Who sends money from Australia to China
- Students sending part-time earnings home
- Working holiday makers bringing savings back before leaving
- Migrant families supporting parents in China
Worked example: sending 1,000 AUD
Using the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, 1 AUD = 4.6606 CNY, our estimate model gives these results for sending 1,000 AUD:
| Provider | Est. fee | Est. received | Total cost vs mid-market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 7.44 AUD | 4,625.93 CNY | 34.67 CNY |
| Revolut | 3.00 AUD | 4,623.39 CNY | 37.21 CNY |
| Remitly | 0.00 AUD | 4,604.67 CNY | 55.93 CNY |
| Western Union | 7.19 AUD | 4,534.54 CNY | 126.06 CNY |
| Bank wire (typical) | 28.77 AUD | 4,413.34 CNY | 247.26 CNY |
In this example Wise delivers roughly 212.59 CNY more than a typical bank wire. Rates move daily and providers change pricing, so treat this as an illustration from our model; the live calculator above and the provider's own quote are what count. See how we estimate.
What to know when sending from Australia
- The big-four banks often build a sizeable markup into their rates, and fixed fees hurt small transfers most.
- Students and working holiday makers sending small amounts should favour low fixed-fee services.
- After leaving Australia you can claim your super through DASP; that payment also needs converting, so compare it too.
Rules and limits
In Australia: Remittance providers in Australia must be registered with AUSTRAC, and they report international funds transfer instructions to AUSTRAC as required by law.
In China: individuals have a USD 50,000-equivalent yearly quota for converting foreign currency into CNY. Larger amounts need proof of genuine purpose, and splitting across other people's quotas is not allowed.
How your recipient can receive it
- A mainland Chinese bank card in the recipient's name (a full-function Type I account avoids receiving limits)
- Alipay or WeChat on some providers, with per-transfer and yearly caps
- Foreign-currency wires must be converted by the recipient; many digital services pay out CNY directly
How to pick the cheapest option
- Compare the amount received, not the fee. "Zero fee" offers usually hide their cost in the rate. How markups work.
- Small amounts: watch fixed fees. Large amounts: watch the markup.
- Avoid intermediary deductions. Why SWIFT wires arrive short.
- Check the payout method and the recipient's name format. See how to send money to China.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send money from Australia to China?
It depends on the amount and the day's pricing. This page calculates, at today's mid-market rate, how much CNY each provider delivers for 1,000 AUD. The top row is currently the cheapest by our estimate.
How much more does a bank wire cost for 1,000 AUD?
At the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, our model puts the gap at about 212.59 CNY versus the cheapest option. The real gap moves with rates and provider pricing.
I'm leaving Australia after a working holiday. How do I move my savings to China?
Sending in a few batches through a digital service to your own Chinese bank card is usually cheaper than one bank wire. Many Australian accounts still work online after you leave. Mind the recipient-side yearly conversion quota for large sums.
Is there a limit on money sent to China?
Recipients in China have a USD 50,000-equivalent yearly quota for converting foreign currency into CNY; amounts above it need supporting documents.
How long does a transfer take?
Digital services: minutes to 2 business days. Big-four bank wires: typically 2–5 business days.