In the past, sending money across borders was seen as a complex process. Nowadays, more and more individuals purchase from China, make payments to their suppliers, provide financial backing to their families, and engage in business activities. As such, one must understand the safest ways to transfer money to China without incurring high costs.
Today, there are numerous methods of money transfer. Some are quick. Others cost less. The most appropriate ones perform well for large transactions, while the opposites also hold. Failure to do this would result in you losing money due to charges or delayed fund processing.
Whether you’re a buyer, online vendor or simply importing goods from China, this article is tailored to aid you in selecting the perfect choice.
1. Bank Wire Transfer
The bank wire transfer is the oldest and most reliable means of sending money worldwide. The majority of buyers who require high levels of security prefer this method.
How it works
To start the transaction, request that the supplier provide all bank details. Such details may include the bank name, branch, SWIFT/BIC code, account number, and account name. With these at hand, one can now make a way to their bank or open an international banking app. The next thing you do is complete the international transfer form and then select the currency that you are going to send followed by typing in the amount. By using the bank system, you are taken through each step whereby you may ensure that you have got everything right before making the payment.
When you are through with confirming the transfer, your bank will process it and send the money via the international banking network. It takes time for this to happen because the transfer may pass through several banks. A receipt or reference number is given to you for tracking purposes. On average, the recipient will receive the money in a few working days depending on their bank.
Pros
- Very secure
- Suitable for large payments
- Trusted by factories, suppliers, and companies
Cons
- Higher fees than most methods
- Slow arrival time (usually several days)
Best for
Large and important business payments where security matters more than speed.
2. Western Union
Western Union is one of the fastest ways to move money across borders. Many people use it for urgent transfers.
How it works
To send money via Western Union, one may visit any of their branches in person or use the application/website. You indicate China as the final place. Then decide on whether the person receiving it should collect it as cash or it will be deposited in a bank. After which, you fill in the details of the receiver, including their names and any other required data, before typing the figure that you wish to remit. At this point, you will be shown the charges and exchange rates so you can confirm whether they are okay with you.
Upon making a payment, your transaction is processed by Western Union. If you send money for cash pickup, the recipient will walk into any nearby Western Union agent location, presenting a valid ID and the tracking number you provided. On the other hand, if you opt for a bank deposit, then the funds will go straight into his/her account. Most transfers are quick and therefore ideal for emergencies.
Pros
- Very fast
- Cash pickup is available
- Works even if the receiver does not have a bank
Cons
- High fees
- Exchange rates are usually not the best
Best for
Emergency transfers or when someone needs cash right away.
3. PayPal
Many online shoppers and small businesses use PayPal because it is simple and quick.
How it works
To use PayPal, you must have an account, and your recipient must as well. On your account, click “Send” and enter the email of the person linked to their PayPal account. Input the amount to send, select the currency, and then look at the screen for charges plus exchange rates which help in determining the exact amount that will be received on conversion by the other party.
After you make the payment, the money will be transferred immediately to the receiver’s PayPal balance. From there, he or she can withdraw it to their Chinese bank account by selecting the “Withdraw” option in the PayPal dashboard. It may take some time for the withdrawal to appear in their bank account, but most such transfers are processed quickly.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Fast transfers
- Good for small payments
Cons
- Higher currency conversion costs 4.4% payment value+ 0.3 USD
- Not always cost-effective for large payments
Best for
Small international payments or online transactions where both sides already use PayPal.
4. Wise (TransferWise)
Wise has become one of the most popular ways for people who want honest fees and good exchange rates. It is known for being transparent and affordable.
How it works
To begin with, create an account with Wise and set up your transfer. You select China as the receiving country, and input the amount to be transferred. In response, Wise provides information on the fee charged, the current market exchange rate, and what the recipient will receive after conversion. Then you feed in the relevant bank particulars of the person getting the money; these may include their names, their bank’s name and account number. Wise makes the form simple so you are always sure what data to provide.
After ensuring that everything is okay, you decide on the mode of payment. This could be from your bank account, debit card or any other means supported. When your payment is successful, Wise will convert your money at the actual exchange rate and then send it directly to the recipient’s Chinese bank. It is possible to monitor its movement in your Wise account, with most transfers taking between 1 and 2 business days to reach their destination.
Pros
- Low fees
- Fair exchange rate
- No hidden charges
- Easy to track transfers
Cons
- Some transfers need 1–2 business days
Best for
People who want a budget-friendly way on how to transfer money to China without long delays.
5. Alipay
Alipay is one of the biggest and most trusted payment apps in China. Many locals use it for everyday payments. Just EU countries use credit cards everyday, Chinese use Alipay and WeChat Pay every day.
How it works
To send money through Alipay, the recipient must have an active Chinese bank account and phone number linked to their Alipay account. First, you will need to select a local service to transfer money to Alipay. With some banks and remittance apps, it is now possible to send money straight into someone’s Alipay wallet.
You input the Alipay account identification of the person receiving the funds, for example, their name or mobile number, and enter the amount that you wish to send. Once this is done, the funds will be transferred to the receiver’s Alipay balance after you make payment via your preferred method. The money will be available for them to make payments within China immediately or they can transfer it to their Chinese bank account.
