Exchanging Dollars At Vancouver Airport: Is It Possible?

can i exchange dollars for canadian dollars at vancouver airport

If you're looking to exchange dollars for Canadian dollars at Vancouver Airport, you're in luck. The airport has plenty of currency exchange locations, although they are all run by the same provider, International Currency Exchange (ICE). This means that while you won't struggle to find a place to exchange money, the deals on offer will likely be similar. It's worth noting that airport currency exchange is not usually great value due to limited competition. However, if you need to exchange money at the airport, Vancouver Airport has got you covered.

Characteristics Values
Currency exchange provider at Vancouver Airport International Currency Exchange (ICE)
Number of ICE locations at Vancouver Airport 11
ICE currency exchange locations at Vancouver Airport Domestic - Gate C29 - After Security; Domestic - Level 3 - Before Security; Domestic - Gate B17 - After Security; International - Gate D53 - After Security; International - Level 2 - Before Security; International - Level 2 - After Security; International - Level 3 - Before Security; International - Gate D70 - After Security; US - Gate E90 - After Security; US - Level 3 - Before Security; US - Gate E84 - After Security
ICE currency exchange phone number 1-604-656-1714
ICE currency exchange opening hours 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Daily
Alternative currency exchange options at Vancouver Airport ATM operated by Royal Bank of Canada in the International Terminal on Level 3, before security
Alternative currency exchange options outside Vancouver Airport CIBC branches, Bank of Montreal, Scotiabank
Online currency exchange options Wise, Knightsbridge Foreign Exchange

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Currency exchange locations at Vancouver Airport

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has several currency exchange locations. All foreign currency services at the airport are managed by International Currency Exchange (ICE).

ICE Currency Exchange locations at Vancouver Airport include:

  • Domestic – Gate C29 (after security)
  • Domestic – Level 3 (before security)
  • Domestic – Gate B17 (after security)
  • International – Gate D53 (after security)
  • International – Level 2 (before security)
  • International – Level 2 (after security)
  • International – Level 3 (before security)
  • International – Gate D70 (after security)
  • US – Gate E90 (after security)
  • US – Level 3 (before security)
  • US – Gate E84 (after security)

The ICE Currency Exchange office on Level 3 in the International Departures Terminal (before security) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In addition to currency exchange offices, Vancouver Airport also has an ATM operated by the Royal Bank of Canada in the International Terminal on Level 3 (before security).

Alternative options for exchanging currency

If you are looking for alternatives to exchanging currency at the airport, you may be able to get a better deal by using an ATM at your destination. ATM exchange rates are usually set by the network that issued your card (e.g. Visa or Mastercard) and are generally fair. However, be sure to check your card's terms and conditions before travelling to understand the associated costs.

Another option is to use a service like Wise, which allows you to transfer money to someone you trust with a local bank account at your destination. You can then withdraw the money from fee-free ATMs when you arrive. With Wise, your currency is exchanged at the mid-market exchange rate, which is the most fair rate available.

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Currency exchange rates at the airport

If you're looking to exchange currency at Vancouver Airport, you're in luck—there are plenty of locations to do so. However, it's important to keep in mind that airport currency exchange rates are often not the most competitive due to the lack of alternative options. All foreign currency services at Vancouver Airport are managed by a single provider, International Currency Exchange (ICE).

That being said, if you're in a pinch, Vancouver Airport has 11 ICE locations, including:

  • Level 3, International Departures Terminal, Pre-security
  • Level 2, International & Transborder Arrival Terminal, Pre-security
  • Domestic, Gate C29, After Security
  • International, Gate D53, After Security
  • US, Gate E90, After Security

While the airport may be a convenient option, there are other alternatives to consider that may offer better exchange rates. For example, you could exchange money at a bank branch, such as CIBC or the Bank of Montreal, before or after your trip. Additionally, you could use an ATM at your destination to withdraw local currency, as long as you're mindful of any associated fees.

