If you need Japanese yen in Greater Vancouver, or you came home with leftover yen, you can buy or sell JPY cash in person at FonderX in New Westminster. Bring cash and valid government photo ID, check today's rates before you come, and call ahead if you need a larger amount.
On Wednesday November 4, 2026 at 9:41 AM Pacific, our We Sell rate for yen was 0.0092640 CAD per yen and our We Buy rate was 0.0087200 CAD per yen. Rates change through the day, so the live board always has the current numbers.
What the Japanese yen is and who needs it
The Japanese yen (JPY, symbol ¥) is the currency of Japan. Prices in Japan are written in whole yen, so you will see numbers like ¥800 for lunch or ¥3,000 for a museum ticket. The numbers look big at first, but each yen is worth a little under one Canadian cent.
Yen banknotes come in ¥1,000, ¥5,000 and ¥10,000, and you may occasionally see a ¥2,000 note. Coins run from ¥1 up to ¥500. Japan released new banknote designs in 2024, and the older designs are still legal tender, so do not worry if your notes look different from a friend's.
People in Greater Vancouver who usually need yen include:
- Travellers heading to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido or Okinawa.
- Students and working holiday participants who want some cash for their first days.
- Families visiting relatives in Japan.
- Anyone who came back from a trip with leftover yen and wants Canadian dollars again.
How our We Buy and We Sell rates work for yen
Our rate board shows two numbers for each currency, both in Canadian dollars per one unit of that currency. "We Sell" is what you pay us when you buy yen. "We Buy" is what we pay you when you sell yen back to us.
Because one yen is worth so little, it is easiest to think in blocks of ¥10,000. Here is what that looked like at our rates on Wednesday November 4, 2026 at 9:41 AM Pacific:
| Amount of yen | You buy yen (We Sell 0.0092640) | You sell yen (We Buy 0.0087200) |
|---|---|---|
| ¥10,000 | $92.64 CAD | $87.20 CAD |
| ¥20,000 | $185.28 CAD | $174.40 CAD |
| ¥50,000 | $463.20 CAD | $436.00 CAD |
| ¥100,000 | $926.40 CAD | $872.00 CAD |
To work out your own amount, multiply the number of yen by the rate. For example, ¥30,000 multiplied by 0.0092640 is $277.92 CAD to buy. Going the other way, ¥15,000 multiplied by 0.0087200 is $130.80 CAD when you sell it to us.
These numbers are examples from one moment in time. Rates move through the day, so check today's rates for the current figures before you come in. If you work as a paramedic, firefighter, police officer, 911 dispatcher, nurse, ER doctor or teacher, ask about our Frontline Heroes Rate and bring your work ID.
Buying yen before a trip to Japan
Having some yen in your pocket when you land makes the first day easier. You can pay for a train ticket, a snack or a taxi without hunting for an ATM while you are tired from a long flight.
A few practical tips:
- Ask for a mix of notes. A pile of only ¥10,000 notes can be awkward at small shops, so some ¥1,000 notes help.
- Plan for coins. You will collect a lot of coins in Japan, and a small coin purse is handy.
- Keep your cash split up. Carry what you need for the day and leave the rest somewhere secure.
- Buy a few days before you leave, not the morning of your flight, so there is time to call ahead if you need a larger amount.
If you want help deciding how much to take, our earlier post on how much cash to bring to Japan walks through typical daily spending.
Selling leftover yen when you get home
Many travellers come home with a few thousand yen left over. Instead of leaving it in a drawer, you can sell it to us for Canadian dollars at the We Buy rate shown on the board that day.
We exchange yen banknotes. Coins are generally best spent in Japan before you fly home, for example at a convenience store or a vending machine at the airport. If you are not sure whether we can take something you have, call us first at (778) 759-0400.
If you travel to Japan often, you might prefer to keep some yen for your next trip. That is up to you. We can only tell you what our rates are today, not where they will go.
What to bring and calling ahead for larger amounts
Coming in is simple, but there are two things you must have:
- Cash. FonderX is cash only. We do not take cards, e-transfers or cheques.
- Valid government photo ID, such as a driver's licence or passport.
For larger amounts, please call (778) 759-0400 a day or two before you come so we can confirm the rate and make sure the cash is ready when you arrive. You can also find our hours and directions on the contact and hours page.
FonderX is a FINTRAC-registered money services business (MSB registration N300001076).
Visit FonderX
FonderX Currency Exchange Inc. is at Unit 2, 723 12th Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 4J8, an easy trip from Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey and the rest of Greater Vancouver.
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed Saturday, Sunday and BC statutory holidays.
- Cash only: no cards, e-transfers or cheques.
- Bring valid government photo ID.
- Phone: (778) 759-0400.
Check today's rates before you come, and we will see you at the counter.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy Japanese yen near Vancouver?
FonderX Currency Exchange in New Westminster buys and sells Japanese yen cash in person, Monday to Friday 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Bring cash and valid government photo ID.
Can I sell leftover Japanese yen back for Canadian dollars?
Yes. We buy yen banknotes at the We Buy rate on our board that day. Coins are best spent in Japan before you fly home.
Are the old Japanese yen banknotes still accepted?
Japan introduced new banknote designs in 2024, and the older designs remain legal tender. If you are unsure about a specific note, call us before you come in.
Do I need to call ahead to buy a large amount of yen?
For larger amounts, please call (778) 759-0400 a day or two ahead so we can confirm the rate and have the cash ready.
Can I pay for yen with a debit or credit card?
No. FonderX is cash only, so we do not accept cards, e-transfers or cheques.
