What to Do with Foreign Coins After a Trip: Top Cash-Out Options in the UK

✈️ Back from Holiday with a Pocket Full of Coins?

It happens to the best of us—you return from your travels with a wallet full of foreign coins and notes. Whether it’s Euros from a weekend in Paris or Thai Baht from a beach escape, these coins often end up gathering dust in a drawer.

But instead of letting them go to waste, did you know there are simple ways to turn your leftover foreign coins into cash—right here in the UK?

In this guide, we’ll show you the best options for exchanging foreign coins and notes, including which services offer the best rates, fastest turnaround, and the least hassle.

Why You Can’t Just Walk into a Bank

UK high street banks used to accept leftover foreign currency—especially notes—but most no longer take coins at all. Even for notes, you’ll need to meet certain conditions, and many currencies (especially those withdrawn or demonetised) won’t be accepted at all.

So what can you do?

✅ Your Best Cash-Out Options for Foreign Coins in the UK

Let’s explore the most effective and reliable ways to exchange foreign coins and banknotes once you’re back in the UK.

1. Use a Specialist Currency Exchange Service (Like Cash4Coins)

Best for: All coins, even pre-Euro and demonetised

Fast, secure, and simple

The easiest and most popular way to exchange leftover currency is to use a specialist service like Cash4Coins. Unlike banks or bureaux de change, they accept:

• Foreign coins AND banknotes

• Withdrawn, pre-Euro, or demonetised currency

• Bulk coin collections (ideal after long trips or group travel)

How it works:

• Weigh your currency

• Package and post via Freepost or arrange a collection

• Receive payment directly to your bank account

✅ Top tip: You don’t even need to sort your currency—just send it as it is!

2. Donate to Charity

If you’re not worried about getting cash back, donating your foreign coins is a fantastic way to give back. Many UK charities now accept:

• Leftover foreign coins and notes

• Old British and Irish currency

• Pre-Euro currency (e.g. French Francs, German Marks)

Charities like Macmillan, Age UK, and the Royal British Legion partner with services like Cash4Coins to convert donations into valuable funds. Some even provide collection tubes or envelopes.

Did you know? There’s an estimated £2 billion in unused foreign currency sitting idle in UK homes!

3. Sell on eBay or to Collectors

Best for: Rare or high-denomination coins/notes

More effort, but possible higher return

You might be surprised to learn that some foreign coins and old banknotes are collectable. Try listing unusual or limited-edition currency on platforms like eBay or specialist numismatic forums.

However, this approach requires:

• Time and effort to list each item

• Knowledge of coin values

• Packing and postage

Pro tip: Coins with historical interest (e.g. pre-Euro currencies or old US dollars) often do better than modern low-value coins.

4. Keep for Future Travel

Still planning more trips? If you regularly return to the same country (like Spain or the US), it may make sense to keep your leftover currency for next time.

Store it in a labelled envelope or wallet, so you’re ready to hit the ground running.

⚠️ But beware: Some currencies can be demonetised without notice, so you might not be able to use them in the future. Euros and US dollars are generally safe to hold onto.

Which Currencies Are Accepted?

Cash4Coins accepts all world currencies, including:

• Euros, US Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Japanese Yen

• Pre-Euro currencies like German Marks, French Francs, and Pesetas

• Withdrawn or old British and Irish coins

• Obsolete banknotes like old Swiss Francs or 500 Euro notes

Even if the coins are damaged or dirty, they can still be processed.

How Much Are My Foreign Coins Worth?

The value you receive depends on:

• Currency type and denomination

• Exchange rate at the time of processing

• Volume (larger amounts often receive better rates)

Most services offer a minimum weight threshold—around 5kg for courier collection, or any amount for Freepost.

Got coins to exchange? You can get started here:

Exchange foreign coins and banknotes

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Coins Go to Waste

Whether it’s 5 Euros or a bag of change from five countries, your leftover holiday money still holds value. From donating to charities to using a trusted service like Cash4Coins, there’s a quick and rewarding way to clear the clutter—and even earn a bit of money.

So the next time you get home from a trip, skip the coin jar and turn your travel change into cash.

Quick Recap:

Option	Best for	Notes
Cash4Coins	All foreign coins/notes	Fast, trusted, accepts all world currencies
❤️ Donate to Charity	Easy giving	Many national charities accept coins
eBay/Collectors	Rare or historic currency	More effort, but higher potential value
✈️ Keep for Travel	Frequent flyers	Only keep currency that won’t expire

Ready to Exchange?

Click below to get started with the UK’s trusted service: