Buy Chinese yuan online
Our currency calculator is a quick and easy way to check our latest foreign currency exchange rates.
Why buy Chinese yuan from M&S Bank?
If you are planning a trip to China, we offer a number of benefits when you buy Chinese yuan from M&S Bank.
- Our stores are open 7 days a week†
- Buy Chinese yuan online and collect from your local Bureau de Change
- Exchange any leftover currency when you return using our buy back service
CNY Chinese yuan exchange rate
The exchange rate may differ depending on the day you order your currency.
Find today's Chinese yuan exchange rate here. Or use our Chinese yuan converter to see how much you could get for your pound.
How to sell back Chinese yuan
Do you have left over Chinese yuan from your recent trip? We can buy back foreign currency from you.
How to order Chinese yuan
Our online and in-store services make ordering your Chinese yuan simple:
- Order your Chinese yuan online with our Click & Collect currency service. Choose your collection date and collect from your local Bureau de Change.
- Or visit your local Bureau de Change to buy Chinese yuan*. You can find our Bureaux de Change in M&S stores nationwide. Many are open seven days a week late into the evening, so you can buy your Chinese yuan at a time that suits you.
Countries that accept Chinese yuan
The Chinese yuan renminbi is the official Chinese currency of the People’s Republic of China. It’s accepted throughout the country.
Why visit China?
China is a vast country, rich in history, and full of contrasting landscapes. From the dizzying bustle of Shanghai, to the epic scale of the Great Wall of China, a trip to China is an unforgettable experience.
As an ancient civilisation, Chinese history spans over 3000 years. If you’re visiting Beijing you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to history, with sites like the Hidden City and the Summer Palace attracting thousands every year.
There are also jaw-dropping natural wonders like the ‘floating peaks’ of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park for the adventurous. You can even ski in China too. Yabuli is the largest resort, with the ski season running from December to April.
The Chinese currency is the yuan, sometimes known as the renminbi. If you’re planning a trip, you can use our currency converter to see how many yuan you’ll get for your pound.
Chinese yuan facts and history
The Chinese yuan is divided in smaller units of 10 jiao and 100 fen. The names yuan and renminbi are used interchangeably, a bit like we use the words pounds and sterling here in the UK. You’ll see prices written using the currency codes CNY and RMB. The currency symbol is ¥. In Mandarin Chinese, the word yuan means ‘round object’ or ‘round coin’. Banknotes are printed in one, two, five, 10, 20, 50, and 100 yuan denominations.
You can buy Chinese yuan online, visit our travel money hub to learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my bank card in China?
Credit and debit cards are accepted in China, although using cash is still widespread. You’ll find ATMs readily available in towns and cities, and you can make withdrawals from these in Chinese currency with your card. Your bank might charge a currency exchange transaction fee each time for withdrawing cash in China.
If you’re planning on travelling to more remote areas, it’s a good idea to make sure you have cash in advance.
What are the typical prices in China?
As you’d expect in such an enormous country, prices in China will vary enormously depending on the area you’re visiting. As a tourist, you might expect to pay around:
- 25 CNY for a coffee
- 200 CNY for a mid-range meal for two people
- 498 CNY for a mid-range double hotel room
Check our currency converter to see the latest exchange rates for Chinese yuan.
Can you use other currencies in China?
The official currency of China is the yuan. If you order your travel money for China before you leave you won’t need to worry about finding cash for those first few arrival expenses like taxis or food for the first few days.
How difficult is it to get a visa for China?
British passport holders will need to apply for a visa in order to visit China. It can be a lengthy process, so apply well in advance of your planned travel dates. Allow at least 2 to 3 months.
You’ll need to make your application in person at a Visa Application Centre. As part of the process biometric data is used and your fingerprints scanned.
You should always research the most up to date visa guidelines before planning a trip.
Should you tip in China?
Tipping at street food markets and taxis is not expected in China. In more tourist areas, restaurant staff may welcome a tip of between 10-20% for good service, but this isn’t compulsory.
What languages are spoken in China?
The main language across China is Mandarin. It’s spoken in most major cities including Shanghai and Beijing by the majority of the population. There are also several hundred regional dialects and Chinese language groups spoken across China. These include:
- Standard Chinese
- Cantonese (Yue)
- Gan
- Hakka
- Min
- Wu
- Xiang
What is the latest government travel advice for China?
It’s always a good idea to check the latest government travel advice before you travel. You can find the latest Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office advice for travelling to China online.
What is the best time of year to visit China?
China is an incredible place to visit all year round. Depending on the type of trip you’re planning, you can find great places to visit in China in any season, from the Great Wall of China to the modern architecture of Beijing.
In peak summer from around May to August, the south of the country is extremely hot. This is also the rainy season, with high humidity and frequent downpours.
Central China has very cold winters, with temperatures rarely rising above freezing between December and March.
For the most moderate weather, lots of people choose to visit in the spring and autumn, to avoid the extremes temperatures.
Important documents
M&S Travel Money Terms and Conditions (opens in a new window)
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Other popular currencies
If you are planning a future holiday or a trip that takes in multiple destinations, these other currencies may be useful:
US dollar
Kuwaiti dinar
Australian dollars
*Subject to availability
† Subject to store opening hours