Paypal exchange rate fees -_-

does anyone know anyways i can avoid paying paypals extortionate bullshit exchange rate fees.i have to pay to convert from pounds to dollars then from dollars to RMB and in total on my haul its adds up to around 8% extra im paying , plus i still have to pay agent fees and shipping.(i dont mind paying the agent fees tho because they are actually providing a service.

can anyone from the UK(or anywhere else if you can help) please suggest a secure alternative payment method you use.i need this before sellers stop for Chinese new years and am ordering by Saturday latest.Thanks