If you have the time, it's always a good idea to compare exchange rates and fees to ensure you're getting the best deal. By doing some research, you can make an informed decision about where to exchange your currency, whether it's at the airport or through an alternative method.

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Alternative options for exchanging currency

Exchanging currency at the airport is typically not great value due to the lack of competition. Here are some alternative options to exchanging currency at Vancouver Airport:

  • Using an ATM at your destination can be a good way to get your local currency, as long as you’re not hit by high fees from your bank or the ATM provider. Check your card terms and conditions before you travel to find out the costs, and keep an eye on the screen when using an ATM to avoid any extra charges.
  • Using a multi-currency card or account from providers like Wise or Revolut can be a more cost-effective option than exchanging physical currency at an airport. These providers offer conversions at the mid-market exchange rate without any markups or hidden fees.
  • Ordering your foreign currency online for airport collection can often mean you get a better exchange rate compared to an on-the-spot exchange, and you’re guaranteed the exchange office will have the currency needed.
  • If you have friends or family abroad, you can send them money via a provider like Wise, which will always use the mid-market exchange rate, and they can withdraw it in their local currency.
  • If you have time before your trip, you may be able to get a better deal by exchanging currency at a bank or local exchange office.
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Exchanging currency at your destination

If you've arrived at your destination and realised you've forgotten to exchange your money, don't panic. There are several options for exchanging currency when you arrive, and you may even be able to get a better deal than at the airport.

Firstly, you can use an ATM at your destination to withdraw cash in the local currency. This is a convenient option, but be sure to check the fees and exchange rates offered by your bank or card provider before travelling, as these can be high. Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is another potential pitfall to watch out for when using ATMs abroad.

If you'd prefer to exchange cash, you can usually find currency exchange offices in the airport terminal, train stations, or banks in the city. At Vancouver Airport, for example, there are several ICE Currency Exchange locations in both the domestic and international terminals. However, keep in mind that airport currency exchange services often offer poor value due to a lack of competition, so you may want to wait until you're in the city to find a better deal.

In Vancouver, you can visit any CIBC or Bank of Montreal branch to exchange currency, regardless of whether you have an account with them. It's a good idea to check their websites or call ahead to ask about exchange rates and the availability of the currency you need. Scotiabank is another large bank in Canada that you can visit for currency exchange.

Alternatively, if you have friends or family in the country you're visiting, you can use a service like Wise to send them money, which they can then give to you in the local currency. This way, you can take advantage of the mid-market exchange rate, which is typically the fairest rate available.

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Currency exchange at Vancouver train stations

Currency exchange offices are available at Vancouver train stations, where you can exchange USD for CAD. You can check the exchange rate at the train station office or online before you go.

If you are unable to exchange currency at a train station, there are several other options for exchanging currency in Vancouver. You can visit a bank branch, such as Scotiabank, CIBC, or the Bank of Montreal, to exchange your money. Keep in mind that it's a good idea to check if the bank has the currency you need and the exchange rate before visiting.

Additionally, there are private foreign exchange companies, such as VBCE (Vancouver Bullion & Currency Exchange), Gastown Currency Exchange, and Charlie's Currency Exchange, which may offer better rates and fewer lines than banks or train stations. These companies provide competitive rates and convenient services for individuals and businesses.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Canada, so you may not need to carry a large amount of cash. However, it is advisable to have some cash on hand for tipping housekeeping staff, as they may prefer cash or US dollars over card transactions.

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Frequently asked questions

International Currency Exchange (ICE) provides currency exchange services at Vancouver Airport. You can find ICE at several locations throughout the airport, including the International Departures Terminal on Level 3.

Yes, there are a few alternatives. You can exchange money at a bank branch, such as CIBC or the Bank of Montreal, before heading to the airport. Using an ATM at your destination is another option, as long as you're aware of any associated fees.

Exchanging currency at an airport is convenient, especially if you need to get it done quickly. Additionally, Vancouver Airport has many currency exchange locations, making it easy to find a place to change your money.

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