Frequently Asked Questions
About Chinese Pokémon cards
Are Chinese Pokémon cards real?
Yes. Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG is the officially licensed Chinese-language release of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, printed under licence for the mainland China market. It has its own set numbering and often exclusive artwork not printed in English. Read more on our authenticity page.
Why are Chinese Pokémon cards cheaper than English?
They're priced for the mainland China market, where retail pricing differs from the West. A Chinese jumbo booster box typically costs a fraction of an equivalent English display while containing more cards per pack. The trade-off is that Chinese singles have a thinner resale market than English ones.
What do set codes like cs4.5C and CBB4C mean?
Each Chinese set has a code ending in C for Chinese. CSV codes are Scarlet & Violet era sets (for example CSV9C), CS codes are Sword & Shield era (for example cs4.5C, cs6aC), and CBB codes are Gem Packs. A letter marks a sub-set and ".5" marks a special set between main releases. Because Chinese sets have no official English names, the code is the reliable way to identify one. Full explanation in our set codes guide.
Are Chinese Pokémon cards tournament legal?
Usually not. Official tournaments outside China generally require English or local-language cards, so Chinese cards are best for collecting and casual play. Check the event's rules if you're unsure.
What is a jumbo booster box?
Jumbo refers to pack size, not box size. Recent Chinese jumbo boxes such as Stellar Crystal (CSV9C) contain 6 jumbo packs of 20 cards. The format is specific to the Simplified Chinese range. See our jumbo booster box guide.
Where can I learn more about Chinese Pokémon?
Our Chinese Pokémon TCG — Complete UK Guide covers product formats, set codes, authenticity and buying in the UK.
Ordering and delivery
Where do you ship from?
The United Kingdom. We hold our stock in the UK, so UK customers pay no import VAT or customs charges. Current dispatch times are on our shipping page.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes — to all 27 EU member states and the United States. For US orders, import duties are calculated and paid at checkout, so nothing is charged on delivery. Full rates on our shipping page.
How long will my order take?
In-stock orders are dispatched within 1–3 working days. Delivery then takes UK 0–4 working days, EU 4–8 days standard or 3 days premium, US 6–10 days standard or 4 days premium. See our shipping page for full details.
Can I combine items to save on shipping?
Yes, and you should. Our international rates are flat regardless of parcel size, so one larger order costs far less than several small ones.
What are presale items?
Products not yet released. They ship on or after the official release date shown at checkout, and can be cancelled for a full refund at any time before dispatch.
Returns and problems
Can I return an order?
Yes. Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 you have 14 days from receipt to cancel, provided items are unopened with seals intact. Faulty or misdescribed items can be returned within 30 days under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Full terms in our refund policy.
Can I return an opened mystery pack?
No. Once a mystery pack is opened it cannot be returned, except where the guaranteed contents weren't delivered or the contents are faulty. Unopened packs can be returned within 14 days with the seal intact.
What do I get in a mystery pack?
A guaranteed number of authentic hits — 10 for Bronze, 25 for Silver, 50 for Gold, 100 for Black Gold. Cards may be ex, V, VMAX, VSTAR or GX, in English, Chinese or Japanese. You are buying a guaranteed hit count, not any specific card; contents are entirely randomised.
My order arrived damaged. What now?
Email help.celestialvault@outlook.com with your order number and clear photographs of the item and all packaging. Reporting within 48 hours helps us claim against the courier.
What's your email address?
help.celestialvault@outlook.com is our only support email. Treat any message from another address claiming to be Celestial Vault as fraudulent.