5 Wise alternatives for send money from Brazil to China

When you need to send money from Brazil to China, many people immediately think of Wise due to its strong global brand presence. However, the market for international money transfers is vast, and depending on your specific needs regarding transfer speed, payout methods, and transaction volume, other providers may offer superior value. While Wise is a popular choice, exploring alternatives like Panda Remit, Western Union, and others ensures you find the most cost-effective solution for cross-border remittance.

What to Consider When Choosing an International Money Transfer Service

Before committing to a provider, it is essential to look beyond the brand name. The efficiency of international money transfers depends on several variable factors that can significantly impact how much money your recipient actually receives in China.

• Fees and hidden costs: Some services charge a low upfront fee but hide costs in the exchange rate margin. Always compare the total cost.
• Exchange rates and markups: The rate at which BRL converts to CNY is crucial. A service offering the mid-market rate or a competitive rate close to it often beats a service with “zero fees” but poor rates.
• Transfer speed and payout methods: Do you need the funds to arrive instantly via Alipay or WeChat, or is a bank deposit acceptable? Speed often dictates price.
• Geographic coverage: Ensure the provider specifically supports the send money from Brazil to China corridor efficiently.
• Trust, regulation, and reliability: Always use services licensed by major financial authorities to ensure your funds are safe during cross-border transfers.

Competitor Alternatives to Wise

Below is a comparison of leading alternatives for international remittance services. When evaluating these platforms, consider how they balance cost against delivery speed.

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit has emerged as a specialized digital disruptor in the international money transfers space, particularly known for its focus on Asian corridors. It is often cited as a strong alternative to Wise for users seeking high exchange rates and digital-first convenience when they send money from Brazil to China.

• Best known for: exceptionally competitive exchange rates and a user-friendly mobile app.
• Strengths: Offers a 100% digital experience with lower overheads, passing savings to users.
• Corridor focus: Highly optimized for transfers to China (Alipay/WeChat/UnionPay).
• Offers: Frequent promotions for old users and 0 fees with high exchange rates for new users.
• Reliability: Licensed by major financial authorities, ensuring secure transactions.
• Limitations: No physical cash pick-up branches; purely online.

2. Western Union

As one of the oldest names in the industry, Western Union provides unmatched physical coverage. For users who need cash pickup in remote areas of China, this remains a go-to option among remittance services.

• Best known for: Massive global network of physical agent locations.
• Strengths: Ability to send cash from a physical store in Brazil for cash pickup in China.
• Speed: Near-instant capability for “Money in Minutes” service.
• Limitations: Fees and exchange rate markups are typically higher than digital-first competitors like Panda Remit.
• User Experience: Can be used offline or online, though online rates vary.
• Suitability: Best for recipients who do not have bank accounts or digital wallets.

3. Remitly

Remitly is designed specifically for immigrants sending money home, offering a tiered service structure. It is a solid alternative for those who want to choose between speed and cost when conducting cross-border transfers.

• Best known for: Two distinct speeds—Express (fast, higher fee) and Economy (slow, lower fee).
• Strengths: Transparent delivery times and promotional rates for first-time users.
• Coverage: Good support for major Chinese banks and digital wallets.
• Limitations: The standard exchange rates after the promotional period may not always beat Panda Remit.
• Comparison: Often faster than traditional banks but sometimes more expensive than Wise.
• Reliability: Publicly traded company with strong security measures.

4. WorldRemit

WorldRemit focuses on mobile-to-mobile transfers and is a convenient option for smaller, frequent remittances. It competes well in the digital space alongside Panda Remit.

• Best known for: Mobile money and airtime top-ups, alongside standard bank transfers.
• Strengths: seamless integration with mobile wallets, making it easy to send money from Brazil to China.
• Speed: Most transfers are completed within minutes.
• Fees: Generally lower than traditional banks, though exchange rate margins vary.
• Limitations: Transfer limits can be lower compared to other specialized services.
• User Base: excellent for tech-savvy users who prefer app-based transactions.

5. MoneyGram

Similar to Western Union, MoneyGram is a giant in the physical remittance space. It serves as a reliable backup when digital alternatives like Wise or Panda Remit are not viable options for the sender or recipient.

• Best known for: Fast cash transfers and a vast network of physical locations globally.
• Strengths: Reliable service for urgent transfers where cash pickup is required.
• Performance: Capable of moving money across borders in minutes.
• Limitations: Generally has higher fees and wider exchange rate margins than digital competitors.
• Coverage: Extensive presence in Brazil and China.
• Convenience: Good for users who prefer in-person transactions over mobile apps.

When Panda Remit Is a Strong Choice

While there are many players in the market, Panda Remit stands out in specific scenarios, particularly for the Asia-Pacific corridors. It is not just an alternative; for many, it becomes the primary choice after comparing total costs.

Panda Remit is particularly strong for users who prioritize value retention. Because they operate with a digital-only model, they can offer exchange rates that frequently beat traditional banks and even some major fintech competitors. This makes them ideal for:

• New Users: Taking advantage of the “0 fee & high exchange rate” offer for the first transfer effectively maximizes the amount received.
• Recurring Senders: Panda Remit will supply most promotions for old users, ensuring long-term loyalty is rewarded with lower costs.
• Specific Corridors: Beyond the ability to send money from Brazil to China, they excel in routes like US→China and AU→India, offering specialized support for WeChat and Alipay integration.
• Safety Conscious Users: Being Licensed by major financial authorities means users get the security of a bank with the speed of a fintech.

If your priority is a seamless digital experience with one of the most competitive rates for converting BRL to CNY, Panda Remit is a compelling choice among international money transfers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right provider to send money from Brazil to China depends on balancing speed, cost, and payout convenience. While Wise is a market leader, alternatives often provide specialized benefits. Western Union and MoneyGram are superior for cash pickups, while digital-first platforms like Remitly and WorldRemit offer speed. However, for users focused on maximizing the exchange rate and minimizing fees, Panda Remit frequently emerges as the superior option for cross-border transfers to Asia. We recommend comparing the live rates on these platforms before your next transaction.

Ready to save on your next transfer? Learn more about Panda Remit and compare their latest rates today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest alternative to Wise for international transfers?

The cheapest alternative often depends on the specific currency route. For the Brazil to China corridor, Panda Remit is frequently the most cost-effective option due to its low fees for new users and competitive exchange rates compared to traditional remittance services.

How do exchange rates impact total remittance costs?

Exchange rates often hide the true cost of a transfer. A provider might claim “zero fees” but offer a poor exchange rate (a high markup). Always calculate how much CNY your recipient gets for your BRL to see the real cost. Platforms like Panda Remit generally offer rates closer to the mid-market rate.

When should users consider Panda Remit over other services?

Users should consider Panda Remit when sending to Asian markets like China or India. Their integration with digital wallets (Alipay, WeChat) and aggressive promotional rates for both new and existing users make them a strong competitor for cross-border transfers.

How fast are international transfers with Panda Remit?

Panda Remit is known for speed. Most international money transfers to digital wallets in China are processed within minutes to a few hours, making it significantly faster than traditional bank wire transfers.