How to send money to Hong Kong from Australia

By   |   Verified by David Boyd   |   Updated 10 Aug 2023

  • Sending money to Hong Kong from Australia is easy if you use your local Aussie bank, but also expensive.
  • Digital money transfer services transfer directly to your recipient's Hong Kong bank account faster and cheaper than your bank.
  • Find the remittance company that can transfer Aussie Dollars to Hong Kong Dollars at the best exchange rates with the lowest fees.

Sending money to Hong Kong from Australia is a breeze, thanks to the numerous digital money transfer services.

Finding the best service for your needs could be challenging, though. This guide aims to help you find the right option.

Best ways to send money to Hong Kong

Need to transfer money to Hong Kong from Australia?

Best ways to send money to Hong Kong

Wise Money Transfer

On website

Highlights

  • Wise Borderless multi-currency receiving accounts. This gives you access to a digital currency wallet that you can hold and transact in over 50 currencies.
  • Borderless Debit Card. The FX optimised debit card is attached to your Wise Borderless account that can be used to withdraw or pay for purchases in foreign currency within or outside Australia.
  • Android and Apple Apps. Indulge convenience by transacting thru the Wise App anytime and anywhere!
  • Fund options. Loads of options to fund your Wise account including transfer from Debit and credit cards, or thru a local bank transfer. Quick and easy!

Pros

  • Low and competitive fees.
  • Easy to understand fee structure.
  • Easy to use website and mobile apps.
  • High transfer limit.

Cons

  • Limited currencies and destination countries compared with some competitors.
  • Can only send funds to the recipient's bank account.
torfx

On website

Highlights

  • Provide clients with excellent foreign exchange rates.
  • Manage your international currency payments for free, with no hidden fees.
  • A personal Account Manager is on hand to ensure a fast, seamless transfer.

Pros

  • No transfer fee.
  • Competitive exchange rates.
  • Wide range of currencies and destination countries.
  • Phone and email support are available.

Cons

  • Minimum transfer amount is $200.
  • Only accepts bank transfers.
  • Transactions under $2,000 can be expensive.
Xe Money Transfer

On website

Highlights

  • Send money to 220+ countries and territories.
  • Xe rates are consistently some of the best in the business and trusted by millions.
  • With millions of transfers under its belt last year, Xe knows how to ensure your money and information are treated accordingly.

Pros

  • No transfer fee.
  • No minimum transfer amount is required.
  • No transfer limit.
  • Good customer support.

Cons

  • Limited currencies.
  • Bank transfers only.

Do you need to send money to Hong Kong? Compare money transfer options here.

Common reasons people transfer money overseas to Hong Kong

Australia and Hong Kong share strong personal and business ties. Hong Kong is home to one of the largest communities of Australian expats, and hundreds of Australian companies are based or have offices in Hong Kong.

At the same time, almost 90,000 people born in Hong Kong reside in Australia.

So, the most common reasons people transfer money overseas to Hong Kong include:

  • Sending money to family
  • Paying emigration fees and taxes
  • Repatriate funds
  • Buying property abroad
  • Compensate overseas employees
  • Paying for education overseas
  • Getting married overseas
  • Paying suppliers or contractors

Business vs personal considerations

There is no limit on how much money you can send to Hong Kong from Australia. However, you must declare all amounts over A$10,000 to the customs authorities.

The International Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering also requires any remit or exchange over HK$8,000 to be certified by the sender by producing a travel document or identity card, a valid address, and a telephone number. Without these documents, the law requires the remittance agent to prohibit the transaction.

Your bank or remittance agent may also apply transaction limits, and some financial institutions also set daily, weekly or monthly limits that you can't exceed. However, there are numerous services that don't limit the amount of money you can send.

How much money can you send to Hong Kong from Australia?

While no laws limit the amount of money you can send, you must consider the limits imposed by your bank or financial institution.

  • NAB, for instance, limits the daily transfers to A$5,000 if SMS Security is active on your account. You can apply for a higher limit but will have to contact your bank for the purpose. If you don't want to change the limit but have to make a larger one-time payment, you can telephone your branch for assistance.
  • Bankwest has a default limit of A$0, which you can increase at any time through online banking, up to A$20,000.
  • Bank of Melbourne has a daily limit transfer of A$50,000 to international accounts. Most banks have higher limits for business accounts, but if you don't like restrictions, you should consider using a digital money transfer service.

How much does it cost to send money to Hong Kong through a bank?

The international money transfer fees vary from bank to bank and service to service. Traditional banks are generally expensive and slow.

  • One of the cheapest is CommBank, which charges A$6 per transfer made through internet banking or mobile app and converted to HK$. The same transfer issued through a branch will cost A$30 or A$22 per transfer if the funds are debited and credited in Australian dollars.
  • NAB charges A$10 per transfer if transferring foreign currency or A$30 if sending Australian dollars.
  • Bankwest charges a flat fee of A$15 for all international transfers issued through internet banking and A$35 for transfers issued through a bank.

What to compare to get the best deal?

Getting the best deal when transferring money to Hong Kong from Australia doesn't have to be daunting. Here are a few things to compare:

  • Fees: Are they fixed or variable? If variable, what percentage does the company charge from the transfer amount?
  • Currency exchange rate: The mid-market rate is your best option.
  • Transfer speed
  • Max transfer limit
  • Min transfer limit