No matter how well you plan and budget for an overseas trip, you may still end up with some extra foreign cash at the end of your vacation. And since you can’t spend that currency back home in the United States, you’ll need to come up with an alternative plan for all those foreign coins and bills now burning a hole in your pocket.
Sure, those bills may be pretty (have you seen the Australian dollar?), but it won’t do you any good hanging as art on the wall. And you don’t want to miss out on having that money to save or spend at home.
Instead of letting it go to waste, here are a few things you might do with that leftover foreign change once your trip is done and your regular life sets in again.
What to Do with Extra Foreign Currency
Using It to Pay Part of Your Hotel Bill on Vacation
There’s nothing quite so annoying as arriving at your gate with five minutes until boarding, only to realize you’ve still got about $80 worth of Moroccan dirham or Turkish lira left in your wallet.
One way to avoid this scenario is to try and use your foreign cash to cover costs while you’re still abroad. A helpful tip is to switch to cash spending near the end of your trip. Then, if you have leftover currency on your last day, see if you can use it to cover some of your hotel bill. Sometimes hotels will let you split your bill up, so that you can pay some of it in cash and put the rest on a credit card. Just be sure to leave some currency in your wallet for your cab ride to the airport and tips.
Shopping Duty Free
If you have a fair chunk of foreign currency leftover, consider making a stop at the Duty Free stores upon departure. This can be a good strategy if you are buying something you’d use ordinarily, like your favorite perfume or liquor, or if you’re still looking to buy a souvenir from the destination.
However, some countries, especially those that are sensitive to inflation, don’t accept foreign currency (except for euros and dollars) at Duty Free, so double-check that your change is eligible before you show up at the register with a cart full of goods.
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Donating to Charity
Thanks to UNICEF’s Change For Good initiative , you may not have to exchange a dime. This program involves a partnership with several international airlines to help passengers donate their excess change.
On these flights, passengers receive envelopes in which they can donate their leftover foreign currency. If you’re not flying with a partner airline and still want to donate, you can mail your change to the organization.
Some airports have similar initiatives and programs that raise money for different charities around the world — all you need to do is find the box or envelope and stuff it full of your extra change. It’s a great way to do good and not let that spare money go to waste.
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Exchanging It
Although exchanging physical money comes with a fee, this can be one way to recoup your cash if you aren’t planning on visiting the country again anytime soon.
In a pinch, you can exchange foreign currency at the airport (abroad or at home), but you likely won’t get the best exchange rate. A better option is to visit your U.S. bank to see if they will exchange your foreign cash (or, if possible, deposit it directly into your account). Banks typically offer better rates than the exchange kiosks you find in airports.
If you used a currency exchange service to exchange your U.S dollars into a foreign currency, see if they offer a “buyback” program. Some services allow you to sell back your unused foreign currency for a better rate or lower fees than you can get elsewhere.
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Saving It for Another Time
If you know you’ll be visiting again, why not store your extra foreign currency with your passport? Not only will you be able to keep the money, but you’ll save yourself a trip to the ATM upon arrival at your destination.
This can be one of the easiest solutions to the “what to do with leftover foreign coins” problem. And it might encourage you to start planning your return visit and growing your travel fund.
Gifting It
If you’re wondering what to do with foreign coins, know that they can be a fun gift to a child or currency collector in your life. It can be an opportunity to teach kids about both the world at large and about money. Bonus points if they are from a country with a cool design on their currency — like the Egyptian pound with pharaoh Tutankhamun.
Any leftover foreign coins or bills can also be a thoughtful gift for friends or family members who are traveling to the same spot. This can make an especially nice wedding gift for friends heading out on a honeymoon.
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The Takeaway
If you wind up with excess foreign currency at the end of a trip, you have a few options. You might save it for later, donate it to a charity, exchange it, or gift it to a friend. Depending on how much money you have, when (if at all) you plan on returning to your destination, and how much you’re willing to pay in fees, there’s an option that will likely be the right choice for you.
FAQ
Where can I donate leftover foreign currency?
UNICEF’s Change for Good program accepts donations on a number of international airlines. Leftover change may also be mailed to this program. You may also see other opportunities to donate currency at airports, benefiting various charities, as well.
Can I exchange my foreign currency at a bank?
If you’re looking to exchange foreign coins and bills, it’s worth visiting or calling your bank. Many banks offer to exchange currency for their clients. However, some will only do so for a limited number of currencies. A fee is usually involved, but it is likely to be lower than what you will pay at an airport currency exchange kiosk.
What is the meaning of leftover currency?
Leftover currency is typically foreign money that you have at the end of a trip. Before or after you return home, you can exchange it to U.S. dollars. Other options include saving it for a future trip, donating it, or gifting it.
Is leftover currency legitimate?
Leftover currency is legal tender in the country you have traveled to, but when you return home, it will not be usable. Therefore, it may be wise to exchange it or donate it.
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