Where to Exchange Currency in Vancouver

If you just arrived in Vancouver carrying cash from your home country, do NOT exchange it at the airport. YVR's exchange counters charge 5-8% above market rate. Walk past them, get to your accommodation, and exchange your money the next day at one of these spots.

Best Currency Exchange Shops in Vancouver

Vbce (Vancouver Bullion & Currency Exchange) — 800 W Pender St

This is the gold standard for currency exchange in Vancouver. They consistently offer rates that are 1-2% above what the banks give you. Open Mon-Sat. Located downtown near Granville SkyTrain station. They handle over 60 currencies and post live rates on their website so you can check before going in.

Knightsbridge Foreign Exchange — 1096 Homer St

Another popular option in Yaletown. Their rates are competitive with Vbce. They also do international wire transfers. The staff are friendly and transactions are fast — usually 10-15 minutes.

Happy Currency Exchange — 422 Richards St

Slightly better rates for some Asian currencies (CNY, KRW, JPY). Small shop, cash only, no appointment needed. Check their Google reviews — consistently 4.8+ stars.

Charlie's Currency Exchange — 6551 No. 3 Rd, Richmond

If you're in Richmond, Charlie's inside Aberdeen Centre often beats downtown rates for CNY and HKD. The shop is tiny but efficient.

Banks vs. Exchange Shops: The Real Difference

Let's say you're converting $10,000 USD to CAD. Here's roughly what you'd get (rates fluctuate, but the spread is consistent):

• YVR Airport: ~$13,100 CAD
• Major bank branch: ~$13,400 CAD
• Vbce/Knightsbridge: ~$13,550 CAD
• Wise (online): ~$13,580 CAD

That's a $480 difference between the airport and Vbce. Worth the wait.

Use our currency converter to check today's mid-market rate before you visit any exchange shop.

Online Transfer Services

For larger amounts ($5,000+), online services like Wise, Remitly, or OFX usually beat walk-in shops. Wise charges about 0.4-0.6% and uses the real mid-market rate. The downside: it takes 1-3 business days for the transfer to complete.

Tips to Get the Best Rate

• Exchange on weekdays — shops sometimes widen spreads on weekends
• Bring cash in clean, unfolded bills — some shops reject damaged notes
• For amounts over $10,000 CAD, you'll need to show ID (federal requirement)
• Compare at least 2-3 shops — rates can differ by 0.5% even on the same street

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I exchange money before coming to Canada?

Only enough for a taxi or transit fare from the airport ($20-30 CAD). Exchange the rest in Vancouver where rates are much better than most international airports.

Can I use my foreign debit card at ATMs in Vancouver?

Yes, but you'll pay a foreign transaction fee (usually 2.5-3%) plus the ATM's fee ($3-5). It's fine for small amounts in a pinch, but not for large sums.

Is Wise (TransferWise) safe?

Yes. Wise is regulated in Canada by FINTRAC and licensed as a money services business. Millions of people use it. The exchange rates are transparent and very close to the mid-market rate.

References

[1] TransLink, "Metro Vancouver Transit Information." https://www.translink.ca/

[2] Government of British Columbia, "BC Government Services." https://www2.gov.bc.ca/

[3] Canada Revenue Agency, "Tax Information for Newcomers." https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html

[4] Statistics Canada, "Census Profile, Vancouver CMA, 2021." https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm

Figuring out your finances? Our income tax calculator can help you estimate your take-home pay in Canadian dollars.