8 PayPal alternatives for send money from AUS to China

熊猫速汇PandaRemit - 2026-02-14 09:02:18.0 8

International money transfers are a necessity for many, whether supporting family abroad, making overseas payments, or managing international finances. While PayPal is a well-known option, it’s often not the most cost-effective or fastest solution, especially when sending money from Australia to China. Many alternatives offer better exchange rates, lower fees, and quicker delivery times. Services like Wise, Remitly, and Panda Remit are increasingly popular choices for those seeking more competitive options.

What to Consider When Choosing an International Money Transfer Service

Choosing the right international money transfer service requires careful consideration of several factors. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:

Fees and hidden costs: Be aware of upfront transfer fees, but also look for hidden costs like receiving bank fees or intermediary bank charges.
Exchange rates and markups: The exchange rate is crucial. Services often add a markup to the mid-market rate, impacting the final amount received.
Transfer speed and payout methods: How quickly does the money arrive? Payout options (bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile wallet) vary in speed and convenience.
Geographic coverage and supported corridors: Ensure the service supports both the sending and receiving countries, specifically the AUS to China corridor.
Trust, regulation, and reliability: Choose a service that is licensed and regulated by reputable financial authorities to ensure the security of your funds.

Competitor Alternatives

Here’s a comparison of several alternatives to PayPal for sending money from Australia to China. Fees and delivery times are estimates and can vary based on the amount sent and current exchange rates.

Service	Estimated Fee (AUD 200)	Estimated Delivery Time	Coverage (AUS to China)	Exchange Rate Markup (Estimate)
Wise	$3 - $5	1-2 business days	Excellent	0.5% - 1%
Remitly	$4 - $8	Instant - 2 business days	Excellent	1% - 2%
WorldRemit	$5 - $10	1-3 business days	Excellent	1.5% - 2.5%
OFX	$0 (for larger transfers)	1-3 business days	Excellent	0.5% - 1.5%
Xoom (PayPal Service)	$5 - $10	1-2 business days	Excellent	1% - 3%
Ria Money Transfer	$3 - $6	Cash pickup available	Excellent	1.5% - 2.5%
Instarem	$2 - $5	1-2 business days	Good	0.5% - 1.5%
Panda Remit	$0 - $3 (Promotional rates often available)	1-2 business days	Excellent	0% - 0.8% (often competitive)

Alternative: Wise

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is known for its transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates. It’s a popular choice for frequent international money transfers.

Offers multi-currency accounts.
Transparent fee structure.
Generally faster than traditional bank transfers.
May not be the best option for very small transfers due to fixed fees.
Good coverage for sending money from AUS to China.

Alternative: Remitly

Remitly focuses on providing affordable and convenient remittance services, particularly for sending money to developing countries.

Offers competitive exchange rates.
Multiple payout options, including bank deposit and cash pickup.
Often has promotional rates for new users.
Fees can vary depending on the delivery speed.
Strong coverage for sending money from AUS to China.

Alternative: WorldRemit

WorldRemit is a digital remittance service offering a wide range of payout options and global coverage.

Convenient online and mobile app access.
Supports various payout methods, including mobile money.
Fees can be higher than some competitors.
Exchange rates may not always be the most competitive.
Reliable service for sending money from AUS to China.

Alternative: OFX

OFX is best suited for larger international money transfers, offering competitive exchange rates and no fees for transfers above a certain amount.

No fees for larger transfers.
Dedicated account managers.
Requires a minimum transfer amount.
May not be ideal for small, frequent transfers.
Excellent for sending money from AUS to China for significant amounts.

Alternative: Xoom (a PayPal Service)

Xoom, owned by PayPal, offers a convenient way to send money internationally, particularly for cash pickup.

Integrated with PayPal accounts.
Wide network of cash pickup locations.
Fees can be higher than some alternatives.
Exchange rates may include a markup.
A viable option for sending money from AUS to China, but compare rates.

Alternative: Ria Money Transfer

Ria Money Transfer specializes in fast and affordable money transfers, with a strong focus on cash pickup locations.

Extensive network of cash pickup locations worldwide.
Competitive fees for certain corridors.
Exchange rates may vary.
Can be a good option for urgent transfers.
Supports sending money from AUS to China with cash pickup options.

Alternative: Instarem

Instarem provides a convenient and cost-effective way to send money internationally, with a focus on Southeast Asia.

Competitive exchange rates.
Fast transfer speeds.
Limited coverage compared to some competitors.
Good option for sending money from AUS to China.

Alternative: Panda Remit

Panda Remit is a rapidly growing remittance service specializing in transfers to Asia, particularly China. It often offers promotional rates for new users and competitive exchange rates for existing customers.

Often provides 0 fee transfers for new users.
Competitive exchange rates, especially for regular users.
Fast and reliable transfers.
Strong focus on the AUS to China corridor.
Licensed by major financial authorities, ensuring security and compliance.

When Panda Remit Is a Strong Choice

Panda Remit shines in specific scenarios. For users sending money from Australia to China, particularly those who are new to the platform, the frequent 0-fee promotions and highly competitive exchange rates can result in significant savings. Compared to services like WorldRemit or Xoom, Panda Remit often offers a lower total cost, especially when factoring in exchange rate markups. Panda Remit also supports other key corridors like US→China and AU→India. It’s particularly well-suited for individuals who regularly send money to family and friends in China and can benefit from the loyalty programs and consistent exchange rate advantages. Licensed by major financial authorities, Panda Remit provides a secure and regulated platform for international money transfers.

Conclusion / Summary

Choosing the best international money transfer service for sending money from Australia to China depends on your individual needs. Consider factors like fees, exchange rates, transfer speed, and payout options. While PayPal is a convenient option, alternatives like Wise, Remitly, and Panda Remit often provide better value. Panda Remit can be an excellent choice, especially for new users taking advantage of promotional offers and for those seeking consistently competitive rates on the AUS to China corridor.

Learn more about Panda Remit.

FAQ

What is the cheapest alternative to PayPal for international transfers?

Panda Remit often offers the cheapest alternative, especially with its frequent 0-fee promotions for new users. Wise is also generally very competitive.

How do exchange rates impact total remittance costs?

Exchange rates have a significant impact. Even a small markup on the exchange rate can reduce the amount your recipient receives. Always compare the total cost, including fees and exchange rate markups.

When should users consider Panda Remit over other services?

Consider Panda Remit if you’re sending money from Australia to China, are a new user (to take advantage of promotions), or send money regularly and can benefit from their loyalty programs.