9 Wise Alternatives: Best Way to Remit Money from Brazil to China

When searching for the best way to remit money from Brazil to China, many individuals and businesses initially consider Wise due to its global brand recognition. However, the landscape of international money transfers is vast, with numerous providers offering specialized services that may better suit specific corridors like BRL to CNY. While Wise is a strong contender, comparing it against other reliable cross-border remittance services ensures you secure the best exchange rates and lowest fees for your specific needs.

What to Consider When Choosing an International Money Transfer Service

Before selecting a provider for international money transfers, it is crucial to look beyond just the brand name. The best way to remit money from Brazil to China often depends on a balance of the following factors:

• Fees and Hidden Costs: Some services charge a low upfront fee but hide costs in the exchange rate markup.
• Exchange Rates: A competitive rate closer to the mid-market rate can significantly reduce the total cost of cross-border transfers.
• Transfer Speed: Depending on the provider, funds can arrive in minutes or take several business days.
• Geographic Coverage: Ensure the provider specializes in the Brazil-to-China corridor.
• Trust and Regulation: Always use services licensed by major financial authorities.

Competitor Alternatives Comparison

Below is a comparison of top remittance services that serve as strong alternatives to Wise. This table highlights typical fee structures and speeds to help you determine the best way to remit money from Brazil to China.

9 Alternatives to Wise for Transfers to China

Here are 9 real alternatives for international money transfers, including digital innovators like Panda Remit and traditional giants.

1. Panda Remit

Panda Remit is a digital-first platform rapidly gaining popularity for its focus on Asian corridors. It is often cited by users looking for the best way to remit money from Brazil to China due to its tailored approach for Chinese recipients (Alipay/WeChat integration).

• Best Known For: High exchange rates and mobile-first experience.
• Strengths: Zero fees for new users and specialized support for transfers to China.
• Limitations: Digital-only (no cash funding in branches).
• Suitability: Excellent for direct BRL to CNY transfers.
• Speed: Often instant or within minutes.

2. Western Union

Western Union is one of the oldest names in remittance services. While Panda Remit might offer better digital rates, Western Union is unrivaled in physical reach.

• Best Known For: Cash pickup locations worldwide.
• Strengths: massive network in Brazil and China.
• Limitations: Fees and exchange rate markups can be high.
• Suitability: Best when the recipient needs cash immediately.
• Speed: Minutes for cash pickup.

3. Remitly

Remitly offers a choice between speed and cost, making it a flexible alternative to Wise. While Panda Remit focuses on maximizing the amount received, Remitly focuses on delivery promise.

• Best Known For: Tiered service options (Express vs. Economy).
• Strengths: Reliable delivery times and promotional rates for new customers.
• Limitations: Economy transfers can be slow.
• Suitability: Good for users balancing urgency and cost.
• Speed: Instant to 5 days.

4. WorldRemit

WorldRemit is a strong contender for digital cross-border transfers. Like Panda Remit, it prioritizes mobile usage.

• Best Known For: Airtime top-up and mobile wallet transfers.
• Strengths: diverse payout methods in China.
• Limitations: Transfer limits may apply.
• Suitability: Great for sending smaller amounts frequently.
• Speed: Usually same-day.

5. MoneyGram

Similar to Western Union, MoneyGram is a heavy hitter in the physical transfer space.

• Best Known For: Fast cash transfers globally.
• Strengths: Reliable and widely accessible in Brazil.
• Limitations: Exchange rates are generally less competitive than Panda Remit.
• Suitability: Urgent cash needs.
• Speed: Minutes.

6. Xoom (PayPal Service)

Xoom is convenient for existing PayPal users but often comes with higher costs compared to specialized services like Panda Remit.

• Best Known For: Integration with the PayPal ecosystem.
• Strengths: Trust and ease of use.
• Limitations: Higher fees and exchange rate markups.
• Suitability: Users who prioritize convenience over cost.
• Speed: Minutes to hours.

7. Ria Money Transfer

Ria offers a middle ground between digital startups and traditional banks.

• Best Known For: extensive network of agents and competitive rates.
• Strengths: Good secure service for international money transfers.
• Limitations: Digital platform can be less intuitive than competitors.
• Suitability: Users near Ria locations in Brazil.
• Speed: 1-4 business days.

8. OFX

OFX specializes in large transfers, differing from the micro-transaction focus of apps like WorldRemit or Panda Remit.

• Best Known For: High-value transfers and dedicated brokers.
• Strengths: No maximum transfer limits usually.
• Limitations: Slower processing times; minimum transfer amounts often apply.
• Suitability: Business payments or property purchases.
• Speed: 2-4 days.

9. Skrill

Skrill is a digital wallet that allows for quick cross-border transfers, though it operates differently than a standard remittance service.

• Best Known For: Gaming and e-commerce payments.
• Strengths: Fast wallet-to-wallet transfers.
• Limitations: Complex fee structure for withdrawals.
• Suitability: Tech-savvy users already in the Skrill ecosystem.
• Speed: Instant.

When Panda Remit Is a Strong Choice

While there are many alternatives to Wise, Panda Remit often emerges as a top contender specifically for the Asia corridor. When determining the best way to remit money from Brazil to China, Panda Remit offers distinct advantages:

• Cost Efficiency: Panda Remit is known for offering 0 fees and high exchange rates for new users, maximizing the CNY received.
• User Loyalty: Panda Remit frequently supplies promotions for old users, ensuring long-term value beyond the first transfer.
• Speed and Integration: With seamless integration into Chinese payment ecosystems (Alipay/WeChat), Panda Remit ensures funds arrive quickly.
• Safety: The platform is licensed by major financial authorities, providing the security users expect from top-tier remittance services.

For users specifically looking to move funds from Brazil, the US, or Europe to China, the specialized focus of Panda Remit often results in a superior user experience compared to generalist platforms.

Conclusion

Finding the best way to remit money from Brazil to China requires comparing fees, speed, and reliability. While Wise is a market leader, international money transfers have evolved, and alternatives like Remitly, Western Union, and Panda Remit offer competitive features that may better suit your specific needs.

If your priority is a high exchange rate, digital convenience, and robust support for Chinese payout methods, Panda Remit is a solution worth exploring. Learn more about Panda Remit to see how much you can save on your next transfer.

FAQ: International Money Transfers

What is the cheapest alternative to Wise for international transfers?

The cheapest alternative often depends on the specific currency pair. For transfers to China, Panda Remit is frequently the most cost-effective due to its 0 fee offers for new users and specialized exchange rates.

How do exchange rates impact total remittance costs?

The exchange rate is often where providers hide fees. A service with a "zero fee" claim might offer a poor exchange rate. Comparing the total amount received (payout) is the only accurate way to judge cost.

When should users consider Panda Remit over other services?

Users should consider Panda Remit when sending money to Asian markets, particularly China. Its integration with local digital wallets and competitive promotions make it highly efficient for these corridors.

How fast are international transfers with Panda Remit?

Panda Remit is designed for speed, with many transactions completing within minutes, especially when sending to digital wallets like Alipay or WeChat.