Currency Exchange at Montreal Airport

Montreal Airport

The Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), more popularly Montreal-Trudeau, is Montreal’s premier international airport just 20 km west of Downtown Montreal. The airport is reputedly one of Canada’s finest, winning the Best Airport Staff Service category award in North America by SKYTRAX 2023 World Airport awards, along with fifth place in the Overall Best Airports in North America category.

The airport’s increasing popularity has also led to a steep explosion in passenger numbers, with the airport witnessing three times the passengers (15.97 million visitors) in 2022 compared to 2021 and over 21.2 million passengers in 2023. The meteoric rise in traffic has been attributed to strong travel demands following the recovery from pandemic restrictions.

This growing number of passengers has reintroduced passenger amenities into the limelight, including the Currency exchange facilities- a must for international travellers.

Currency Exchange at the Montreal Airport

Montreal-Trudeau has seven International Currency Exchange (ICE) exchange offices. They can be found in the following locations:

• Public area - Arrival Level
• Public area - Public Zone
• Restricted area - Canada - Gate 47
• Restricted area - Canada - Gate 49
• Restricted area - International - Gate 53
• Restricted area - International - Luggage Zone
• Restricted area - United States - Gate 76

These offices cater to all your currency exchange needs, with over 25 international currencies available and “Click & Collect” services that allow passengers to book a currency online and pick up their orders at their offices in Montreal-Trudeau.

The Convenience of Airport Currency Exchanges

Currency exchange services in airports elevate passenger experience and convenience, allowing access to foreign currencies right off the bat. For international visitors, it means having Canadian currency and being able to spend it on services without visiting a bank. A summary of the advantages of currency exchanges in airports are:

• Convenience: Airport currency exchange services are convenient for travellers who need to exchange money quickly upon arrival or departure. They are readily available within airport terminals, saving travellers the hassle of searching for exchange offices elsewhere.
• Immediate Access: Travelers can access currency exchange services immediately upon arrival at the airport, ensuring they have local currency on hand for transportation, meals, and other immediate expenses.
• Familiarity: Many travellers are familiar with airport currency exchange services and may feel more comfortable using them, especially if they are in a foreign country where they are unfamiliar with other exchange options.
• Emergency Option: In case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, airport currency exchange services provide a reliable option for travellers to obtain local currency quickly, even outside regular banking hours.
• Peace of Mind: Using airport exchange services can provide peace of mind for travellers who prefer to have local currency in hand before leaving the airport, eliminating concerns about finding an exchange office or ATM in an unfamiliar location.
• Accessibility for Non-Residents: Airport currency exchange services are accessible to residents and non-residents alike, making them a convenient option for international travellers who may not have access to local banking services.
• Multicurrency Support: Many airport exchange services offer a wide range of currencies, allowing travellers to exchange multiple currencies in one location, which can be advantageous for those visiting multiple countries during their trip.

Remitbee, an Alternative Currency Exchange Platform for Passengers

Despite the convenience, currency exchange services in airports also come with their own downsides, mostly related to the higher fees and less favourable exchange rates, issues that are hard to address given the lack of competition and the lack of alternatives for passengers- until now. The increasing proliferation of the internet and online services has given rise to platforms like Remitbee that address the currency exchange needs of travellers.

The platform places currency exchanges at your fingertips, along with money transfers to more than 40 countries, including Canada, Sri Lanka and India.

The platform has been growing in popularity owing to its economical and efficient handling of currency exchange, providing:

• Unparalleled Convenience and Accessibility: where users can initiate exchanges and transactions anytime, anywhere, using their computers, smartphones, or other internet-enabled devices.
• Speed and Efficiency: Transactions are completed within seconds or minutes, allowing for quick settlements of exchanges, bills, purchases, or remittances.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Remitbee offers some of the most competitive rates in the market in 2024, something not available with your airport currency exchange.
• Cross-Border Transactions: Remitbee allows individuals and businesses to send and receive funds internationally. This is particularly beneficial for expatriates, freelancers, international businesses, and temporary workers who need to transfer money across different countries efficiently and cost-effectively.