Calgary Airport: Money Exchange Availability And Options

Travellers passing through Calgary International Airport (YYC) can access a variety of banking services, including currency exchange. All currency exchange in Calgary Airport is provided by Travelex, which has kiosks in the US Departures area, International Departures, and the Arrivals area. However, it's worth noting that airport currency exchanges are known to have steep fees and unfavourable exchange rates. As such, it is recommended to compare their rates with mid-market rates and consider other options, such as exchanging money at an ATM or in an exchange office outside of the airport.

Currency exchange locations at Calgary Airport

Currency exchange in an airport is convenient but may not be the cheapest option. It is always good to know the current exchange rate before exchanging money at the airport.

Calgary International Airport (YYC) has currency exchange services provided by Travelex. They have a kiosk in the International Departures area in Concourse D, after security, open for all flight departure times (4:00 am to 9:00 pm). They also have an outlet in the US Departures area, open from 4:30 am to 7:30 pm.

There are two Travelex kiosks in the Arrivals area, one in the International Arrivals area open from 9:30 am to 1:00 am, and one in the Domestic Arrivals area open from 8:30 am to 1:00 am.

There are also several ATMs throughout the airport, from banks such as Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank, TD, and CIBC. Some of these dispense US currency and can be found in Concourse C.

If you are looking for alternatives to exchanging money at the airport, you could consider exchanging money at an exchange office in downtown Calgary, or withdrawing money from an ATM in your destination country.

Currency exchange rates at Calgary Airport

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the busiest airport in Alberta and the fourth busiest in Canada. Travellers passing through YYC have access to a variety of banking services, including currency exchange services.

Where to find currency exchange services at YYC

All currency exchange services at YYC are provided by Travelex, with kiosks located in the following areas:

• International Departures (Concourse D, after security)
• Departures USA (Concourse E, US departures area)
• International Arrivals (2 kiosks in the pre-security area)
• Domestic Arrivals (International Plaza, arrivals area)

Currency exchange rates at YYC

Although you can get an idea of the exchange rates offered by Travelex online, it's important to note that they may not offer the mid-market exchange rate, and their rates may include a markup. It's always a good idea to compare the exchange rate you're being offered with the mid-market rate for your currency pair before exchanging currency. Additionally, be sure to ask about any upfront fees or commissions that may be charged, as these can affect the overall cost of your currency exchange.

Alternatives to exchanging currency at YYC

Exchanging currency at the airport may not always be the most cost-effective option. Here are some alternatives to consider:

• Using an ATM: There are several ATMs located throughout YYC that dispense Canadian and US currency. Using an ATM can often provide you with a better exchange rate, especially if you use a card issued by a large global network like Visa or Mastercard. However, be sure to read the fine print on your card to understand any associated charges.
• Exchanging money before arriving at the airport: You may find better exchange rates at exchange offices or banks in downtown Calgary.
• Exchanging money at your destination: If you're unable to exchange money before your trip, you can always visit an exchange office at your destination. Just be sure to bring cash that is in pristine condition, as exchange offices may not accept damaged or marked bills.
• Using a low-cost international transfer service: Services like Wise allow you to send money to a local bank account at your destination and get the mid-market exchange rate with no markup and only a low fee. You can then withdraw money from fee-free ATMs as needed.

Currency exchange fees at Calgary Airport

Currency exchange at the Calgary Airport is provided by Travelex, which has several kiosks and outlets at the airport. While getting foreign currency at the airport is convenient, it may not be the cheapest option. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding currency exchange fees at the Calgary Airport:

Upfront Fee or Commission

Before using any exchange service, it's important to check the fees and charges. Some providers may charge a flat fee or a percentage-based on the amount exchanged. Be aware that some services advertise zero commission or fee-free exchange, but they may roll their fee into the exchange rate, making it harder to see exactly what you're paying.

Exchange Rate

It's essential to compare the exchange rate you're offered with the mid-market rate for your currency pair. Exchange rates fluctuate, but you can find the current mid-market rate through online currency converters or Google. If there's a significant difference between the mid-market rate and the offered rate, it's likely that the provider has added a markup. Banks and currency specialists often use the mid-market rate among themselves but may add a markup when dealing with customers.

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)

When using an ATM at your destination, be cautious about Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). DCC is when the ATM asks if you want to be charged in the local currency or your home currency. It is generally recommended to choose to be charged in the local currency so that your home bank handles the conversion, as they will likely provide a more favourable exchange rate.