Pros
- Very fast
- Ideal for daily spending inside China
- Low fees
Cons
- Both sender and receiver need Alipay
- Some countries have limits on cross-border Alipay transfers
Best for
Small and frequent payments, especially if the receiver already uses Alipay.
6. Cryptocurrency Transfers
Some people choose crypto like Bitcoin or USDT because of speed and low fees. But this method is better for tech-savvy users.
How it works
For crypto transfers, both you and the receiver need a crypto wallet. You choose the coin to use, such as USDT or Bitcoin, and make sure you both use the same network. You buy the cryptocurrency on your preferred exchange, then copy the receiver’s wallet address carefully to avoid mistakes.
You send the crypto from your wallet to the receiver’s address. Transfers usually arrive within minutes. Once the receiver has the funds, they can sell the crypto on a local exchange to convert it to RMB. After that, they withdraw the money into their Chinese bank account.
Pros
- Fast
- Low transaction fees
- Not controlled by banks
Cons
- High price volatility
- Not beginner-friendly
- Needs extra steps to convert to cash
Best for
Users familiar with crypto and those who want to avoid traditional banking limits.
7. MoneyGram
MoneyGram works almost the same as Western Union. It is widely used for quick global transfers.
How it works
When sending money through MoneyGram, one can do so by visiting the website, using the app, or visiting the nearest branch. At this point, you select China as the receiving country, and then choose whether you want your recipient to collect cash or receive money in his/her bank account. You will be required to enter some information about the recipient, then specify the amount of money to be sent. After that, MoneyGram shows you the total cost by displaying the fees and the exchange rate before you confirm.
The moment you make the payment, MoneyGram will process your transfer. If it is for cash collection, the recipient will go to any MoneyGram outlet with their ID and your reference number. But if you opt for a deposit into a bank account, then the money will be sent there. Most transfers are fast, so MoneyGram is good when you need to send money quickly.
Pros
- Fast processing
- Large network of pickup locations
Cons
- Higher fees
- Exchange rates may be weaker
Best for
People who want fast cash pickup and do not mind paying higher fees.
8. Alibaba Trade Assurance Order
This payment method is very common for buyers who order through Alibaba. It protects both sides of the transaction.
How it works
When buying on Alibaba, you can choose Escrow or Trade Assurance for protected payments. You start by placing an order and reviewing the full agreement, including product details, shipping time, and quality rules. When you pay, your money goes into Alibaba’s secure account instead of going straight to the supplier.
The supplier ships the goods and uploads tracking information. Once you receive your order, you check the items to confirm they match the agreement. If everything is correct, you click to confirm the order, and Alibaba releases the money to the supplier. If there is a serious problem, you can open a dispute and request help through the platform.
Pros
- Safe for buyers
- Reduces fraud risks
- Good for first-time suppliers
Cons
- Some delays may happen during the review process
- More steps to complete
Best for
E-commerce and wholesale buyers who want secure payments for their orders.
How to Save on Remittance Fees
Knowing how to transfer money to China is only half the story. The other half is learning how to avoid unnecessary fees.
- Choose a low-cost remittance method: For example, Wise offer lower fees. Wise’s fees are usually between 0.5%-1%, while PayPal’s international transfer fee is generally 3.9% + fixed fee. If the remittance amount is large, it is recommended to give priority to these platforms.
- Compare exchange rates: Many remittance platforms offer very different exchange rates. For example, bank wires and Western Union often have less favorable exchange rates, while Wise and PayPal’s exchange rates are closer to the actual market exchange rate, which can help you save more money.
- Avoid high-fee transfer methods: Although bank wires and Western Union offer high security services, they also have high fees, usually between $20-$50. Therefore, if the amount is not large, try to choose alternative methods with lower fees.
How to Choose the Best Transfer Method
To pick the right option, consider these four factors:
- Speed: Do you need the money to arrive today or can it wait a few days?
- Cost: Look at transfer fees and exchange rate differences.
- Security: Some methods offer stronger protection than others.
- Convenience: Choose a method that the receiver can easily access.
You can use this simple guide:
- For making big and safe payments, bank wire is recommended.
- In case of emergency, use Western Union or MoneyGram.
- For a cheap transfer cost, use Wise.
- To make quick payments, use Alipay or PayPal.
- Employ Escrow when ordering from Alibaba.
- Only transact in crypto if you know it well enough.
Summary
It is not difficult to learn how to send money to China. What you should do is identify the most appropriate option depending on your case. To enhance the security of your transaction, choose bank wire. For the quickest delivery, use Western Union or PayPal. Wise remains the best option if, at all, you would like to save some fees. For those people who shop a lot within China, Alipay is very effective. When you purchase on Alibaba, Escrow offers great protection.
Each method has strengths and weaknesses. What matters most is choosing the one that keeps your payment safe, fast, and affordable. With the right approach, sending money to China becomes simple, clear, and stress-free. And if you ever feel unsure while sourcing products, a trusted partner like SourcingXPro can help guide you through the process and make your buying experience easier from start to finish.
