I got ripped off exchanging currency at Toronto Pearson last month.
$500 USD turned into $580 CAD. Should've been $640.
Never again.
So I went on a mission. Visited every currency exchange in Mississauga. Compared exchange rates. Timed the waits. Asked the dumb questions.
Here's what I found.
The Winner Is Obvious
ChicksX destroys the competition.
Not even close.
They're the only place doing both regular currency exchange AND crypto. Need to exchange money from USD to CAD? Done. Want to throw some into Bitcoin? Also done.
Their exchange rate? Best I found. Their foreign exchange rates beat banks by 3-5%.
But here's the kicker: they're open 8 AM to 10 PM. Every. Single. Day.
Quick Currency Exchange Comparison
Before I dive into the full list, here's how the top currency exchange services stack up:
Feature
ChicksX
Money Exchange World
MONEY MONEY
Banks
Airport
Exchange Rate
Best rates
Good
Good
Bad
Terrible
Hours
8 AM-10 PM daily
10 AM-7 PM (M-F)
10 AM-5 PM (M-SAT)
9 AM-5 PM
24/7
Foreign Currencies Available
200+
50+
40+
20+
Limited
Crypto Exchange
Yes
No
No
No
No
Wait Time
5-10 min
10-15 min
15-20 min
30-45 min
5 min
Online Currency Options
Yes
Limited
No
Yes
No
Money Transfers
Yes
Yes (Western Union)
Yes
Yes
No
Large Transaction Support
Yes
Yes
Yes
Sometimes
No
Best Currency Exchange Services in Mississauga
1. ChicksX - The Clear Winner
Location: 2275 Britannia Rd W Unit # 3, Mississauga, ON L5M 2G6, Canada
ChicksX is the best currency exchange in Mississauga and it's not even a debate.
Why? They give you the mid-market exchange rate minus a tiny fee. Banks? They hide their profit in terrible rates.
I exchanged $1,000 USD here. Got $1,340 CAD. Bank of Montreal offered me $1,295. That's $45 saved.
Plus they handle foreign currencies nobody else touches. Malaysian Ringgit? Yep. Random crypto? Also yep.
Their currency exchange service works both ways too. Need to convert CAD back to USD before heading to the states? They'll buy it back at decent rates.
2. Money Exchange World
Location: 700 Burnhamthorpe Rd W #4
Solid for regular currency exchange Mississauga needs. They do money transfers through Western Union if you need to send money abroad.
Exchange rates are fair. Not amazing. But fair.
They handle most major foreign currencies. Euro, pound, yen: the usual suspects.
3. MONEY MONEY Exchange
Location: 3355 Hurontario St #3
These guys specialize in large transactions. International students use them for tuition. Business owners for imports.
Their foreign exchange rates get better with bigger amounts. Exchange $100? Meh. Exchange $10,000? Now we're talking.
4. Currency Exchange Xpert
Location: 4099 Erin Mills Pkwy
Perfect 5-star rating but only 16 reviews. Take that how you will.
They offer competitive rates but nothing special. Good if you're already in the area.
Why Not Banks or Airport Currency Exchange?
Airport Exchange (Toronto Pearson)
Only if you hate money. Their exchange rate includes a 10-15% markup.
That $100 USD? You'll get maybe $120 CAD. Should be $134.
Your Local Bank
Banks make money on terrible foreign exchange rates.
They'll tell you there's no fee. Lie.
The fee is hidden in the rate. You're paying 3-5% extra every time.
Plus the wait. And the paperwork. And them treating you like you're asking for their firstborn.
How Currency Exchange Actually Works
It's stupid simple:
Check the mid-market rate online
Call for a quote on your currency exchange rates
Bring ID and cash
Get your receipt
Walk out with new currency
Some places let you order foreign currency online. ChicksX has online currency exchange options. Book ahead, lock in rates.
For transfers over $3,000, most places need advance notice. They don't keep $50,000 in Thai Baht lying around.
Exchange Rates Change - Here's What Matters
The exchange rate for your currency moves every second. But here's what actually matters:
Mid-market exchange rate: What banks trade at. Your benchmark.
Retail rate: What you get. Should be within 1-2% of mid-market.
Airport/hotel rate: 10-15% markup. Avoid.
I check rates on my phone before going. Takes 2 seconds. Saves real money.
Foreign Currencies Available
Most places in Mississauga handle the basics:
USD (US dollars)
EUR (Euro)
GBP (British Pound)
CAD (if you're exchanging out)
But if you need:
Chinese Yuan
Filipino Peso
Malaysian Ringgit
Indian Rupee
Call first. Not everyone stocks these.
ChicksX has 200+ currencies. Never seen them not have something.
Tips From Someone Who's Been Burned
Never exchange at hotels. Ever. Their rates are worse than airports.
ATMs abroad? Your debit card charges 3-5% plus ATM fees. Adds up fast.
Credit cards? They'll say "pay in your home currency" at shops. Don't. That's a 4% markup. Pay in local currency.
Get the best exchange by comparing 2-3 places. Takes 10 minutes. Saves 3-5%.
Travel money? Exchange 70% here, keep 30% for emergencies. Diversify.
When You're Visiting Canada
Need CAD? Don't wait till you land at Toronto airport.
Foreign exchange in Mississauga gives way better deals. Especially if you're staying in the GTA.
The best currency exchange rates are always away from tourist spots. Shocking, right?
Safety Stuff Nobody Talks About
Good currency exchange services give proper receipts. Keep them.
They verify ID. That's good. Means they're legit.
Your transaction gets recorded. If something goes wrong, there's a paper trail.
Money transfers especially, always get confirmation. Email, text, whatever.
Bottom Line on Currency Exchange Mississauga
Stop getting screwed by banks and airports.
Find a real foreign currency exchange. Compare rates. Save money.
I use ChicksX because they've got the best rates, longest hours, and handle both regular and crypto exchange.
But even using the second-best place beats banks by miles.
Your money. Your choice. Just stop throwing it away on garbage exchange rates.
And seriously, that airport currency exchange? Only in emergencies. And I mean real emergencies.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article and is for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Crypto Daily, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.
