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Best places for currency exchange in Montreal

Find the best currency exchange rates in Montreal in downtown areas, the airport, and banks, with tips to get the most value for your money.

Published: December 19, 2025

Heading abroad or just landed in Montreal? Finding the best currency exchange in Montreal is easier than you think. The city offers plenty of options — from dedicated exchange shops and bank branches to convenient airport kiosks.

This guide shows you where to get the best rates, how to compare options, and tips to get the most value from your money. We’ve also included practical travel advice, like preparing a travel eSIM, so you’re ready for wherever your trip takes you.

Quick picks: Where to change currency in Montreal

Explore your options for the best currency exchange in Montreal in the table below.

PlaceLocation/areaBest for
Globex 2000Downtown Montreal (455 Rue St. Catherine O)No fees or commissions, less common currencies, sell back unused money
Calforex Currency ExchangeDowntown Montreal (1230 Rue Peel St)Open daily, no return fees, easy to reach, reserve currency in advance
ICE – International Currency ExchangeMontreal–Trudeau Airport (YUL)Open long hours, before and after security, online pre-order, international currencies
Major banks (TD, RBC, Scotiabank)City-wide branchesSafe and reliable, good for larger amounts, some allow online ordering

Best currency exchange in Montreal downtown

Downtown Montreal has several currency exchange establishments with rates generally lower than at the airport. Many of them allow reservations, buy-back of unused currency, and provide access to less common currencies.

Below are some top spots to consider. Customers should check branch hours, service fees, and currency availability before visiting.

Globex 2000

  • Address: Quartier des Spectacles, 455 Rue St. Catherine O, Montreal, Quebec H3B 1B1
  • Phone: (514) 933-2555
  • Hours: Monday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

📌 Key advantage: Globex 2000 offers fee- and commission-free exchanges, can procure less common currencies with minimal delay compared to most Canadian banks, and provides a Buy-Back Guarantee that allows unused currency to be sold back at the original purchase rate.

Calforex Currency Exchange

  • Address: 1230 Rue Peel Street, Montreal, Quebec H3B 2T6
  • Phone: (514) 392-9100
  • Hours: Monday–Wednesday 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Thursday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; holidays 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

📌 Key advantage: Calforex Currency Exchange offers no return fees, extended hours seven days a week (including holidays), street-level access with parking, FINTRAC registration, and the option to reserve foreign currency in advance for convenient pickup.

Currency exchange in Montreal airport

For the Montreal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), you can head to or contact International Currency Exchange (ICE) offices, with four main service points throughout the airport:

  • International Departures (Before Security), 2nd Floor: Open every day, 4:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
  • USA Departures (After Security): Open every day, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • International Departures (After Security), Gate 49: Open every day, 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
  • International Arrivals: Open every day, 12:00–10:00 p.m.
  • Phone: (514) 828-0068

Pros of Montreal airport currency exchange:

  • Multiple service points, both before and after security, convenient for departing and arriving passengers.
  • Extended hours across all locations, with some open as early as 4:30 a.m. and as late as 10:00 p.m.
  • Ability to order currency online and pick up at the airport, often securing competitive rates in advance.
  • Access to international currencies, including some less common ones.

Cons of Montreal airport currency exchange:

  • Exchange rates are generally higher than downtown Montreal, meaning you may pay more for the same currency.
  • Limited options for advance buy-back of unused currency compared with some downtown branches.
Currency exchange booth in Montreal airport.
Currency exchange booth in Montreal airport. Source: ICE website

Banks for currency exchange in Montreal

Major Canadian banks, such as TD Canada Trust, RBC Royal Bank, and Scotiabank, offer safe and straightforward currency exchange in Montreal. You can also often handle other banking tasks at the same time, and some banks let you order currency online to pick up in person.

The main benefit of going to banks is security, especially for larger amounts. On the downside, banks usually offer lower rates than specialized exchange offices and may charge transaction fees. Banks are best for travellers who value reliability, but it’s wise to compare rates before exchanging.

What to prepare before you go?

Before you head out for currency exchange in Montreal, a little preparation can help you get the best rates and avoid surprises. Here’s what to do:

  • Check today’s mid-market rate using tools like the Bank of Canada’s currency converter to know the benchmark rate.
  • Compare rates between banks, exchange offices, and airport kiosks to find the most favorable option.
  • Bring identification such as a passport or government-issued ID, as most places require it for transactions.
  • Decide the amount you need to avoid carrying excess cash.
  • Check for fees or commissions so you understand the total cost of the exchange.
  • Consider advance orders if you need less common currencies, as some branches may not have them on hand.
  • Plan your visit around branch hours to avoid closed locations or long waits.

Use your home currency to buy a Holafly eSIM

Stay connected with a Holafly plan for a day trip from Montreal or a long-term journey, and pay in your local currency. Holafly provides unlimited data, 24/7 live chat support, reliable coverage in over 200 destinations, and a flexible refund policy.

Frequent travellers can explore Holafly Plans, a pay-monthly eSIM subscription that includes unlimited data, unlimited hotspot, a local number for SMS, and up to 5G coverage in more than 170 destinations.

Disclaimer: The info in this article is accurate as of December 19, 2025, and is subject to change.

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哈囉我是來自台灣的 Wen,平常最喜歡旅遊,也喜歡將旅遊的種種化成文字跟大家分享,希望大家能在我的文章中找到有用的資訊,加上 Holafly 的 eSIM,讓你的旅程更美好!✈️✈️✈️ Hi! I'm Wen, a passionate content writer and travel enthusiast from Taiwan. I transform my wanderlust adventures into engaging stories and practical guides, helping fellow travelers make the most of their journeys.Through my articles, I strive to provide travel tips while introducing how our eSIM technology can enhance your travel experience - keeping you connected wherever your adventures take you!

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