Who sends money from New Zealand to China
- Students moving money home
- Working holiday makers bringing savings back
- Families supporting parents in China
Worked example: sending 1,000 NZD
Using the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, 1 NZD = 3.7512 CNY, our estimate model gives these results for sending 1,000 NZD:
| Provider | Est. fee | Est. received | Total cost vs mid-market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 7.79 NZD | 3,721.99 CNY | 29.21 CNY |
| Revolut | 3.00 NZD | 3,721.25 CNY | 29.95 CNY |
| Remitly | 0.00 NZD | 3,706.19 CNY | 45.01 CNY |
| Western Union | 8.94 NZD | 3,643.32 CNY | 107.88 CNY |
| Bank wire (typical) | 35.75 NZD | 3,526.68 CNY | 224.52 CNY |
In this example Wise delivers roughly 195.31 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 New Zealand
- New Zealand banks charge both fees and markups, which hurts small transfers most.
- Working holiday makers should batch earnings before sending.
- Ask the recipient to use a full-function (Type I) bank account to avoid receiving limits.
Rules and limits
In New Zealand: Money transfer providers in New Zealand must be on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) and comply with the AML/CFT Act.
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 New Zealand 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 NZD. The top row is currently the cheapest by our estimate.
How much more does a bank wire cost for 1,000 NZD?
At the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, our model puts the gap at about 195.31 CNY versus the cheapest option. The real gap moves with rates and provider pricing.
How long does a transfer from New Zealand to China take?
Digital services usually take minutes to 2 business days; bank wires 2–5 business days, longer around public holidays in either country.
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. Bank wires: typically 2–5 business days, longer around public holidays.