After a trip abroad, many travelers are left wondering what to do with the leftover foreign currency they have. It can be tempting to keep it as a souvenir, but there are a few options that can be more practical and financially beneficial.
One option is to exchange the currency back to your local currency, either at a bank or currency exchange bureau. Another option is to use it to make future travel plans or to purchase items online that are only available in that country.
It’s also possible to deposit it in a foreign currency account if you have one, which can be useful if you plan to travel again in the future. Whatever you choose, it’s important to make a decision soon after your trip to get the most out of the remaining currency.
Table of Contents
Exchange It:
Then exchanging it for your local Currency is the best option. Just keep in mind that most exchangers only accept cash in the form of banknotes. It’s also important to note that airport exchanges almost always provide the poorest prices. Online foreign exchange service, XE.com, is as valuable a tool as any for current rate information. To change money online, you can utilize XE; however, comparing prices can be wise first.
You can also exchange or sell the foreign cash to a friend traveling in the same direction. If you’re having trouble coming up with someone immediately, consider posting a note online or on the noticeboard at work or another place where you can meet people.
Save it for later:
You can save money by holding onto your leftover cash for your upcoming international vacation if you intend to travel back to a place that takes it.
Make sure you store it safely and remember it for your subsequent trips. Double-check the regulations if the money has been sitting there for a while. You must ascertain whether the notes you possess are still legal tender or if you need to exchange them because several nations frequently update their Currency.
Donate to Charity:
Consider giving any extra money to donate to Charity. Any unused coins or banknotes from wherever you’ve been are gratefully accepted by many respected charities. UNICEF’s Change for Good campaign, which makes it simple to mail them money, is one illustration.
In some airports, you can deposit any extra cash in collecting boxes located throughout the terminals before boarding the plane.
Offer them as presents:
Consider the people in your life and ask yourself if they would appreciate receiving a coin or two. Young children find foreign coins fascinating because they get to handle a piece of the world that is from a different region. They will cherish it more than another toy because it is such a unique gift.
Adults may also find value in foreign coins, particularly if they have a strong desire to travel but cannot do so frequently.
Duty-free shopping:
If you still have a sizable amount of foreign Currency, think about stopping at a Duty-Free shop after you leave. If you are purchasing a product you would typically use, like as your preferred perfume or alcoholic beverage, or if you still want to buy a souvenir from the location, this can be an excellent option.
Make sure your change is accepted before you approach the counter with a cart full of goods, as some countries, especially those sensitive to inflation, do not accept foreign currencies Duty-Free (except euros and dollars).
Let’s look at some wiser methods to change, save, or spend it.
Use it to pay your hotel bill and the tip.
You can use your cash to tip the hotel workers who looked after you while you were a guest if you are checking out and going directly to the airport.
You can also use the remaining funds to pay a portion of your hotel cost. It might not be enough to cover the entire payment, so use your credit card to pay the balance.
Use it to go to the airport:
It’s also a smart idea to spend your spare money on your taxi to the airport if you still need prearranged prepaid transportation there. Ensure you have enough because the taxi meters can occasionally work their magic and charge you more than necessary.
DIY Crafts Using Foreign Coins:
After a journey, many travelers discover they have extra items. Your sock drawer may include a collection of foreign coins you’ve collected on past travels. After a while, they start to look bad if you don’t intend to return to where you received them. You’ll discover the ideal use for them and resume exploring new locations.
You can make fridge magnets or jewelry from your leftover foreign coins by gluing them to them. You may create a creative memory board or scrapbook by combining leftover foreign coins with other keepsakes from your trip, such as pictures, tickets, and postcards.
Using a bail mount and a strong glue, you may turn your coins into pendants or bracelet charms. You may string your chain through your new coin pendant by simply gluing your coin to the mount.
Decorate It:
Using foreign Currency to decorate your home is a great way to spark conversation and serve as a beautiful memento of memorable travels.
Paper banknotes can be framed to exhibit them more effectively. The clear polyester film can be used to protect bank notes from harm by applying adhesive if you need the notes to remain in place without getting damaged.
Starbucks can assist:
Starbucks is useful. There are Starbucks coffee shops all over the world. Still, only the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, and the Republic of Ireland participate in the Starbucks card program. Before departing any of these nations, you can top out your Starbucks card with the leftover local cash.
At airport vending machines, blow a lot of money:
There is a whole new world to discover in foreign vending machines. Please read our blog post about international vending machines and let us know if you discover any other hidden treasures in the vast, evil vending machine universe.
Avoid playing the waiting game and expecting the value of the Currency to increase:
Some travelers play the waiting game in order to convert when the value of the Currency increases. For instance, if you traveled to the US and bought US dollars and are now back in India, you would like Indian Currency to weaken against the US dollar so that you may get more INR when exchanging currencies.
It is strongly advised against this tactic because it is likely to fail. If you are a forex expert, you should only be making forecasts, which many of us are not. We assume that there needs to be more currency movement during your vacation. As a result, the currency exchange resulted in little profit or loss for you.
If you play the waiting game, there is a reasonable risk that the value of the notes you are holding will decrease, and you will receive less money when you convert your Currency.
What does the term “leftover money” mean?
Foreign Currency that remains after a journey is often referred to as leftover Currency. You can sell it to recuperate your investment before or after you go home, give it away, or put it to use in another way.
Should you exchange money before or after a trip?
One of the most excellent strategies to reduce currency exchange fees is to exchange dollars for the local Currency at your bank or credit union before you depart the United States.
Is it possible to exchange foreign currency at a bank?
Where can I exchange my foreign currency (coins and bills)? You’ll discover that many banks offer to convert currencies for their customers. However, some people will only do it for a few different currencies. Although there is typically a fee, it is usually less than what you would pay at an airport currency exchange.
How long can foreign Currency be kept?
You must, however, convert foreign Currency within 30 days of your return, according to the law. The Reserve Bank will impose sanctions on you if you don’t.
What does buyback mean?
When you return from your trip, you can exchange any leftover foreign cash for pounds using the buyback method.
You will be given an exchange rate, much like when you purchased foreign Currency before your trip, so depending on the rate, you could wind up with less or more.
What exactly is a guaranteed buyback?
It enables you to resell your foreign Currency at the rate at which you initially exchanged it. This is a fee-based service that might run you up to £4.
You can look elsewhere to discover a package that will earn you more money than you would have with your guaranteed buyback if rates have gone up when you wish to swap your trip funds back.
What about the money still on my Currency Pass?
Fortunately, the Currency Pass is made specifically for situations like these. Your Currency Pass is valid for up to 5 years with no inactivity fees because we are aware that Australians typically don’t take just one vacation. This implies that you are free to leave your foreign cash on your Currency Pass or to convert it back to Australian dollars and withdraw it for a nominal cost.
5 Incredible Healthcare App Ideas for Startups to Turn Pandemic into Opportunity12 Best JavaScript Blogs Every Developer Must Keep an Eye on
You can use your foreign coins for various purposes, so carefully weigh your options. Save them in a coin collection or give them to a good cause to do something long-lasting. Whatever you decide to do, it will be preferable to letting the pennies collect dust in your house’s corners.
