Who sends money from Malaysia to China
- Chinese employees in Malaysia sending money home
- Malaysian-Chinese families supporting relatives
- Living costs for students in Malaysia
Worked example: sending 2,000 MYR
Using the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, 1 MYR = 1.6400 CNY, our estimate model gives these results for sending 2,000 MYR:
| Provider | Est. fee | Est. received | Total cost vs mid-market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut | 6.00 MYR | 3,253.81 CNY | 26.19 CNY |
| Wise | 16.09 MYR | 3,253.62 CNY | 26.38 CNY |
| Remitly | 0.00 MYR | 3,240.64 CNY | 39.36 CNY |
| Western Union | 20.44 MYR | 3,181.55 CNY | 98.45 CNY |
| Bank wire (typical) | 81.76 MYR | 3,067.27 CNY | 212.73 CNY |
In this example Revolut delivers roughly 186.54 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 Malaysia
- Malaysia has many banks and remittance shops, and their rates vary a lot.
- Both residents and work-permit holders can use the main digital services.
- MYR/CNY liquidity is thinner, so some channels add bigger markups; always compare the amount received.
Rules and limits
In Malaysia: Remittance providers in Malaysia must be licensed by Bank Negara Malaysia under the Money Services Business Act 2011; the licensee list is on BNM's website.
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 Malaysia 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 2,000 MYR. The top row is currently the cheapest by our estimate.
How much more does a bank wire cost for 2,000 MYR?
At the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, our model puts the gap at about 186.54 CNY versus the cheapest option. The real gap moves with rates and provider pricing.
Why do MYR to CNY quotes vary so much?
The pair trades thinly, so providers' buffers differ. Compare only the CNY amount received, not the rate or the fee alone.
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. Bank wires: typically 2–5 business days.