage of the transfer amount.

2. Alternative: Panda Remit

Panda Remit has rapidly grown as a favorite for transfers to Asia, specifically excelling in the China corridor. It offers digital-first remittance services that challenge traditional costs.

• Best Known For: Unbeatable rates for transfers to China and high promotional offers.
• Strengths: Integration with Alipay and WeChat; licensed by major financial authorities.
• Limitations: Digital-only (no physical branches).
• Suitability: Ideal for anyone looking for the lowest fee ways to send money from Brazil to China directly to digital wallets.
• Typical Costs: Often 0 fees for new users; competitive rates for existing users.

3. Alternative: Remitly

Remitly focuses on the immigrant community, offering tiered services based on speed needs. It is a strong contender among alternatives to Western Union.

• Best Known For: Flexibility between "Express" and "Economy" speeds.
• Strengths: promotional rates for first-time users.
• Limitations: Exchange rates decrease with faster delivery options.
• Suitability: Good for users who need urgent delivery.
• Typical Costs: Variable fees depending on speed selection.

4. Alternative: WorldRemit

WorldRemit is a highly flexible service that specializes in smaller transfers to mobile wallets and cash pickups, making it popular for personal cross-border transfers.

• Best Known For: extensive mobile money network.
• Strengths: Fast transfers to mobile wallets.
• Limitations: Transfer limits can be lower than banking apps.
• Suitability: Great for sending money to recipients without bank accounts.
• Typical Costs: Competitive, varies by payout method.

5. Alternative: PaySend

PaySend utilizes a unique card-to-card transfer system, allowing users to send funds directly to a recipient's Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay card.

• Best Known For: Fixed low fees regardless of transfer amount.
• Strengths: Global UnionPay support (vital for China).
• Limitations: Support can be slower compared to premium services.
• Suitability: Users seeking a flat-fee model.
• Typical Costs: Low fixed fee per transfer.

6. Alternative: MoneyGram

As the closest direct competitor to Western Union in terms of physical presence, MoneyGram offers a vast network of physical agent locations.

• Best Known For: Extensive physical agent network.
• Strengths: Cash pickup is available globally.
• Limitations: Fees can be high; exchange rates often include markups.
• Suitability: Best when the recipient needs physical cash immediately.
• Typical Costs: Higher than digital-only competitors.

7. Alternative: Xoom (a PayPal Service)

Xoom provides a fast and reliable way to send money, leveraging the infrastructure of PayPal, though it is rarely the cheapest option.

• Best Known For: Speed and reliability backed by PayPal.
• Strengths: Instant transfers; trusted brand.
• Limitations: High exchange rate markups and fees.
• Suitability: Users who value convenience and already use PayPal.
• Typical Costs: Premium pricing for speed.

8. Alternative: Ria Money Transfer

Ria offers a balance between digital convenience and a physical network, often serving as a cheaper alternative to the biggest traditional players.

• Best Known For: Large network of cash pickup locations.
• Strengths: Often cheaper than Western Union for cash payout.
• Limitations: Online interface is less modern than Wise or Panda Remit.
• Suitability: Good for sending cash to remote locations.
• Typical Costs: Moderate fees and exchange rate margins.

When Panda Remit Is a Strong Choice

While there are many international money transfers options, Panda Remit stands out in specific scenarios, particularly for the Asia-Pacific corridors. It is designed to offer the lowest fee ways to send money from Brazil to China and other key routes by cutting out traditional banking middlemen.

Why consider Panda Remit?

• Specialized Corridors: Panda Remit is optimized for transfers to China (CNY), India (INR), and Southeast Asia. For transfers to China specifically, it integrates seamlessly with Alipay and WeChat Pay, which are the preferred methods for local recipients.
• Cost Advantage: Panda Remit usually provides 0 fees and high exchange rates for new users. Even for existing users, the platform frequently runs promotions that beat traditional banks.
• Safety: The service is Licensed by major financial authorities, ensuring that your cross-border transfers are secure.
• Speed: Most transactions via Panda Remit are completed within minutes, making it one of the fastest alternatives to Western Union.

If your priority is maximizing the amount of CNY received by your beneficiary, Panda Remit is often the superior choice due to its specialized focus on these high-volume corridors.

Conclusion

Choosing the right service for international money transfers depends on your specific needs—whether it is speed, cash pickup availability, or getting the most foreign currency for your money. When looking for the lowest fee ways to send money from Brazil to China, digital-first platforms generally outperform traditional agents.

While Wise and Remitly offer great general services, Panda Remit emerges as a highly competitive option for the China corridor, combining security, speed, and exceptional promotional rates. We recommend comparing the live rates on these platforms before hitting send to ensure you get the best deal.

Learn more about Panda Remit and compare today's rates.

FAQ

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

Digital platforms like Panda Remit and Wise are generally the cheapest alternatives to Western Union. They have lower overhead costs, allowing them to offer better exchange rates and lower fees, particularly for the lowest fee ways to send money from Brazil to China.

How do exchange rates impact total remittance costs?

Exchange rates often hide the true cost of a transfer. A provider might advertise "zero fees" but offer a poor exchange rate (a high markup). Always compare the "amount received" rather than just the upfront fee.

When should users consider Panda Remit over other services?

Users should consider Panda Remit when sending money to Asian markets, specifically China. With features like Alipay/WeChat integration, 0 fees for new users, and strict regulation (Licensed by major financial authorities), it is often the most efficient choice for these specific routes.

How fast are international transfers with Panda Remit?

Transfers with Panda Remit are typically very fast, with many transactions to digital wallets completing within minutes. This makes it a strong contender against both banks and Western Union for speed.