How to order Chinese Yuan
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Order your Chinese Yuan online with our currency click & collect service. Choose your collection date and pick up from your selected M&S store’s bureau de change.
Click & collect CNY in as little as 60 seconds*.
*Subject to availability.
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Or visit a participating M&S store to buy Chinese Yuan. With stores nationwide - many open seven days a week and late into the evening - you can buy your Travel Money at a time that suits you.
Why buy Chinese Yuan from M&S Travel Money?
Have a straightforward start to your trip to China with quick and easy currency exchanges. With M&S Travel Money, you can expect:
- Stores open 7 days a week.**
- A choice of collection options.
- Over 50 currencies avaliable in selected stores
**Store opening hours vary.
What you need to know about the Chinese Yuan currency
The Chinese Renminbi (Yuan) is China’s official currency. Its currency codes are CNY and RMB and its symbol is ¥.
The words ‘Yuan’ and ‘Renminbi’ are used interchangeably, similar to how we use the words Pounds and Sterling here in the UK.
Coins include:
¥0.01, ¥0.02, ¥0.05, ¥0.1, ¥0.5, ¥1
Banknotes include:
¥1, ¥2, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100
Guide to 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 culture, 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, with the largest resort, Yabuli’s ski season running from December to April.
Frequently asked questions
Credit and debit cards are accepted in most urban areas of China, although China is very much a cash-oriented society and your bank or card provider might charge transaction fees.
If you’re planning on travelling to more remote areas, it’s a good idea to take cash.
As you’d expect in such a vast country, prices in China will vary widely depending on the area you’re visiting. As a tourist, you might expect to pay around:
- 25 CNY (around £2.70) for a coffee.
- 200 CNY (around £21.40) for a mid-range meal for two people.
- 498 CNY (around £53.20) for a mid-range double hotel room.
The official currency of China is the Renminbi (Yuan), and no other currencies are accepted.
British passport holders will need to apply for a visa to visit China. It can be a lengthy process, so apply well in advance of your planned travel dates, at least 2 to 3 months. You’ll need to make your application in person at a Visa Application Centre.
You should always research the most up to date visa guidelines before planning a trip.
Tipping at street food markets and taxis is not usually expected in China. In more tourist areas, restaurant staff may welcome a tip of 10-20% for good service, but this isn’t compulsory.
The main language in China is Mandarin. It’s spoken in most major cities, including Shanghai and Beijing, and by the majority of the population. There are also several hundred regional dialects and Chinese language groups used across the nation, including:
- Standard Chinese
- Cantonese (Yue)
- Gan
- Hakka
- Min
- Wu
- Xiang
China is generally considered a safe country to visit, but be aware of cultural sensitivities and obey local laws. It’s always a good idea to check the latest government travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office advice before you travel.
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 Yu Garden to Tiger Leaping Gorge.
In peak summer, from around May to August, the south of the country is very hot. This is also the rainy season, with high humidity and frequent downpours.
Central China has particularly cold winters, with temperatures rarely rising above freezing between December and March.
For more moderate weather, lots of people choose to visit in the spring and autumn, avoiding the extreme temperatures.
Other popular currencies
If you’re planning a future holiday or a trip that takes in multiple destinations, these other currencies may be useful: