Who sends money from the UK to China
- Workers in the UK supporting family
- Graduate Route visa holders converting UK salary
- Moving money between family members
Worked example: sending 1,000 GBP
Using the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, 1 GBP = 8.8531 CNY, our estimate model gives these results for sending 1,000 GBP:
| Provider | Est. fee | Est. received | Total cost vs mid-market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 6.76 GBP | 8,793.28 CNY | 59.82 CNY |
| Revolut | 3.00 GBP | 8,782.41 CNY | 70.69 CNY |
| Remitly | 0.00 GBP | 8,746.86 CNY | 106.24 CNY |
| Western Union | 3.79 GBP | 8,643.19 CNY | 209.91 CNY |
| Bank wire (typical) | 15.15 GBP | 8,501.04 CNY | 352.06 CNY |
In this example Wise delivers roughly 292.24 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 UK
- UK high-street banks usually charge a fixed fee and a noticeable FX markup.
- Students in the UK often receive tuition from China; the same comparison logic applies in reverse.
- GBP can swing sharply, so splitting a large transfer reduces timing risk.
Rules and limits
In the UK: Money transfer firms must be authorised or registered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); check the FCA Register. Payment institutions must safeguard customer funds.
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 UK 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 GBP. The top row is currently the cheapest by our estimate.
How much more does a bank wire cost for 1,000 GBP?
At the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, our model puts the gap at about 292.24 CNY versus the cheapest option. The real gap moves with rates and provider pricing.
Should I pick SHA or OUR for a GBP wire to China?
Choose OUR if the recipient must get the full amount; SHA is common for family transfers but intermediary fees come out of the amount. Digital services usually skip intermediaries.
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 1–2 business days. High-street bank international payments: typically 2–4 business days.