Personal Finance Tips

Your complete guide to ordering foreign currency at Scotiabank

Piyush Singh

07.03.25

Read time 2 minutes

Scotiabank offers foreign currency purchases, but only in-branch, with no option to order online. While this may be convenient for those who prefer a human touch, it can also mean limited availability and unpredictable exchange rates. In this guide, we’ll break down how to order foreign currency from Scotiabank, including the steps involved, fees, and the exchange rates to consider.

We will take a close look at:
How to order foreign currency at a Scotiabank branch Scotiabank’s alternatives to ordering foreign currency Are there any limits on ordering foreign currency from Scotiabank?

How to order foreign currency at a Scotiabank branch

If you need to order foreign currency from Scotiabank, you’ll have to visit a branch in person, as there’s no online ordering option.

Step 1. Find your nearest branch using Scotiabank’s online branch locator.

Step 2. Head to the branch and speak with a Scotiabank customer service representative during business hours.

Step 3. Specify the foreign currency you need and how much.

Step 4. Confirm the exchange rate before finalizing.

Step 5. Pay using your Scotiabank account. The total cost will include the face value of your order plus any applicable foreign exchange and delivery fees.

Service	Details
Number of currencies available	Over 65 currencies¹
Limits	2000 CAD per customer per week²
Exchange rate	Not stated but likely to include a markup over the mid-market rate
Foreign exchange rate	Varies throughout the day
Currency conversion fee	2.5%³
Denominations available	USD, EUR, and AUD in $10, $20, $50, $100 notes (availability may vary)

Step 6. Collect your cash. If the currency is available, you’ll receive it immediately; otherwise, you may need to return to pick it up once your order is fulfilled.

Scotiabank’s alternatives to ordering foreign currency

If you’re looking for ways to manage foreign currency without visiting a Scotiabank branch, several alternative options are available.

Foreign currency accounts

Scotiabank provides foreign currency savings accounts in USD and EUR, allowing customers to hold and transact in these currencies without needing to exchange money each time.

Scotia Euro Savings Account⁵ – Save and transact in EUR with no monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance of €200. It includes two free teller-assisted transactions per month, after which a €1.25 fee applies per transaction.
US Dollar Savings Account⁶ – Save and transact in USD with no monthly fees if you maintain a $200 USD minimum balance. It includes two free debit transactions per month, with additional transactions costing $1.25 USD each.
Scotiabank US Dollar Visa⁷ - For those who frequently purchase in USD, this account offers a convenient payment method without foreign currency conversion fees. Spend directly in USD for a $35 annual fee and an interest-free grace period on purchases.

International ATM withdrawals

Through the Global ATM Alliance⁸, Scotiabank customers can withdraw cash in local currencies at partner bank ATMs in over 40 countries and 44,000 ATMs worldwide without paying additional surcharge fees. While this helps cut costs, standard exchange rates and conversion fees may still apply.

Foreign exchange and currency conversion fees

Scotiabank has a foreign currency conversion fee of 2.5%⁹ on debit and credit card transactions. However, some premium credit cards, such as the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite and Scotiabank Gold American Express, waive this fee, making them a great choice for frequent travellers.

For those who need to send or receive money internationally, Scotiabank also partners with Western Union for global transfers, though fees and exchange rates vary.

Are there any limits on ordering foreign currency from Scotiabank?

Scotiabank imposes a limit of 2,000 CAD¹² per customer per week for foreign currency orders. Availability may vary depending on the branch and the currency requested, so it's best to check in advance. If you need a larger amount, you may have to place multiple orders over time.

Final thoughts on ordering foreign currency from Scotiabank

Scotiabank offers in-branch foreign currency services, making it an option for those who prefer to handle transactions in person and have access to a local branch. However, with limits on orders, potential fees, and no online ordering, it may not be the most convenient choice for everyone.

Sources:

Sources verified on 7 March 2025

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