How to send money to China from South Africa with the best ZAR-CNY rate

The exchange rate determines the price you’ll pay for Yuan Renminbi when sending Rand to China.

The rate between the Rand and Yuan Renminbi is currently 0.4103.

The total cost of money transfers from South Africa to China is a combination of fees and exchange rates. Get the best of both, and you will be getting a good deal.

• The Mid-Market and Exchange Rates: The mid-market rate for ZAR-CNY is currently 0.4103 CNY per Rand. Providers offering services closer to this rate will ensure more Yuan Renminbi for your Rands.

• Fees: Transfer fees are charged alongside a transfer. The company offering the lowest fee is Regency FX, charging 0 ZAR per transfer. In all cases, we recommend searching for your exact send amount as fees may change.

• Amount Received: Money transfer companies will show you the amount eventually received in Yuan Renminbi. Simply, the higher the amount received in South Africa, the lower the cost of sending from China.

Sometimes, waiting a day or two can help you get more CNY for the same amount of Rand. Using a forward contract that also allows you to lock in an agreed exchange rate between South Africa and China.

Sending money via a bank transfer is the recommended option for sending money from South Africa to China.

Here are all the ways to send money from South Africa to China:

Bank transfers

Paying via a bank transfer is often the better option for sending money from South Africa to China.

By using a money transfer company such as Regency FX for transfers from South Africa to China, you can send money and while benefit from lower fees and more favorable exchange rates than you would get with a traditional bank. 


Debit and prepaid cards

Sending money from South Africa to China with a debit or a prepaid card is easy with .


is a one of the better options in the market for international debit card transfers from South Africa to China.

Credit cards

Not many money transfer companies offer direct credit card deposits, because it is more expensive for everyone (especially with high cash advance fees).

We recommend using a bank transfer or a debit card transfer if you can; otherwise, make a quick comparison to find the latest deal.

Some services between South Africa and China have minimum or maximum thresholds on how much you can transfer. This is applies when receiving money in China as well.

Companies will offer different rates and fees for different transfer amounts. For regular transfers to China, use TorFx. The combination of rates and fees when sending from South Africa to China is the most competitive, even at larger amounts.

Also, always check with the recipient and understand any declarations needed on large amounts of money leaving South Africa, or entering China. Mis-understanding these could result in a slower, or even failed, transfer.

There are different ways to receive Yuan Renminbi in China. This includes a direct bank deposit, cash pickup, a mobile wallet or receiving money into a multi-currency account.

Not all providers serving transfers from South Africa to China will offer every method for incoming Yuan Renminbi, so it’s best to check ahead of time.

One of the more common ways to transfer from South Africa into Yuan Renminbi is directly into a bank account. TorFx is the best company for bank transfers between South Africa and China.

And if you need cash right away, check if cash pickup is an option for transfers between South Africa and China.

Mobile wallet services and payment apps like PayPal, Xoom, and CashApp are popular too, but they come with more limitations and higher costs compared to money transfer providers like Regency FX.

When signing up to and sending Rand to China, through a money transfer company, you will have to verify your ID.

The precise documents you need will vary and in some cases you will need more than one.

For the most part however, in South Africa this will be a government issued ID such as a passport or driver's license. In China it will be similar, although this should only be needed if you are opening a new account in China, or collecting in cash. Sending to an existing bank account in China shouldn’t require any additional ID checks.

Large transactions between South Africa and China, are subject to additional checks. A provider may ask you for proof of address or may want to carry out a proof of funds check.

One of the reasons TorFx has scored so highly for transfers to China is their easy sign up process in South Africa.

When sending large amounts of money between South Africa and China there will potentially be a tax declaration to consider.

Some transfers into Yuan Renminbi may need to be reported to tax authorities in China, particularly where inheritance or property purchases are involved.

Tax limits and personal allowances will change in China based on age, income and a few other elements. When in doubt, please contact a tax professional in South Africa or China to discuss your personal circumstances.