Vancouver Bullion & Currency Exchange (VBCE)

I have used various banks and exchange houses for my FX needs and VBCE Burnaby is by far the best in terms of rate and service. VBCE consistently gives me better rates than the banks without hassle. The traders communicate clearly and are responsive to all my inquiries. I recommend VBCE to all my family and friends.

Not the best rates for developing counties. I purchased some currency and they were way off. Scotiabank's rates were actually better by 3.5%. Check around BEFORE you go in. IMO about the same as YVR for lesser known counties.

CAREFUL, RACISM!!! I started going to VBCE 1-3 times a month since last year, fall. Most of the time Melanie exchanges my money. When I would bring money to her she would question me where I get the money from and at the beginning I would tell her that it was my tip money from working at a restaurant, but I didn’t fell comfortable her asking me that. I didn’t try to make a big deal out of it. The next time was her again, she asked me if I am sending it anywhere, I said no because I wasn’t. Again I didn’t feel the need of her asking me these questions while the sum of my exchange was not large to be questioned. Nor did seem to be appropriate asking anyone such questions! Melanie is always sarcastic and makes me feel unwelcome and her systematic micro aggressions have been going over the barrier of simple respect. I went to VBCE Metrotown location on Thursday (April 8). My mother was exchanging her money on the other counter and I was waiting for my turn, Melanie called me up. I had only $105 Cad to exchange into Usd. She told me that I come there everyday, I replied no I don’t because I don’t. As she got up and tried to leave to get the money I have had enough of questioning and asked her if anything was wrong and why she always questions me. I asked her if she is doing it because the way I look. I am a person of colour! She replied “Yes, maybe it is to do with your looks”!!!!!! I was very shocked to hear that, she was racially profiling me and questioning me for no legit reason. As my mother interferes and asks Melanie why she always questions me. Melanie replied by saying that an ID must be presented if the person is a regular customer, and that the data will be kept in the computer. I don’t understand, VBCE is not my financial institution and yet they ask me where I get the money from, where I send it and state that I go there everyday! My mom demanded proof of what Melanie was referring to. She pointed at a glass of where there was a notice. When we read the notice, it said that an ID must be presented when $2000 is exchanged, but I was only exchanging $105 cad to usd, that is way lower than $2000. I told Melanie that she was racist and was discriminating me! I told her that she has to filter out her words before saying them. As I left VBCE without exchanging my money, I figured out that an action must be taken. My mother told me that she never gets questioned or asked for an ID, or sarcastically talked to. She is white-passing and in her 40s. While I am a visible person of colour who is young, I believe that Melanie thought that it was acceptable to racially profile me and at times be ageist towards me. Friday, April 9, I called the headquarters and talked to a male (don’t remember his name). He said that he knows Melanie, and also that she is Asian. He was trying to say that one person of colour can’t racially discriminate another person of color. Racism can happen to anyone, it doesn’t matter if we both are Asians! He said that VBCE is a diverse company. Well being diverse doesn’t mean that the workers are educated enough about racism, and maybe that is due to not having a “Racism Policy” in their company. I advise you to get one, so your workers will know their limits of expression. I came to a bank to be served properly, I didn’t go there to be discriminated. He didn’t tell me that he will get back to me and tell me what he has done in order to solve the conflict, but was gaslighting my words by saying that maybe a tone Melanie chose was a misunderstanding. Does tone change the meaning of saying “yes, maybe it does have something do to with your looks” ? I don’t think so. I demand an apology from Melanie. As I was discriminated in VBCE and now I have to go somewhere else to exchange my money. I might loose money now, as VBCE refused to serve me properly. What happens to other POC people? Will they also face what I did? What happens to a person who is not fluent in English? They might not be able to stand against her!

Called them three times during a drive to get to them before they closed for a special purchase that was very important. I offered to prepay, to do any and all information over phone to make transaction smooth. They were more concerned about closing and them getting out of work on time then taking care of a client with a large purchase. Arrived one minute after closing time and was met with indifference and unconcerned attitude about my time, my patronage or satisfaction at all. I would not recommend and will find another place to do all my transactions in the future.

I first started using VBCE 3 years ago as they had the best FX rate for my reoccurring contractor fee's. Rate is still the best I can find, the transfers are done quickly and any time I've called in their team has been prompt and professional in responding to my questions. I've recommended several friends to VBCE as well and they've all been equally impressed with the service. Great option for FX of funds!

Good place, but not the best rates. Lately, and for awhile now, their rates are being bested by Columbia Exchange.

Have used VBCE for more than 20 yrs- Fabulous service (from Gerald in particular) & best avail exchange rates. Only issue is long waits on the ph line- unavoidable result of a popular service I think

I have used VBCE for a handful of personal transactions. Normally I am satisfied with level of service. More recently, I had an experience that left me surprised though. I showed up with two $50 US bills hoping to get one hundred $1 US bills for a vacation. The clerk told me that VBCE does not swap-out currency denominations. All I wanted was to get different US bills but that could not be done. I don't blame the employee but this is a silly policy. A currency company that won't trade cash denominations??? I was flabbergasted. 4 stars out of 5.