Buy Chinese Yuan Online
Get competitive Chinese Yuan exchange rates with Hays Travel and enjoy flexible ways to buy — from our quick Click & Collect* service, to secure home delivery.
And if your travel plans change, you don’t need to worry about being left with unused currency. With our Buy Back Guarantee*, you can return your foreign currency at the same rate you bought it for just £3.95, giving you extra peace of mind when planning your trip.
Voted by the public as Best Retailer for Forex / Travel Money 2025 at the British Travel Awards — making Hays Travel Money the Nation’s Favourite for three years running.
*Click & Collect rates differ to branch rates
** We’ll buy back up to £300 (or your original purchase amount, whichever’s lower) at the same rate you bought your currency. Does not apply to Hays Travel Money Card.
Ways to get your Chinese Yuan
Click, Collect, Go
Our Click & Collect Travel Money service is the fast, safe, and easy to get your foreign currency. With a wide range of currencies available, and over 500 Hays Travel branches to collect from, you can secure a great online rate today and collect as soon as you are ready from your local branch.
- Buy Chinese Yuan online and collect at your convenience
- Over 460 Hays Travel branches to choose from
- Safe and secure checkout process
Home Delivery
Ordering currency from the comfort of your own home has never been easier. With our great rates and over 60 currencies to choose from, as well as next-day delivery, why not choose your currency to be delivered to your doorstep?
- Get Chinese Yuan delivered straight to your door
- Next-day and Saturday delivery available
- Secure packaging and tracked delivery for peace of mind
Buying Chinese Yuan online is fast, easy, and secure.
- Choose Click & Collect
- Select Chinese Yuan as your currency
- Enter your desired amount
- Fill in your details
- Place your order and you’re ready to go!
With almost 500 branches across the UK, getting Chinese Yuan in person has never been easier. Drop into your local Hays Travel branch for great rates, expert advice, and friendly service.
- Use our branch finder to locate your nearest Hays Travel
- Review our Deals of the Day in-branch
- Get in-person advice from our travel experts and a great rate on your currency
More Information on Buying Chinese Yuan
Still have some queries about our Travel Money? Find answers to common questions about our travel money services and foreign currency here. You can also learn about how to contact us if you need some extra advice.
FAQ's about Chinese Yuan
Your daily travel budget for China depends on the city and travel style. On average, expect to spend ¥200 to ¥400 per day. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen can be more expensive, while smaller cities and rural areas are more affordable. Be sure to budget for meals, transport, attractions, and unexpected expenses.
The Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB), comes in both coins and banknotes.
Coins: ¥1, ¥0.5 (50 jiao), ¥0.1 (10 jiao)
Banknotes: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100
Having smaller notes is useful for metro tickets, markets, small shops, and taxis.
Cash is accepted throughout China. Some small shops, street vendors, and rural areas still prefer cash. As a visitor, having cash on hand ensures convenience where mobile apps may not be available to foreign travellers.
Foreign currencies such as GBP, USD, and EUR are not accepted for everyday purchases in China. You must use Chinese Yuan for shops, restaurants, taxis, and attractions. Exchange your money before or during your trip at airports, banks, or currency exchange providers.
Tipping is not customary in China. In most restaurants, taxis, and shops, tipping is neither expected nor required. Tour guides or hotel staff may accept a small tip, but it is optional and entirely at your discretion.
Meal costs vary by region and dining style:
Street food & small eateries: ¥10–¥30
Mid‑range restaurants: ¥40–¥100 per person
High‑end dining: ¥150+
Local noodle shops and canteens offer very affordable meals with good quality.
The amount of Yuan you should buy depends on your itinerary and spending habits. It’s recommended to exchange enough for your first few days, covering food, local travel, and small purchases. ATMs are widely available for withdrawing more cash if needed.
The best time to buy CNY is when the exchange rate is favourable. Monitor exchange rate trends over a few weeks before your trip. Buying gradually or in advance can help protect you against rate fluctuations.
The Chinese Yuan is only used in mainland China. Hong Kong and Macau use their own currencies (HKD and MOP). Nearby countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam also use their own currencies.
We’ll buy back any unused Chinese Yuan purchased through our Buy Back Scheme, helping you recover value after your trip.
You can buy Chinese Yuan via Click & Collect, by visiting a branch, or through home delivery with Hays Travel. Once in China, ATMs are widely available in airports, hotels, and city centres.
Carrying cash in China is generally safe. However, take sensible precautions by keeping your money in a secure place, such as a money belt or inside pocket. Avoid carrying large amounts and store spare cash in your hotel safe.