Alternatives to Airport Exchange

Exchanging money at the airport may not always be the most cost-effective option. Here are some alternatives:

• Send money to a trusted family member or friend with a local bank account before you leave.
• Use a service like Wise for international money transfers, which offers the mid-market exchange rate and upfront fee disclosure.
• Exchange money at an office in Calgary before leaving or at your destination, potentially finding better rates.
• Withdraw money from ATMs at your destination, especially if you have a card from a large global network like Visa or Mastercard, which usually offer good exchange rates.

In summary, while the Calgary Airport offers convenient currency exchange services through Travelex, it's important to be aware of potential fees and markups. Exploring alternatives and comparing exchange rates can help you make an informed decision and potentially save money on your currency exchange.

Currency exchange alternatives at Calgary Airport

Calgary Airport is the busiest airport in Alberta and the fourth busiest in Canada. If you're travelling via Calgary, you may be wondering about your options for currency exchange.

On-site Currency Exchange

Calgary Airport does have currency exchange services on-site, provided by Travelex. These can be found in several locations throughout the airport, including:

• Departures International in Concourse D
• Departures USA in Concourse E
• Domestic Arrivals
• International Plaza in the Arrivals area

However, it is worth noting that some travellers have reported issues with the exchange rates and fees offered by this service.

ATMs

Calgary Airport has several ATMs located throughout the airport, including in the Arrivals area. The following Canadian banks have ATMs available:

• Bank of Montreal
• Royal Bank
• Toronto Dominion
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

There are also ATMs that dispense US currency in Concourse C.

Off-site Currency Exchange

If you have time before your flight, you may want to consider exchanging currency off-site, as you may be able to find better rates and lower fees. There are plenty of choices in downtown Calgary, including branches of RBC.

Online Transfer Services

Another alternative is to use an online money transfer service such as Wise, which allows you to make international money transfers easily and securely. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, the same rate you can find on Google or sites like XE, and charges low, transparent fees.

Credit Cards and ATMs at Your Destination

If you don't need cash immediately upon arrival, another option is to simply use a credit card upon landing and then withdraw money from an ATM at your destination. Using a card from a large global network like Visa or Mastercard will typically get you a good rate. Just be sure to read the small print on your card to understand any associated charges.

When using an ATM, be aware of Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). If the ATM asks whether you want to be charged in the local currency or your home currency, always choose the local currency to avoid unfavourable exchange rates.

Sending Money to a Trusted Contact

If you are travelling to meet family or friends, you could also send money to their local bank account before you leave and then withdraw it when you arrive. This can be done through a service like Wise, ensuring you get the mid-market rate with no markup and only pay a low fee.

Exchanging Money at Your Destination

Finally, if you've left it too late to organise your travel money in advance, don't panic! You can always exchange money at your destination. Just be sure to bring notes that are in pristine condition, as international exchange offices may refuse to accept damaged or marked bills.

Currency exchange at Calgary Airport kiosks

Calgary Airport is the busiest airport in Alberta and the fourth busiest in Canada. Travellers passing through the airport have access to a variety of banking services, including currency exchange services.

Where to find currency exchange kiosks at Calgary Airport

All currency exchange services at Calgary Airport are provided by Travelex. There are several Travelex kiosks located throughout the airport:

• Travelex Worldwide Money - International Departures: There is a kiosk in Concourse D, International Departures, open from 4:00 am to 9:00 pm.
• Travelex Worldwide Money - Departures USA: There is an outlet in the US departures area, open from 4:30 am to 7:30 pm.
• Travelex Worldwide Money - Arrivals: There are two kiosks in the arrivals area, one in the international arrivals area and one in domestic arrivals. The international arrivals kiosk is open from 9:30 am to 1:00 am, while the domestic arrivals kiosk is open from 8:30 am to 1:00 am.

Exchange rates and fees

It is important to be aware of the exchange rates and fees charged by currency exchange kiosks at the airport. While it is convenient to exchange money at the airport, it may not be the cheapest option. Airport currency exchanges are known to have steep fees and may not offer the best exchange rates. It is recommended to check the exchange rate and compare it to the mid-market rate before exchanging money. Additionally, some providers may advertise zero commission but may roll their fees into the exchange rate, making it difficult to see the true cost of the service.

Alternatives to airport currency exchange

There are several alternatives to exchanging money at the airport. You can use an ATM to withdraw cash in your destination country, which will typically offer a better exchange rate than an airport currency exchange kiosk. You can also transfer money to a trusted family member or friend who has a local bank account, or exchange money at a bank or exchange office in your destination country.

Frequently asked questions