Currency exchange Calgary: Guide for Canadian travellers

If you’re planning an international trip, getting the best deal on foreign currency is an important part of your preparation. In Calgary, you’ll find a mix of options — from downtown currency exchange shops and neighbourhood bureaux to airport kiosks and bank branches.

This guide explains where to exchange money in Calgary and how to get the best value. It also includes practical tips to help you compare rates and prepare before you travel. For more travel planning help, you can also explore resources like Holafly’s travel eSIM and international travel packing list to stay connected as you go.

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Quick Picks — Where to change currency in Calgary

Best currency exchange in Calgary downtown

Downtown Calgary offers a few strong currency exchange bureaux where you can compare rates in person — especially useful if you’re converting a larger sum or need specific currencies. Here are two commonly used options:

Calforex Currency Exchange

• Address: 317 7th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2Y9
• Phone: (403) 290-0330
• Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Sunday 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

📌 Key advantage: Calforex’s downtown branch is well-known for its broad selection of over 50 currencies and the service to reserve cash online. It’s also located in CORE Shopping Centre with easy access via LRT.

Express Forex Services

• Address: 1243 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3C 3R8
• Phone: (403) 261-6994
• Hours: Monday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sunday closed

📌 Key advantage: Express Forex offers a low commission fee and no hidden costs policy, and promises a best-rate guarantee. Their downtown office handles a wide variety of major currencies (USD, EUR, JPY, GBP, etc.) and provides fast, transparent service.

Best currency exchange near Calgary Airport

If you’re heading to Calgary International Airport (YYC) and don’t have time to stop downtown, or simply want better rates than what airport kiosks usually offer, there are a couple of reliable currency exchange options located just a short drive from the terminal. 

Since Calgary’s downtown has limited bureaux, these northeast Calgary shops are convenient alternatives for travellers who live nearby or want competitive rates before flying out.

Prime FX

• Address: 7 Westwinds Crescent NE, Unit 323, Calgary, AB T3J 5H2
• Phone: (403) 293-5455
• Hours: Monday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Sunday closed

📌 Key advantage: Prime FX offers competitive walk-in exchange rates compared to airport kiosks. They also provide a service of securing your rates up to 2 days with a small upfront payment at the branch.

Canadian Union Foreign Exchange Services

• Address: 7 Westwinds Crescent NE, Suite 319, Calgary, AB T3J 5H2
• Phone: (403) 568-7277
• Hours: Monday–Saturday 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Sunday closed

📌 Key advantage: This shop is another traveller-friendly option with transparent rates and currency availability. It also allows you to order currency online without paying a payment first, making the process fast and convenient.

Currency exchange in Calgary airport

If you need cash right before departure, Calgary International Airport (YYC) offers on-site options, though airport rates are usually less competitive than downtown or off-airport bureaux. 

Still, the convenience is helpful for last-minute exchanges, especially for major global currencies. And if you’re travelling to the U.S., you can also check out this helpful guide on travelling from Canada to the US for additional prep tips.

ICE Currency Exchange (3 locations at YYC)

ICE is the primary provider of foreign currency services inside Calgary Airport, offering walk-up service and online pre-orders.

Standout features:

• Reliable access to travel-friendly currencies
• Option to order online and pick up at the airport
• Longer hours compared to many city exchange offices

Banks for currency exchange in Calgary

Most major Canadian banks, including TD Canada Trust, CIBC, Scotiabank, and BMO, offer foreign currency exchange services at their Calgary branches. Banks are a reliable option for travellers who prefer familiar institutions, especially when exchanging larger sums or when they want added security.

However, bank rates are generally less competitive than specialized exchange offices. Many banks apply wider spreads, require you to be an account holder, or limit the currencies available for walk-in service. For anything outside common currencies like USD, EUR, or GBP, you’ll often need to place an advance order and return in a few days for pickup. 

Banks can be a convenient choice if you already have an account and want everything in one place, but for travellers seeking the best value, comparing their rates with downtown or off-airport exchange bureaux is still worth doing before you go.

What to prepare before you go?

Before you exchange any currency in Calgary, a little preparation can help you avoid unnecessary fees and get a better rate. Here are some practical steps to run through as part of your pre-trip planning:

• Know the real exchange rate. Check the day’s mid-market rate using trusted tools like the Bank of Canada currency converter, so you have a baseline before comparing shops.
• Figure out how much cash you actually need. Your destination, trip style, and length will affect how much foreign currency you should bring.
• Compare several exchange options. Look at rates from downtown bureaux, airport-area providers, and online ordering platforms to see which gives the best value. Exchange currency ahead of time is helpful if you’re dealing with a less common currency.
• Check if the currency is in stock. Not every location carries a wide variety of currencies, and some may require a pre-order.
• Ask for a clear cost breakdown. A good exchange office can tell you the exact rate, any fees, and the final amount you’ll receive. Avoid places that promise no fee but compensate with a high markup.
• Consider your cash alternatives. A travel-friendly credit card, prepaid travel money card, or a debit card that allows you to withdraw foreign currency when arriving at your destination can make it easier to manage expenses digitally. 
• Keep receipts and leftover currency. Most bureaux offer some type of buy-back service, which can be useful if you return from your trip with extra bills.

Stay connected on your trips with Holafly

If you’re looking for solutions to stay connected while travelling abroad, consider Holafly. Holafly eSIM coverage supports seamless use in over 200 destinations and can be installed instantly before departure, so you’re connected the moment you land. 

With unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and options ranging from single-country eSIMs to global plans, it’s one of the easiest ways to stay online during your trip.

Before you fly, it’s also a good idea to review essential travel resources, such as passport and visa requirements for Canadians, along with practical checklists like how to pack your travel backpack essentials. And if you’re already thinking ahead, you can browse Holafly’s list of the best places to travel to get inspired for your next adventure.

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