Who sends money from Singapore to China
- EP, S Pass and Work Permit holders sending part of each month's salary home
- Families of students moving money both ways (tuition, deposits, refunds)
- Converting savings from Singapore to pay a mortgage or save in China
Worked example: sending 1,000 SGD
Using the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, 1 SGD = 5.2363 CNY, our estimate model gives these results for sending 1,000 SGD:
| Provider | Est. fee | Est. received | Total cost vs mid-market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 7.28 SGD | 5,198.18 CNY | 38.12 CNY |
| Revolut | 3.00 SGD | 5,194.49 CNY | 41.81 CNY |
| Remitly | 0.00 SGD | 5,173.46 CNY | 62.84 CNY |
| Western Union | 6.40 SGD | 5,098.72 CNY | 137.58 CNY |
| Bank wire (typical) | 25.61 SGD | 4,974.65 CNY | 261.65 CNY |
In this example Wise delivers roughly 223.52 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 Singapore
- Local banks (DBS, OCBC, UOB) offer telegraphic transfers, but their exchange-rate markups are usually noticeable and small transfers also carry fixed and possibly intermediary fees.
- Most digital services only need your work pass or passport plus the recipient's Chinese bank card; some can pay out to Alipay.
- Sending once after payday saves fixed fees compared with several small transfers.
Rules and limits
In Singapore: Cross-border money transfer providers in Singapore must be licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Payment Services Act. You can check any provider in the MAS Financial Institutions Directory.
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 Singapore 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 SGD. The top row is currently the cheapest by our estimate.
How much more does a bank wire cost for 1,000 SGD?
At the ECB reference rate on 2026-10-07, our model puts the gap at about 223.52 CNY versus the cheapest option. The real gap moves with rates and provider pricing.
What documents do I need to send money from Singapore to China?
Usually your passport or Singapore work pass (EP, S Pass, Work Permit), plus the recipient's name exactly as on their bank account and their card number or Alipay account. Some providers also ask for the recipient's Chinese ID number.
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: usually minutes to 1 business day. Local bank telegraphic transfers: typically 1–3 business days.