Because banks shouldn't hide your money in spreads.
We expose the real cost of every transfer — the spread, the fees, the delivery time — and rank providers by what actually lands in your recipient's account. No sponsored ordering. Ever.
Sending $1,000 to China
Hover any card to see exactly what it costs you.
7-Day Exchange Rate History
vs Traditional Banks
You save up to $75
on a CHF 1,000 transfer
Wise
BEST RATEBank of America
+5% markup + $35 wire fee
Wells Fargo
+4.5% markup + $25 wire fee
Sending CHF to CNY is straightforward if you separate the flat fee from the exchange rate markup. Digital providers like Wise, Revolut, and Remitly typically beat Swiss banks by 3–8%, with funds delivered to ICBC, CCB, and other major Chinese banks in minutes to a few days.
Our verdict: Quote your bank, then quote Wise for the same amount — the difference in CNY received is the real cost of staying with the bank.
Understanding the CHF to CNY Corridor
Sending money from Switzerland to China is a common need for Swiss-based importers paying suppliers in Guangdong or Zhejiang, parents supporting students at Chinese universities, expatriate workers remitting savings home, and retirees splitting their lives between the two countries. The CHF to CNY corridor is heavily regulated on the receiving end, so preparation matters more than on most routes. Follow the steps below in order to lock in a strong rate, avoid surprise fees, and get funds delivered without delays.
Step 1: Check the Mid-Market Rate Before You Do Anything
Before opening any provider, look up the live CHF/CNY mid-market rate on Google, Reuters, or XE. Write it down. Every quote you receive afterwards should be compared against this number — the gap between the mid-market rate and the rate offered to you is the real cost of your transfer, often far larger than any visible "fee."
Step 2: Understand the Two Cost Components
Every transfer has two costs you must check separately:
- The flat fee (usually CHF 0–15 with digital providers, CHF 25–60 with traditional banks).
- The exchange rate markup, which is hidden inside the rate itself.
A bank advertising "no fees" almost always recovers its margin through a worse rate. Always calculate the final CNY amount the recipient will receive, not the headline fee.
Step 3: Compare Digital Providers Against Your Swiss Bank
Get a quote from your Swiss bank (UBS, PostFinance, Raiffeisen) for the exact amount you want to send. Then run the same amount through Wise, Revolut, Remitly, and WorldRemit. In nearly every case, digital providers beat banks by 3–8% on the exchange rate, which on a CHF 5,000 transfer can mean an extra 1,500–4,000 CNY landing in the recipient's account. Wise typically offers the tightest mid-market spread, while Remitly and WorldRemit sometimes run promotional rates for first-time users.
Step 4: Choose the Right Delivery Speed
Decide whether you need instant or economy delivery:
- Instant (minutes to a few hours): Use this for supplier deadlines, tuition cutoffs, or when the rate is exceptionally favorable. Expect to pay a small premium.
- Economy (1–3 business days): Use this for routine family support or non-urgent payments. The cost savings are noticeable on amounts above CHF 2,000.
Step 5: Confirm the Recipient's Bank and Account Details
The two largest receiving banks in China are ICBC (Industrial & Commercial Bank of China) and China Construction Bank (CCB), and most digital providers can deliver directly to accounts at these banks, as well as Bank of China and Agricultural Bank of China. Ask your recipient for their full name in pinyin exactly as it appears on their ID, the bank's full name, the branch city, and the account number. Once funds land, the recipient can move money domestically using UnionPay and WeChat Pay, which are dominant for everyday spending and cash-out across China.
Step 6: Mind the Annual Inbound Limit
Plan amounts carefully: China restricts inbound remittances above $50,000/year per individual, and the receiving bank is required to verify the purpose of larger transfers. If your annual sending will exceed that threshold, split transfers across multiple recipients or coordinate with the recipient to prepare supporting documents (invoices, tuition statements, employment proof) in advance. Standard banking regulations apply for sending from Switzerland to China, so retain confirmations for your own records.
Step 7: Time the Transfer and Set Rate Alerts
Avoid sending on Friday afternoons or weekends — FX desks are thin, spreads widen, and your transfer will sit until Monday anyway. Tuesday through Thursday mornings (Swiss time) typically deliver tighter pricing. Set a rate alert on Wise or Revolut at a target rate 1–2% above today's level, and pull the trigger when the alert fires.
Step 8: Send a Small Test First
For a new corridor or new recipient, send CHF 100–200 first. Confirm with the recipient that funds arrived in CNY at the expected amount, then send the rest. This 10-minute precaution prevents costly recalls when account details are wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best CHF to CNY exchange rate?
The best rate is the mid-market rate, which you can check on Google or XE before transferring. Wise, Revolut, and Remitly typically come within 0.4–1.5% of mid-market, while Swiss banks add 3–8% on top.
How long does it take to send money from Switzerland to China?
Digital providers deliver in minutes to a few hours for instant transfers, or 1–3 business days for economy options. Traditional Swiss bank wires usually take 2–5 business days due to correspondent bank routing.
What are the fees for sending money from Switzerland to China?
Digital providers charge a flat fee of roughly CHF 0–15 plus a small exchange rate margin, while Swiss banks typically charge CHF 25–60 plus a 3–8% markup. Always compare the final CNY amount your recipient will receive, not the headline fee.
Is it safe to use online money transfer services?
Yes — Wise, Revolut, Remitly, and WorldRemit are licensed financial institutions regulated in Switzerland and the EU, with funds safeguarded in segregated accounts. Always send a small test transfer first when using a new recipient or provider.