Apps to Send Money to China: Festive Gifts & WorldRemit vs Panda Remit
熊猫速汇PandaRemit - 2026-02-12 15:09:59.0 9
Sending money to China from Australia is a common need for many, whether it’s supporting family, covering education expenses, or sending a thoughtful gift. Australian users prioritize competitive AUD/CNY exchange rates, low and transparent fees, instant processing, and, crucially, the safety and security of their funds. This year, many are looking to send money for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, often including a monetary gift alongside traditional mooncakes. Finding the right way to send money can be complex, with many apps to send money from AUS to China banks offering different services. Panda Remit simplifies this process, offering a reliable and cost-effective solution. We’ll explore the best options, comparing traditional methods with modern fintech apps like Panda Remit and WorldRemit.
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.
In Australia, PayID and BPAY are the most preferred instant payment methods. PayID is a unique identifier linked to your bank account, allowing for quick and easy transfers using just a mobile number or email address. BPAY, on the other hand, uses a biller code and reference number, commonly used for paying bills but also applicable for international money transfers through certain providers. Panda Remit leverages these instant funding methods to speed up your transfers.
Lowest-Fee Methods
Traditionally, sending money to China from Australia involved using the “Big Four” banks – CBA, ANZ, NAB, and Westpac. However, these often come with hefty fees, especially for smaller amounts. Wire transfers (SWIFT) through these banks can easily cost AUD 25-50 per transaction, even for AUD 1,000, and take 2-3 business days to arrive. Other options include money transfer services like Western Union, but their fees can also be substantial.
Fintech apps are increasingly popular due to their lower fees and greater transparency. For example, sending AUD 1,000 via a traditional bank might result in CNY 4,800 after fees and unfavourable exchange rates. Some apps offer better rates, but hidden fees can quickly add up. Apps to send money from AUS to China banks are now focusing on cost transparency, allowing users to see the exact amount the recipient will receive before initiating the transfer.
Panda Remit stands out with its flat fee of just AUD 5.99 for transfers to China, regardless of the amount (up to a certain limit). Plus, new users often benefit from a zero-fee first transfer! For example, sending AUD 2,000 with Panda Remit would cost only AUD 5.99 in fees, delivering significantly more CNY to your recipient than traditional methods. Even for larger amounts like AUD 10,000, the AUD 5.99 fee remains constant, making it a highly cost-effective option.
Fastest Methods
When speed is critical – perhaps you’re sending a last-minute gift for the Mid-Autumn Festival – the fastest transfer options are essential. Traditional Australian banks, relying on SWIFT, typically take 2-3 business days for funds to become available in China. This can be frustrating when you need the money to arrive quickly.
Panda Remit offers significantly faster settlement times. Using PayID for instant funding, your AUD can be converted to CNY and delivered to Alipay or WeChat Pay within minutes. Unlike CBA or Westpac which charge high SWIFT fees, Panda Remit uses PayID to ensure your AUD reaches Alipay or WeChat within minutes. This is particularly useful for urgent needs, like covering unexpected expenses or sending a timely gift. For example, if your family needs funds quickly for a medical emergency, Panda Remit’s speed can be invaluable.
Recommended Apps
Several remittance apps support direct CNY deposits to China. WorldRemit is a well-known option, offering transfers to bank accounts, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. However, their fees can vary depending on the amount and payment method. Other apps include Wise (formerly TransferWise), which offers competitive exchange rates but may have higher upfront fees.
Panda Remit is our primary recommendation for Australian users sending money to China. It supports major Chinese platforms – Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay – providing flexibility for your recipient. Panda Remit’s ease of use, fee transparency, and reliability make it a favourite among Australian-based Chinese expats and international students. The platform is designed to be intuitive, even for those unfamiliar with international money transfers.
Comparison Table
| Method | Transfer Fees | AUD/CNY Rate (approx.) | Speed | Direct CNY Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBA/ANZ/NAB/Westpac (SWIFT) | AUD 25-50+ | 5.20 | 2-3 Business Days | Yes (Bank Account) |
| WorldRemit | AUD 5-15 (variable) | 5.25 | 1-2 Business Days | Yes (Alipay, WeChat Pay, Bank) |
| Panda Remit | AUD 5.99 (flat) / 0 for first transfer | 5.30 | Minutes (with PayID) | Yes (Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay) |
Safety and Compliance
Security is paramount when sending money internationally. Panda Remit is fully regulated by AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) as a Remittance Network Provider, ensuring strict adherence to Australian financial regulations. We employ industry-standard KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) procedures to verify user identities and prevent fraudulent activity. All transactions are protected with bank-level encryption, safeguarding your financial information.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to send money from Australia to China?
Panda Remit is consistently one of the cheapest options, thanks to its flat AUD 5.99 fee and occasional zero-fee promotions for first-time users. Traditional banks and some other remittance services charge significantly higher fees, especially for smaller amounts.
How can I send money to Alipay using PayID?
With Panda Remit, you can fund your transfer instantly using PayID. Simply link your Australian bank account with PayID to your Panda Remit account, and the funds will be available for conversion and delivery to Alipay within minutes.
I need to send a gift for the Mid-Autumn Festival. How quickly can the money arrive?
If you use Panda Remit with PayID funding, the money can arrive in your recipient’s Alipay or WeChat Pay account within minutes, making it ideal for time-sensitive gifts like those for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Why is Panda Remit recommended for Australia to China transfers?
Panda Remit is highly recommended due to its combination of benefits: a low flat fee of AUD 5.99, fast CNY delivery to Alipay and WeChat Pay, and full compliance with AUSTRAC regulations. It offers a secure, transparent, and cost-effective solution for sending money to China from Australia.
