Lois Larson
If you're travelling via Calgary Airport and are looking to exchange currency, you may want to be cautious. While currency exchange services at the airport are convenient, they may not offer the best value for money. Exchange services at the airport tend to charge higher fees and may not offer the best exchange rates. However, if you are looking to exchange currency at Calgary Airport, Travelex is the sole provider of currency exchange services. They have a kiosk in Concourse D, International Departures. It is recommended that you research the exchange rates in advance and consider ordering currency for collection. Alternatively, you could opt for a travel money card, such as the Wise Multi-Currency Card, which can be ordered online or through an app, topped up, and used for spending and withdrawals overseas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency exchange available | Yes |
| Provider | Travelex |
| Location | Concourse D, International Departures |
| Exchange rate | Not published |
| Fees | High |
| Online ordering | Available |
| Currency collection | Available |
| Exotic currencies | Contact Travelex in advance |
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What You'll Learn
Currency exchange services at Calgary Airport
If you're travelling overseas, you may want to exchange some money at Calgary Airport. However, you should be aware that airport currency exchanges are often a rip-off, with higher exchange rates and fees than other options.
At Calgary Airport, all currency exchange is provided by Travelex, which has a kiosk in Concourse D, International Departures. You can get an idea of the exchange rates available online and may be able to order currency for collection. If you don't have time to arrange this in advance, you can usually buy common currencies by simply turning up at the kiosk. However, if you need a less common currency, it's a good idea to talk to Travelex before you go to the airport.
To get a better deal on your currency exchange, it's recommended that you find an exchange office in Calgary before you leave. There are plenty of choices downtown, including branches of RBC. If you've left it too late for that, you might still get a better rate by withdrawing money from an ATM at your destination. Just make sure you avoid DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) by choosing to pay in the local currency, so your home bank will do the currency conversion, rather than the ATM.
Another option is to get a travel money card, such as the Wise Multi-Currency Card or the Cash Passport, which you can order online and top up remotely, then use for spending and withdrawals while you're away.
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Better exchange rates elsewhere
Currency exchange services at the airport tend to be expensive. They are aware that customers have limited options, so they can increase their costs. While you may not see any fees displayed, there are likely to be charges included in the exchange rate.
You can avoid these high costs by planning ahead. If you have time, you can exchange your currency in Calgary before you leave. There are plenty of choices downtown, including branches of RBC. If you are exchanging a higher value amount or a less common currency, it is a good idea to call ahead and make sure the branch has what you need.
You can also order your travel money online and either have the cash delivered to your home or collect it at a branch or the airport. Online orders often get a better rate than exchanging in-store.
Another option is to get a travel money card, such as the Wise Multi-Currency Card or the Canada Post Cash Passport. These cards allow you to order a card online or in an app, top up remotely, and spend or make withdrawals overseas easily. They often offer better exchange rates and lower overall costs compared to switching currency at the airport or in a physical location.
If you do need to exchange currency at the airport, it is worth checking the exchange rates available online first. You may be able to order currency for collection at a better rate.
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Online alternatives
There are several online alternatives to exchanging currency at Calgary Airport. These include:
- Using an online platform such as Wise, which allows you to instantly convert currencies using just your phone.
- Ordering a travel money card, such as the Wise Multi-Currency Card, which can be ordered online or via an app, topped up remotely, and used for spending and withdrawals overseas.
- Using a bank's online platform to order foreign currency, such as Bank of America's online banking or mobile banking app.
- Using a service like ICE Canada, which offers exclusive rates for online orders for collection at Calgary Airport.
- Using a currency converter like OANDA, which provides free access to the latest foreign exchange average bid/ask rates and allows you to convert all major world currencies.
- Using Xe's currency data API to get automated currency information and make cross-border payments.
These online alternatives can often provide better exchange rates and lower fees compared to exchanging currency at the airport. It is recommended to shop around and compare different options before making a decision.
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ATM withdrawals
If you are looking to withdraw money from an ATM at Calgary Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, be aware that ATMs at the airport may charge a high fee for withdrawals, so you may want to consider using an ATM outside of the airport instead.
When using an ATM in a foreign country, such as at your destination airport, you may be asked if you prefer to pay in your home currency or the local currency. In this case, it is generally recommended to choose the local currency to avoid unfavourable exchange rates. By selecting the local currency, your home bank will handle the currency conversion, which will likely result in a better exchange rate than if the ATM performs the conversion.
Additionally, consider using a travel money card, which can be ordered online or through a mobile app. These cards can be topped up remotely and used for spending and withdrawals while travelling. They often offer better exchange rates and lower overall costs compared to traditional currency exchange services at the airport or other physical locations.
If you need to exchange currency, it is generally recommended to do so before arriving at the airport, as exchange rates at airports tend to be less favourable. You can explore options such as banks or currency exchange offices in downtown Calgary, which may offer better rates. Alternatively, you can consider ordering currency online and having it delivered or collected at a branch or the airport, depending on the provider.
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Currency exchange stores
It is generally recommended to explore other options, such as exchanging currency at branches in downtown Calgary, like RBC, before arriving at the airport. This allows for better rates and avoids the risk of paying higher fees. Additionally, withdrawing money from a local ATM in your destination country can be a more cost-effective solution, as it will provide the exchange rate set by your card network.
For those who prefer to have local currency in hand before travelling, ordering currency online for delivery or pickup at a branch or airport is an option. Services like Wise and Cash Passport offer travel money cards that can be ordered and topped up online, providing convenience and often better exchange rates than physical currency exchange shops.
When deciding where to exchange currency, it is essential to compare different options, including banks, currency exchange shops, and online platforms, to find the most favourable rates and lowest fees.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is a currency exchange at Calgary Airport provided by Travelex, which has a kiosk in Concourse D, International Departures.
Exchange rates at the airport are typically not good value. Services at the airport know that customers have few other options, so they can increase their costs. You may not see any fee displayed, but there are likely to be charges rolled into the exchange rate. It is recommended that you check the mid-market rate for your specific currency before exchanging money at the airport.
Yes, you may get a better deal on your currency exchange if you find an exchange office in Calgary before you leave. There are plenty of choices downtown, including branches of RBC. If you've left it too late, you can consider exchanging money at your destination, either at an exchange office or by withdrawing local currency from an ATM.
