Currency exchange Vancouver: 2025 Guide for Canadian travellers

When you’re planning to travel abroad, getting the best deal on foreign cash is worth your time. In a city like Vancouver, you have plenty of options — from downtown currency bureaux and airport kiosks to bank branches and online platforms. 

This guide walks you through where to exchange your money, what fees to expect, and how to get the best value so you’re ready before departure. For more travel prep tips, you can also explore Holafly’s eSIM plans for staying connected while travelling.

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Quick Picks — Where to change currency in Vancouver

Use this table to compare the main currency exchange Vancouver options at a glance. It highlights which locations are best suited for each, typical costs, and their location.

City-centre currency exchange in Vancouver

One of the advantages of exchanging in downtown Vancouver is competition: you’ll find multiple bureaux within walking distance, allowing you to compare rates and fees in person. If you’re staying or travelling through areas like North Vancouver or West Vancouver, there are local options too — though their spreads are often slightly higher.

Best currency exchange Vancouver downtown locations

If you’re looking for the best currency exchange in Vancouver, here are three standout bureaux, plus local options nearby.

Vancouver Bullion & Currency Exchange (VBCE)

• Address: 120-800 W. Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2V6 
• Phone: (604) 685-1008
• Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday closed

📌 Offers tight spreads and excellent availability in Vancouver’s financial district.

Charlie’s Currency Exchange

• Address: 827 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K7
• Phone: (604) 688-2500
• Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Sunday 12:00–6:00 p.m. 

📌 Convenient for quick exchanges and popular travel currencies.

Gastown Currency Exchange

• Address: 525 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1V5 
• Phone: (604) 647-2274
• Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Sunday closed

📌Known for a wide stock of currencies, including JPY and EUR.

Local options: North & West Vancouver

If you need currency exchange in North Vancouver or currency exchange in West Vancouver, these local bureaux are practical choices:

Vancouver Currency Exchange (North Vancouver)

• Address: 147 16th St W #101, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1T3
• Phone: (778) 251-3333
• Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Saturday 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; Sunday closed

📌 Handy if you’re in North Vancouver and want to avoid downtown travel.

Kingmark Currency Exchange (Canada) Inc. (West Vancouver area)

• Address: 610 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1G1
• Phone: (604) 336-1466
• Hours: Monday–Friday 9:15 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday closed

📌 Practical for those in West Vancouver, offering competitive rates.

Currency exchange in Vancouver airport

If you need cash before or after a flight, currency exchange services in Vancouver airport are easy to find. All kiosks are managed by International Currency Exchange (ICE), with an additional Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) ATM available in the International Terminal.

The main advantage is convenience. ICE operates a total of 11 kiosks across both terminals, including one that’s open 24 hours. You can also pre-order currency online through ICE’s Click & Collect to lock in a better rate ahead of your travel date and pay onsite at the pickup.

However, because all counters are run by one provider, airport rates are less competitive. For larger exchanges, downtown bureaux usually offer better overall rates.

ICE Currency Services at YVR

ICE offers foreign cash, Click & Collect online orders, travel insurance, etc.

• Hours: vary by the location (approx. 6:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; one 24-hour branch)
• Website: ICE Canada – Vancouver Airport

📌 Tip: Order online ahead of your trip to get a better rate and skip line-ups at walk-up counters.

RBC ATM — International Terminal Level 3

Located before security, the RBC ATM offers withdrawals using Visa/Mastercard network rates, usually more transparent than kiosk rates.

Pros: open 24/7, instant cash in CAD or USD.

Watch out for: withdrawal fees and Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) prompts, you can choose “local currency” for better value.

Banks for currency exchange in Vancouver

Most major Canadian banks, including TD Canada Trust, CIBC, and Bank of Montreal (BMO), offer foreign currency exchange at their Vancouver branches. Banks are a reliable choice for travellers who prefer established institutions, especially when exchanging larger sums.

However, their exchange rates are generally less competitive than those of specialized bureaux, and additional conditions often apply. Some banks require you to be an account holder to access currency exchange, and less common currencies may need to be ordered several days in advance. Some branches also limit walk-in transactions or apply service fees for non-customers.

What to prepare before you go?

Here are quick bullets to make your currency-exchange prep efficient:

• Estimate how much foreign currency you’ll need based on your trip length and destination.
• Check today’s mid-market exchange rate (e.g., via the Bank of Canada currency converter) so you have a benchmark.
• Compare 2-3 exchange shops (downtown vs North/West Vancouver) and online options ahead of time.
• Confirm the currency you need is stocked; exotic ones may require pre-ordering.
• Always ask for a detailed breakdown: “Rate + fee = total”. Avoid firms that only say “no fee” but apply a high markup.
• Consider alternatives like a travel credit card (no foreign-transaction fee) or a travel money card.
• Keep your receipt and any unspent cash. Return policies vary, and you may want to convert it back to CAD on return.
• Before departure, buy an international eSIM, like Holafly, so you can access maps and rate checkers on the go.

Stay connected on your trips with Holafly

Need reliable connectivity abroad? Holafly eSIMs work in over 200 destinations and can be installed digitally and instantly before departure, no roaming setup or physical SIM needed. It also offers unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and various plan options from single-destination eSIMs to a monthly eSIM subscription. 

Before you fly, it’s also a good idea to double-check passport and visa requirements for Canadians and review travel resources like the international travel packing checklist or essential items to pack in your travel backpack.

And if you’re already planning your next getaway, browse the best places to travel from Canada for ideas on where to use your new eSIM and freshly exchanged currency.

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