Who sends money from the eurozone to China
- Chinese residents in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy or Spain supporting family
- Exporters and sole traders converting euro income
- Graduates moving savings home
Worked example: sending 1,000 EUR
Using the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, 1 EUR = 7.4937 CNY, our estimate model gives these results for sending 1,000 EUR:
| Provider | Est. fee | Est. received | Total cost vs mid-market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 6.89 EUR | 7,442.03 CNY | 51.67 CNY |
| Revolut | 3.00 EUR | 7,433.86 CNY | 59.84 CNY |
| Remitly | 0.00 EUR | 7,403.78 CNY | 89.92 CNY |
| Western Union | 4.47 EUR | 7,310.97 CNY | 182.73 CNY |
| Bank wire (typical) | 17.89 EUR | 7,175.62 CNY | 318.08 CNY |
In this example Wise delivers roughly 266.41 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 the eurozone
- Transfers within the eurozone are cheap, but SWIFT transfers to China cost noticeably more.
- Exporters receiving euros should compare bank conversion rates with payout platforms.
- Some banks only show the final rate on the last step, so screenshot it and compare.
Rules and limits
In the eurozone: EU payment institutions are regulated under PSD2 and must be authorised in a member state. SEPA makes transfers inside Europe cheap, but payments to China go via SWIFT or a provider's local payout network.
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 the eurozone 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 EUR. The top row is currently the cheapest by our estimate.
How much more does a bank wire cost for 1,000 EUR?
At the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, our model puts the gap at about 266.41 CNY versus the cheapest option. The real gap moves with rates and provider pricing.
Why are euro transfers to China expensive when SEPA is cheap?
SEPA only covers Europe. A bank wire to China travels over SWIFT, often via intermediaries, adding wire fees, deductions and a markup. Digital services collect and pay out locally, skipping most of that.
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. SWIFT wires: typically 2–5 business days.