US/Canadian money exchange

[Ought To Be Cruising]

Does anyone know if you can exchange the USD for Canadian Dollars while at the Vancouver airport??

We will be there three days so I think it would be nice to have canadian currency.

 

[Northern Aurora]

Just find an ATM to retrieve Canadian currency from an account -- but forewarn your bank that you will be doing so.  If you use a credit card with no foreign transaction fee you will most likely find no pressing need for Canadian currency. 

[martincath]

Agree - airports generally, and YVR isn't an exception, offer some of the worst exchange rates you'll find anywhere. If you're the kind of folks who like to spend cash then hit an ATM; if you have a Chip & PIN Visa or Mastercard you'll be able to use it basically anywhere, even food trucks take credit (we have more 'cards only' than 'cash only' restos these days). If it's a couple of bucks here and there for tips where swiping a card just isn't an option, then breaking a US$20 (I'm assuming from your username you're in the US state of New Mexico OP) when buying a coffee at Timmies will get you: a) a very fair exchange rate, and; b) change in CAD.

[Ought To Be Cruising]

Thank you.. I think the airport is out.  We do have a cc with no transaction fees. We will probably just settle for using it.

[rkacruiser]

Check with your local bank with which you have an account.  They may be able to obtain some Canadian currency at a decent exchange rate prior to your departure.  I try not to have to depend on finding an ATM to get foreign currency.  Doing so wastes valuable vacation time and I am reluctant to solely depend upon my foreign transaction free credit card.

[VennDiagram]

On 6/10/2019 at 1:06 PM, martincath said:

If it's a couple of bucks here and there for tips where swiping a card just isn't an option, then breaking a US$20 (I'm assuming from your username you're in the US state of New Mexico OP) when buying a coffee at Timmies will get you: a) a very fair exchange rate, and; b) change in CAD.

 

Good advice!  Please don't use any US bill larger than a $20 though.  Every year, there are merchant warnings about counterfeit US $s, usually $50s and $100s. 

[kaell116]

If you are in Vancouver, I have found Charlie's Currency Exchange had fantastic rates.  No commission charges:

 

https://goo.gl/maps/HKRQbr3ERiqjhnD36