Travel often leaves behind small amounts of foreign currency—coins and notes that are inconvenient to exchange yet too good to throw away. Over time, these little piles can grow, tucked away in drawers or travel wallets, serving no real purpose.
The good news is that there are many ways to put them to use, whether for something practical, creative, or charitable. Some ideas might even give those coins a second life beyond their original value.
Here is a list of 16 things to do with leftover foreign currency.
Donate at airport charity boxes
Many large airports have collection points where travelers can drop leftover currency, which is later converted and donated to global charities. Programs like UNICEF’s ‘Change for Good’ accept both coins and notes from different countries, making it easy to contribute.
This option works well for travelers who don’t want to carry small amounts home. While one person’s contribution may be small, combined donations can add up to significant support. It’s a straightforward way to turn unused money into something meaningful.
Keep it for your next visit
If you’re likely to return to the same country, holding onto a small stash makes sense. It saves time and fees when you need cash for quick expenses like taxi fares, bus rides, or snacks. Even a few coins can be useful for vending machines or public restrooms abroad.
Storing it in a labeled envelope ensures you know exactly where it is for your next trip. This approach keeps your travel planning just a little smoother.
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Pass it on to friends or family
If someone you know is traveling to the same destination soon, your leftover bills and coins can be helpful to them. Even a small amount can cover a drink at the airport or a subway ride in the city. Passing it along clears space in your wallet while helping another traveler skip an early currency exchange.
The gesture feels thoughtful and practical at the same time. It’s a simple way to share part of your travel experience with someone else.
Start or add to a collection
Foreign coins and bills often feature unique designs that make them worth keeping. Over time, they can form a personal collection displayed in albums, frames, or decorative jars. Some travelers enjoy pairing currency with photos or souvenirs from the same trip.
This transforms otherwise idle money into a visual memory bank. The sentimental value can far outweigh the actual face value.
Turn them into accessories
Creative hobbyists often use coins to make necklaces, bracelets, or even cufflinks. Certain currencies have distinctive shapes, colors, or patterns that stand out in handmade items. These can serve as conversation pieces while also carrying a personal connection to a place.
The transformation from currency to accessory adds a layer of meaning beyond spending power. It’s a way to keep a piece of your travels with you every day.
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Exchange at bulk coin services
Although most exchange counters refuse small amounts of coins, some companies accept them in bulk for processing. These services collect large quantities from many travelers before sending them for exchange. While you may not receive the full value, you’ll at least recover part of it.
Some banks or travel agencies offer this service on specific dates. A little research can turn a forgotten pile of change into usable cash.
Spend it in duty-free shops
In certain airports, duty-free stores will accept a mix of foreign currencies, especially larger bills. While the exchange rate might not be ideal, it’s an easy way to turn leftover money into snacks, small gifts, or travel essentials. This works well if you have a long layover and time to browse.
It can also be a satisfying way to use up money you might otherwise store away. The key is checking which currencies are accepted before you shop.
Buy postage abroad
In some tourist areas, post offices accept foreign currency for stamps, especially if you’re sending postcards home. Even if your coins cover only part of the cost, they can still be useful alongside local money. This adds a practical element to a nostalgic activity.
It also links your leftover change to a personal message for friends or family. That small purchase can carry a little piece of your trip back across the ocean.
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Support charitable fundraisers
Some organizations running international programs collect foreign coins as donations, often at events or through dedicated drop-off points. They sort and exchange them in bulk, using the funds for relief work or community projects. This can turn small amounts into meaningful contributions when combined with others.
It’s an easy way to support causes without needing to make a separate cash donation. The change you no longer need can make a difference somewhere else.
Use for creative projects
Coins and bills can be incorporated into home decor or art pieces, from framed collages to travel-themed shadow boxes. They add texture, color, and a unique story to any project. Some people even create world maps with coins placed over the countries they’ve visited.
This turns loose currency into a display that sparks conversation. It’s a way to keep your travel memories visible instead of stored away.
Tip workers from that country
If you meet someone working abroad who is originally from the country your currency is from, offering it as a small tip can feel personal. While it may not be enough to buy much, it can still carry sentimental value for them. This gesture acknowledges their roots while connecting over a shared location.
The key is offering usable bills rather than coins, which may be harder to spend. It’s a thoughtful way to repurpose leftover money.
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Teach kids about money and culture
Foreign coins are a great hands-on tool for teaching children about geography, math, and world cultures. They can compare sizes, shapes, and designs while learning about the countries they represent. Turning it into a matching or sorting game makes it even more engaging.
This small activity can spark curiosity about the wider world. It transforms currency into a fun and educational experience.
Spend during airport layovers
If you pass through an airport in the same country during another trip, leftover coins can be handy for buying snacks or drinks from vending machines. This avoids the hassle of exchanging money again for such small purchases. It’s also a practical way to keep pockets light before boarding.
Many airports still rely on coin-operated machines for certain services. Having local change ready makes the stopover more convenient.
Sell to collectors online
There’s a niche market for foreign coins and notes, especially for discontinued or rare designs. Online marketplaces allow you to sell them in mixed lots or individually. While the return might be modest, it’s still better than letting them gather dust.
This connects your unused currency with someone who values it for more than spending. It’s a straightforward way to give it a new purpose.
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Make fridge magnets
Coins can be turned into simple fridge magnets with a bit of glue and a magnetic backing. They serve as quick, inexpensive souvenirs you can see daily. Each one can remind you of a specific place or trip. They also make easy, thoughtful gifts for friends who enjoy travel.
The process takes little effort but creates a lasting memento.
Trade at currency swap events
Travel clubs, cultural groups, or even local meetups sometimes host currency swap events. You can trade leftover coins from one country for currency from another you plan to visit. These events often have a social atmosphere, with people sharing travel advice along the way. It’s both practical and community-oriented.
The currency you no longer need can become part of someone else’s travel plans.
From small change to lasting value
What’s left in your pocket after a trip may seem insignificant, yet it still holds potential. Whether it’s turned into art, passed to another traveler, or donated to a cause, that money can have a second chapter.
Every coin or bill carries a trace of its journey, and reusing it ensures it continues to serve a purpose. The value isn’t just in the currency—it’s in finding where it fits next.
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