Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations across China, Vietnam and many East and South-East Asian communities. It marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar year and is a time for family, prosperity and fresh beginnings.

For many families living abroad, sending money home is a meaningful way to share blessings and stay connected during the celebrations.

This guide explains Lunar New Year traditions, red envelope customs, and how to send money internationally in time for the festivities.

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Why Is Lunar New Year Important?

Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival in China and Tết in Vietnam, it is a major cultural celebration observed in China, Vietnam (Tết), Korea and other parts of Asia. It typically falls between late January and mid-February.

Money plays an important symbolic role during the festival. Giving money Money gifts are symbolic during Lunar New Year. They represent:

• Good luck
• Prosperity
• Success in the coming year
• Care and respect for family

For families living overseas, sending money internationally has become a modern way to continue these traditions — especially when travel isn’t possible.

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What are red envelopes (hongbao / lì xì)?

The hong Bao (Mandarin) or lì xì (Vietnamese) is the festive way to to gift cash to your friends and family. It is also powerful cultural symbol of luck, prosperity, and the passing of goodwill between generations.

Today, red envelopes can be given in person or sent digitally through bank transfers or money transfer services — especially when families live overseas.

Hong baos/ lì xì are typically gifted to children as sign of sending good luck.

Why are red envelopes given?

Red envelopes are meant to:

• Wish the recipient good fortune and success
• Share prosperity with loved ones
• Strengthen family and community bonds
• Mark the start of a fresh, lucky new year

Who gives and receives red envelopes?

Typically:

• Married adults give to children and younger relatives
• Employers may give to staff
• Elders may gift family members

The custom varies slightly between countries such as China, Vietnam, and other Lunar New Year–celebrating communities.

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When Should You Send Money for Lunar New Year?

Timing matters.

Many banks and businesses close during the Lunar New Year holiday period. To avoid delays:

• Send money at least 1–2 weeks before Lunar New Year
• Check public holiday schedules in the recipient’s country
• Allow extra time for first-time transfers or identity checks

Planning ahead ensures your gift arrives before celebrations begin.

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Why Choose OrbitRemit for Lunar New Year Money Transfers?

OrbitRemit is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide for fast, affordable international money transfers.

Key Benefits:

• Low transfer fees – Save more on every transaction
• Competitive exchange rates – Get better value for your money
• Fast delivery – Many transfers arrive within hours or same day
• Secure platform – Industry standard encryption-level and compliance
• Easy online transfers – Send money anytime in Australia and New Zealand

OrbitRemit helps you send money to your loved ones with confidence.

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How to Send Money to China this Lunar New Year 🇨🇳

Sending money to China in time for Lunar New Year is straightforward when you prepare early.

Learn how to send money to China with OrbitRemit:
👉 How to send money to China (English guide)

中文指南：如何使用 OrbitRemit 汇款到中国：
👉 如何汇款到中国（中文说明）

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Step 1: Create or log in to your account

Register securely online or log in to your existing account.
First-time customers will need to complete biometric verification before making their first transfer.

How to complete biometric verification:
Follow the step-by-step guide here:
https://support.orbitremit.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013702993-How-do-I-complete-Biometric-Verification

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Step 2: Begin Your Transfer

Once your account is verified/you’ve logged in:

• Choose Chinese Yuan (CNY) as the receiving currency
• Enter the amount you want to send in AUD or NZD or amount you’d like to receive in CNY
• Review the exchange rate and transfer fee before confirming

OrbitRemit’s currency calculator shows how much your recipient will receive, helping you make informed decisions before sending money.

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Step 3: Select Delivery Method

Under ‘Recipient Type’ select from either:

• Mobile Wallet (Alipay)
• Bank Account

More about Alipay ➡️ https://support.orbitremit.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012806657-Paying-to-an-Alipay-ID-in-China

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Step 4: Add Your Recipient

You will need to provide your recipient’s details, including:

• Full legal name
• Bank account
• Contact details

Accurate information helps prevent transfer delays and ensures your recipient receives funds smoothly.

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Step 5: Pay for Your Transfer

Customers can fund transfers using payment methods such as:

• Bank transfer
• Debit card
• PayID (Australia)
• Apple Pay or Google Pay
• POLi (New Zealand)

Once payment is received, OrbitRemit processes the transfer and allows you to track its progress online.

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How to Send Money to Vietnam this Lunar New Year 🇻🇳

Sending money to Vietnam online is simple and fast with OrbitRemit with Tết.

Step 1: Create or log in to your account

Register securely online or log in to your existing account.
First-time customers will need to complete biometric verification before making their first transfer.

How to complete biometric verification:
Follow the step-by-step guide here:
https://support.orbitremit.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013702993-How-do-I-complete-Biometric-Verification

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Step 2: Begin Your Transfer

Once your account is verified/you’ve logged in:

• Choose Vietnamese Dong (VND) as the receiving currency
• Enter the amount you want to send in AUD or NZD or amount you’d like to receive in VND
• Review the exchange rate and transfer fee before confirming

OrbitRemit’s currency calculator shows how much your recipient will receive, helping you make informed decisions before sending money.

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Step 3: Select Delivery Method

Under ‘Recipient Type’ select from either:

– Bank Account (TECHCOMBANK, ACB, BIDV, Agribank, Acombank and more)
– Cash Pickup (can be collected from any DongA Bank branch)

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Step 4: Add Your Recipient

You will need to provide your recipient’s details, including:

• Full legal name
• Bank account
• Contact details

Accurate information helps prevent transfer delays and ensures your recipient receives funds smoothly.

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Step 5: Pay for Your Transfer

Customers can fund transfers using payment methods such as:

• Bank transfer
• Debit card
• PayID (Australia)
• Apple Pay or Google Pay
• POLi (New Zealand)

Once payment is received, OrbitRemit processes the transfer and allows you to track its progress online.

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Competition: Win one of eight $88 in rewards! 🧧

To celebrate Lunar New Year 2026, we’re giving both new and existing OrbitRemit customers the chance to win one of eight $88 transfer rewards!

How to Enter

It’s easy to join the celebration:

1. Send $88 or more using OrbitRemit
2. Complete your transfer before March 6, 2026
3. You’ll automatically go into the draw to for a chance to win $88 reward credited to your OrbitRemit account

Who Can Enter?

• ✅ New customers
• ✅ Existing customers
• ✅ Anyone who sends $88 or more before the deadline

Don’t miss out on your chance to start the Lunar New Year with extra rewards. Send money, share prosperity, and you could be one of our lucky winners! 🎉

*Disclaimer: T&Cs apply. 18+. Send $88 or more in one transfer between 4 Feb–6 Mar 2026 to receive one entry. Eight winners will each receive $88 in OrbitRemit transfer credit (not cash).Transfer credit can only be used for future OrbitRemit transfers. This is a game of chance; an entry does not guarantee a prize. Standard transfer fees apply. Winners drawn in March 2026 and notified by 31 March 2026.

Full terms and conditions ➡️ https://www.orbitremit.com/legal/campaigns/win-one-of-eight-88-in-rewards

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