Send Money to China

Sending money to China from the United Kingdom can involve additional considerations compared with some other destinations. Costs, transfer methods, exchange rates, and regulatory checks can all affect how quickly money arrives and the total cost of a transfer. This guide explains how international payments to China work and how to compare different options before sending money.

How to send money to China from the UK

UK residents can send money to China using online banking transfers, international money transfer services, and card-funded payment options such as debit or credit card payments. The best way depends on the amount of money being sent, how quickly it needs to arrive, and whether the recipient has a Chinese bank account.

Most transfers to China are sent directly to a recipient’s bank account in Chinese yuan (CNY).

Want to compare money transfer rates before sending money to China?

What information is needed to send money to China?

To send money to China, detailed recipient and payment information is usually required. This commonly includes:

Full name of the account holder (as registered with the bank)
Bank account number
Bank name and branch or bank code
SWIFT or bank identifier code
Purpose of the transfer

Some providers may also request additional information such as an email address or phone number, particularly for a first transfer or higher-value payments.

How long does it take to send money to China?

Transfer times to China can vary depending on delivery methods and local processing.

Transfer method	Typical delivery time
International bank transfer	2–5 business days
Card-funded transfer	1–3 business days

Processing times may be affected by bank holidays, local compliance checks, or the selected delivery options.

Fees when sending money to China

The cost of sending money to China usually includes:

A transaction fee or small upfront fee
Currency conversion costs
Possible intermediary or receiving bank deposit charges

Some services show fee information clearly, while others recover costs through the exchange rate markup. Checking the total cost of a transfer helps avoid unexpected extra fees.

Exchange rates: GBP to CNY

When sending money to China, the exchange rate used to convert British pounds (GBP) into Chinese yuan (CNY) plays a major role in the final amount received.

Even small differences in exchange rate markup can significantly affect larger transfers. Comparing the real exchange rate alongside fees can help identify better value.

Comparing fees and exchange rates can help reduce the cost of sending money to China.

Bank transfer vs debit card transfers to China

Different payment options suit different needs.

Bank transfers to China

International bank transfers are commonly used for sending larger amounts of money to China. They often offer better value for higher transfers but may take longer due to additional checks.

Bank transfers are often used for:

Family support
Education-related payments
Business or professional transfers

Debit and credit card transfers to China

Card-funded transfers can be faster and simpler for smaller amounts. However, credit card payments may involve higher costs, including card processing charges and interest.

This option may suit:

Smaller personal transfers
Time-sensitive payments

You can read more about these methods on:

Send Money by Bank Transfer Internationally
Send Money by Debit Card Internationally

Cheapest way to send money to China

The cheapest way to send money to China depends on several factors:

Transfer amount
Exchange rate offered
Fee structure
Payment and delivery options

For smaller transfers, low upfront fees may matter most. For larger transfers, exchange rates usually have a greater impact on overall cost.

The cheapest way to send money to China can vary depending on the transfer amount and method.

Small vs large transfers to China

Transfer size	Main cost factor
£50–£500	Transfer fees
£500–£5,000	Fees and exchange rates
£5,000+	Exchange rates and regulatory checks

This means a method that works well for a small payment may not offer the best deal for a much larger transfer.

Are international transfers to China safe?

International money transfer providers operating in the UK must meet regulatory standards. These focus on safeguarding customer funds and protecting personal details.

Transfers to China may involve additional verification, but safety depends on using regulated services with strong security features rather than the transfer method itself.

Sending money to a Chinese bank account

Most payments to China are sent directly to local bank accounts. The recipient’s bank may require a clearly stated transfer purpose and may apply checks before releasing funds.

Providing accurate bank and recipient details helps reduce delays and failed payments.

Common reasons people send money to China

UK senders commonly transfer money to China for:

Family support
Education and tuition fees
Living expenses
Business or professional purposes

The purpose of the transfer can influence processing time and documentation requirements.

Comparing providers before sending money to China

Costs, exchange rates, and product availability can change frequently. Comparing different options close to the date of transfer can help identify better value and suitable payout options.

Before sending money to China, it can help to compare international transfer options.

Can I send money to China using Western Union and how does the process work?

Western Union may offer the ability to send money to China, depending on agent location and payout options. Transfers can be initiated online or in person, with funds typically sent to a bank account rather than for cash pickup. Fees and exchange rates vary by delivery method.

Is it possible to send money online to China with PayPal and are there any limitations?

PayPal can be used to send money online to China, but limitations often apply. These may include restricted product availability, higher fees, exchange rate markups, and limits on how funds are received. PayPal transfers are not always suitable for larger or regular payments.

Are there any limits on how much money I can send to China at once?

Yes, limits can apply when sending money to China. These limits vary by provider, payment option, and transfer purpose. Larger amounts may require additional documentation or approval before processing.

Is it possible to send money to China for cash pickup?

Cash pickup options are generally limited for transfers to China. Most payments are sent directly to bank accounts, and cash collection may not be widely available due to local regulations.

Are there ways to track my money transfer to China?

Most international transfers to China can be tracked in real time once sent. Providers usually offer tracking through an online account or reference number, allowing senders to monitor progress and estimated delivery.

Which online service is most reliable for transferring money to China?

The most reliable online services for transferring money to China are those authorised in the UK that provide transparent pricing, clear delivery information, and secure tracking. Reliability is based on regulation, security standards, and consistent processing rather than brand name.

Do I need to pay tax or report transfers when sending money to China?

Sending money to China does not usually require paying UK tax. However, large transfers linked to business, income, or investments may have reporting requirements depending on individual circumstances.

Are there any legal restrictions or requirements for sending money to China?

There are generally no restrictions on sending personal funds from the UK to China. However, Chinese banking rules may require additional documentation, transfer purpose details, or verification before funds are released.

FAQs about sending money to China

The cheapest option depends on the transfer amount, exchange rate, and fees. Smaller transfers often prioritise low fees, while larger transfers benefit more from competitive exchange rates.

Most transfers to China take between two and five business days, although local checks and public holidays can affect delivery times.

Yes, most international transfers to China are sent directly to a Chinese bank account.

Some costs may be included in the exchange rate or deducted by intermediary banks. Always review the final amount received before confirming the transfer.

Bank transfers are usually cheaper for larger amounts, while card payments may be quicker for smaller or urgent transfers.

Yes, transfers to China can be delayed or rejected if required information is missing or if local banking checks are triggered. Common reasons include unclear transfer purpose, incorrect bank details, or additional compliance reviews by the recipient’s bank before funds are released.

In some cases, recipients in China may need to provide documentation to receive an international transfer. This can include proof of identity or information about the purpose of the payment. Requirements vary depending on the bank, transfer amount, and local regulations.

Money sent to China is usually received in Chinese yuan. Sending funds directly in CNY can help reduce additional currency conversion and improve clarity around the final amount received. Sending in GBP may result in conversion by the receiving bank at its own rate.

Yes, business transfers to China often involve additional checks compared with personal transfers. Businesses may need to provide invoices, contracts, or payment explanations. Processing times and limits can also differ depending on the nature of the transaction and regulatory requirements.