Travel Money – What to Do With Leftover Foreign Currency
Managing Leftover Travel Money: A Common Dilemma
At the end of a trip, many travelers find themselves with a small but frustrating amount of leftover foreign currency—a mix of notes and coins that often seem too little to exchange yet too valuable to throw away. Whether it’s leftover euros, foreign coins, or a collection of outdated banknotes, figuring out what to do with leftover foreign currency can be a challenge. Here’s a comprehensive guide to handling leftover travel money efficiently.
Exchanging Leftover Foreign Currency
One of the most straightforward options is to exchange your leftover foreign currency before leaving the country. Here’s how:
✔ Exchange at the Airport – Many currency exchange kiosks offer last-minute foreign currency exchange, though rates may not always be the best. ✔ Bank and Exchange Offices – Some banks accept small amounts of foreign currency, particularly major currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP. ✔ Currency Exchange Apps – Services like Revolut and Wise allow travelers to exchange currency digitally, avoiding high fees. ✔ Foreign Currency Exchange Services – Some companies specialize in exchanging foreign banknotes but may not accept coins.
What to Do With Leftover Euros and Other Common Currencies
If you have leftover euros, British pounds, or US dollars, keep them for future trips. These major currencies are widely used, making them valuable for travel. Alternatively:
✔ Use for Duty-Free Shopping – Most international airports allow purchases in various currencies. ✔ Pay Hotel or Restaurant Bills – Some businesses near airports accept major foreign currencies. ✔ Save for Future Trips – If you frequently visit Europe, holding onto leftover euros is a smart move. ✔ Deposit into a Multi-Currency Account – Services like PayPal, Wise, and Revolut allow users to store multiple currencies.
What to Do With Foreign Coins
Foreign coins are often difficult to exchange. However, there are still ways to use them:
✔ Donate to Charity Boxes – Some airports have donation boxes for leftover foreign coins. ✔ Give to Future Travelers – Friends and family heading to the same destination can use your spare change. ✔ Keep for Souvenirs or Collections – Many travelers collect foreign currency as a keepsake. ✔ Use for Public Transport – If you have coins before departure, spend them on bus or metro tickets. ✔ Check If Your Home Bank Accepts Coins – Some banks may accept foreign coins as a deposit.
Spending Leftover Travel Money Before Departure
Instead of letting leftover foreign currency go to waste, consider these ideas:
✔ Buy Airport Snacks and Drinks – Many travelers use their last travel money on coffee, snacks, or meals before a flight. ✔ Purchase Last-Minute Gifts – Airports often have small souvenirs perfect for using up remaining cash. ✔ Stock Up on Essentials – Buy toiletries, travel accessories, or books that you’ll use later. ✔ Tip Hotel or Transport Staff – If you’re leaving a country, tipping in local currency is appreciated. ✔ Pay for Airport Services – Use leftover foreign currency for luggage carts, Wi-Fi, or charging stations.
What to Do With Old or Outdated Foreign Currency
Some travelers unknowingly hold onto old foreign currency that is no longer in circulation. Here’s what you can do:
✔ Exchange at a Central Bank – Some national banks accept old banknotes for a limited period. ✔ Donate to Charity – Organizations like UNICEF’s Change for Good accept foreign currency donations. ✔ Sell to Collectors – Some outdated banknotes are valuable to collectors. ✔ Use for Crafts or Decoration – Turn old foreign currency into creative keepsakes. ✔ Keep as a Travel Souvenir – Many travelers frame or scrapbook old foreign banknotes.
Best Travel Money Tips to Avoid Leftover Currency
Prevent the hassle of having leftover travel money by following these travel money tips:
✔ Use a Multi-Currency Debit Card – Services like Revolut, Wise, and Monzo allow digital transactions in multiple currencies. ✔ Withdraw Only What You Need – Estimate costs and withdraw smaller amounts of cash. ✔ Check If Your Destination Is Cashless – Some countries, like Sweden, rely more on card payments. ✔ Monitor Exchange Rates – Get the best foreign currency exchange rates by keeping an eye on daily fluctuations. ✔ Spend Coins First – Since foreign coins are harder to exchange, use them before leaving. ✔ Use Contactless Payments – Many places accept Google Pay or Apple Pay, reducing reliance on cash.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Leftover Travel Money
Whether you have leftover euros, small foreign coins, or old banknotes, there are many ways to make the most of your travel money. From exchanging foreign money to spending it wisely at the airport, these strategies ensure you never waste valuable currency. If all else fails, donating to charity boxes or saving for future trips can turn leftover foreign currency into something useful!
Next time you travel, use these travel money hacks to manage your foreign currency exchange more effectively and make every cent count!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best way to exchange leftover foreign currency?
The best places to exchange currency include airport kiosks, banks, and online exchange services. However, rates vary, and some foreign currency exchange services don’t accept small denominations or foreign coins.
2. What to do with leftover euros and other common currencies?
Leftover euros, dollars, or pounds can be saved for future travel, spent at duty-free shops, or deposited into a multi-currency account via services like Revolut or Wise.
3. Can I exchange foreign coins at the bank?
Most banks do not accept foreign coins, but some currency exchange kiosks at airports do. Another option is to donate them to charity boxes or use them for public transport before leaving the country.
4. What should I do with outdated or old foreign currency?
If you have old foreign currency, check if the country’s central bank still exchanges it. Alternatively, you can donate it, sell it to collectors, or keep it as a souvenir.
5. Are there digital options for exchanging leftover travel money?
Yes! Services like PayPal, Revolut, and Wise allow for international money exchange, converting foreign currency into digital balances that can be used for future purchases.
6. How can I avoid having leftover foreign currency in the future?
Use travel money hacks like withdrawing only what you need, using a multi-currency debit card, and spending small foreign coins on transport or snacks before departure.
7. Can I donate leftover travel money?
Yes! Many airports have charity boxes where you can donate foreign currency, including coins. Some organizations, like UNICEF’s Change for Good, also accept donations of leftover travel money.
