Best places to exchange currency in Vancouver

Exploring Vancouver can be an exciting trip, and having cash on hand can make it even easier if you’re visiting from abroad and want to avoid credit card fees. Finding a currency exchange office near your destinations so you can spend more time seeing Stanley Park or the Capilano Suspension Bridge is key, so use our map to find offices all over Vancouver to help make your trip stress-free.

Where can I exchange my money in Vancouver?

1. Charlie’s Currency Exchange

This local favorite is located on Granville St. in the heart of downtown and only accepts cash payments. The upside is that it’s open seven days a week and you won’t end up paying out the nose on any hidden charges from your bank.

2. Vancouver Bullion and Currency Exchange

This company has a few branches in Vancouver, including on Pender and Granville, as well as out in Richmond. Most locations are open for business on weekdays and Saturdays, and you can pay with cash or debit card on site.

3. Happy Currency Exchange

Happy Currency Exchange has three locations in Burnaby, Richmond and Vancouver. Their downtown kiosk is conveniently located on West Broadway, between Cambie and Yukon, and it’s open Monday to Saturday.

Tips for getting the best deal when exchanging money

• Compare your options. Shop online for the best deal before you head to your nearest exchange agent. Don’t be afraid to ask for a price match if you’ve settled on a company but their rates aren’t up to snuff.
• Know the mid-market rate. Use Google or Reuters to see the rate that the banks trade at so you can be sure to find a company offering a decent margin.
• Avoid paying with debit or credit. The world might run on plastic but with foreign currency exchange, you should stick to cash or pay with a bank transfer. Otherwise, you could be dinged for a cash advance, which comes with a hefty 2% to 5% charge on your next bank statement.
• Choose foreign exchange over an ATM. ATMs can end up costing you a bundle in hidden fees and dismal exchange rates. It pays to do your homework and find a decent kiosk to change your money.
• Steer clear of airport vendors. Airport vendors are notorious for ripping off unsuspecting customers. If you know you need cash before you hit the airport, plan ahead by buying currency at home to avoid high prices.

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Name	Product		Filter Values	Fastest Transfer Speed	Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)	Learn More
OFX				24 hours	$0	Go to site View details	OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.		loading Fetching your data...
Dunbridge Financial				24 hours	$0	Go to site View details	Dunbridge Financial offers competitive exchange rates and zero fees on transfers to more than 120 countries.		loading Fetching your data...
CurrencyTransfer				24 hours	$0	SPECIAL OFFER ✓ Minimum transfer of $1,000 for Finder readers (normally £5,000) Go to site View details	Exclusive: Minimum transfer of $1,000 for Finder readers (normally $5,000). CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.		loading Fetching your data...
XE				Within minutes	$3	Go to site View details	XE has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.		loading Fetching your data...
WorldRemit				Within an hour	From $1.99	Go to site View details	WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.		loading Fetching your data...
Wise (TransferWise)				Within an hour	From $2.26	Go to site View details	Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 45+ currencies.		loading Fetching your data...
Instarem				Within an hour	$1	Go to site View details	Exclusive: Use code GET60 and save $30 on each transaction over $200. Valid for the first two transactions and till 31st July 2021. T&Cs apply. Instarem offers zero transfer fees on all transfers.		loading Fetching your data...
Remitly				Within minutes	From $0	SPECIAL OFFER ✓ Free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers Go to site View details	Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers. Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.		loading Fetching your data...
Western Union				Within an hour	From $0	Go to site View details	Western Union sends money online to friends and family in 200+ countries around the world.		loading Fetching your data...
MoneyGram				Within an hour	From $0	Go to site View details	MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.		loading Fetching your data...

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Bottom line

If you’re headed to Vancouver, skip the high fees you’d see at an ATM or airport and plan ahead to get the best rate on foreign currency. And if you simply need to send money to Vancouver, consider using an international money transfer company.

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