How to Handle Leftover Foreign Currency After a Trip

After the adventure of traveling abroad, you might find yourself with leftover foreign currency. While it may seem like a small problem, figuring out what to do with unused cash or coins can make a difference in how much value you retain from your trip. Tossing it into a drawer and forgetting about it might seem like the easiest solution, but there are plenty of smarter and more practical ways to deal with leftover foreign currency.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best options for handling leftover money after a trip—whether it’s a large amount of cash or a handful of coins—and how to ensure you get the most out of what you brought back.

1. Save It for Your Next Trip

If you plan to return to the same country or region in the future, keeping your leftover currency is one of the easiest options. Having cash on hand for your next trip means you won’t have to exchange money right away, saving you time and potential fees.

Why This Works:

• You avoid the hassle of converting small amounts back to your home currency.
• The money can be used immediately for initial expenses like transportation, tipping, or meals.

Pro Tips:

• Store your foreign currency in a safe place where it won’t get lost.
• Label it clearly, especially if you’re holding onto money from multiple countries.

2. Exchange It Back to Your Home Currency

One of the most straightforward options is to exchange your leftover foreign currency back to U.S. dollars. Many banks, currency exchange services, and even airports allow you to convert foreign cash to your local currency.

How to Get the Best Exchange Rate:

1. Avoid Airport Exchange Counters: These tend to offer the worst rates.
2. Use Your Bank or Credit Union: Many banks offer competitive rates for currency exchange, especially if you’re a customer.
3. Check Fees: Ask about service fees before exchanging your money. If the fees outweigh the amount you’re converting, it may not be worth it.

Pro Tip: Some exchange providers offer a “buy-back guarantee,” which allows you to exchange unused currency at the same rate you purchased it for before your trip.

3. Use Multi-Currency Accounts or Apps

If you frequently travel abroad, opening a multi-currency account might be the most practical way to manage leftover money. Apps like Wise (formerly TransferWise), Revolut, or Payoneer allow you to store foreign currency digitally.

Advantages of Multi-Currency Accounts:

• You can hold multiple currencies in one account, eliminating the need to exchange cash.
• Exchange rates are typically better than what you’d get at a bank or currency exchange counter.
• You can use the funds for online purchases or transfer them to someone else in the same currency.

How It Works:

1. Deposit your leftover currency into the account via cash deposit or transfer.
2. Keep it in the foreign currency until you need it for future travel or expenses.

4. Spend It Before You Leave the Country

Another option is to spend your leftover foreign currency before you head home. This is particularly useful for small amounts that wouldn’t be worth converting back to your home currency.

Ideas for Spending Leftover Money:

• Airport Purchases: Use the cash to buy snacks, souvenirs, or gifts at the airport.
• Pay Down Bills: If you stayed at a hotel, use the cash to settle any remaining balance.
• Prepay for Services: Load money onto transportation cards or pay for attractions you plan to visit on your next trip.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for stores or restaurants that accept foreign coins if you’re trying to use up small denominations.

5. Donate It to Charity

If you’re left with coins or small bills that are difficult to exchange, consider donating the money to charity. Many airports have donation boxes set up for this purpose, supporting local or international causes.

Why This Option Makes Sense:

• It’s an easy way to give back and ensure your money goes to a good cause.
• Coins, which are often difficult to exchange, can still be valuable to charities.

Pro Tip: If you don’t see a donation box at the airport, research charities that accept foreign currency, like UNICEF or the American Red Cross.

6. Gift It to Friends or Family

Do you have a friend or family member planning a trip to the same country? Gift your leftover currency to them—it’s a thoughtful and practical gesture that saves them time and money.

Why This Is a Great Option:

• They’ll appreciate having local currency for their trip.
• You avoid the hassle of exchanging small amounts of money.

Pro Tip: Pair the gift with travel tips or a small souvenir from your trip for an extra touch.

7. Use Currency Exchange Kiosks with Coin Options

Coins are notoriously hard to exchange because many banks and currency exchange services don’t accept them. However, some kiosks, like Travelex or Foreign Exchange Coin Services, allow you to convert coins to gift cards or vouchers.

How It Works:

• Deposit your coins into the kiosk.
• Choose from available gift cards (e.g., Amazon or Starbucks) or cash vouchers.

Pro Tip: These kiosks may charge a small fee, but it’s worth it if you have a lot of foreign coins you can’t use otherwise.

8. Reinvest in Travel with Travel Cards or Apps

Some travel-focused cards and apps, like Revolut or AirAsia’s BIGPay, allow you to top up your travel balance with foreign currency. This is a great way to ensure your leftover money gets reused for future trips.

Benefits:

• Your money stays in the currency you originally used.
• You can spend it on flights, accommodations, or other travel-related expenses.

Pro Tip: Check if the platform supports your specific currency before depositing funds.

9. Exchange It with Fellow Travelers

Traveling with a group or meeting other travelers along the way? Consider trading leftover foreign currency with someone heading to the country you just visited.

Why This Works:

• Both parties benefit from avoiding exchange fees.
• It’s a quick and convenient way to offload unused money.

Pro Tip: Use a currency conversion app to ensure the trade is fair for both parties.

10. Create a Souvenir or Keepsake

If you have coins or bills that are no longer worth converting or using, turn them into a creative keepsake.

Ideas for Keepsakes:

• Frame It: Display a collection of colorful foreign bills and coins as a reminder of your travels.
• DIY Projects: Use coins for craft projects, like creating keychains or magnets.
• Memory Jar: Drop coins and small bills into a travel jar for every trip you take, creating a unique collection over time.

Pro Tip: This is a fun option for those who enjoy travel mementos and don’t mind holding onto small amounts of money.

11. Use It for Online Purchases

Some foreign currencies, like euros or pounds, can be used for online shopping with international retailers. If you frequently shop with global brands, consider using your leftover money to make purchases.

Pro Tip: Be mindful of shipping fees and additional charges when shopping internationally.

12. Trade It at a Currency Exchange App

Certain apps, like Revolut or Cashaa, allow users to trade foreign currency digitally. You can deposit cash into the app and exchange it for a different currency, often at competitive rates.

How It Works:

• Deposit your leftover currency via bank transfer or supported kiosks.
• Exchange it digitally for another currency or withdraw it to your account.

Pro Tip: This option is ideal if you regularly travel to multiple countries and need flexible currency solutions.

Final Thoughts

Leftover foreign currency doesn’t have to sit unused or collect dust in a drawer. Whether you choose to save it for your next trip, exchange it, or repurpose it creatively, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your travel funds.

Quick Recap of Options:

1. Save it for your next trip.
2. Exchange it back to your home currency.
3. Use multi-currency accounts or apps to hold and manage funds.
4. Spend it before leaving the country.
5. Donate to charity at the airport or through global organizations.
6. Gift it to friends or family.
7. Use coin-friendly exchange kiosks.
8. Reinvest it in travel cards or apps.
9. Trade it with fellow travelers.
10. Turn it into a keepsake or souvenir.

By taking a proactive approach to leftover foreign currency, you can maximize its value and even create lasting memories from your travels. Safe travels—and happy budgeting!