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The Complete Guide to Exchanging Foreign Currency in the UK (Coins, Notes & Old Money)

Posted by: Ian Stainton • 13 Apr 2026

If you’ve ever returned from holiday with leftover foreign currency, you’re not alone.

Across the UK, millions of households have unused coins and banknotes sitting in drawers, jars, and travel wallets. From euros and US dollars to older currencies no longer in circulation, this money often goes unexchanged.

The good news? There are ways to convert almost all types of foreign currency into cash — if you know where to look.

Quick Answer: How do you exchange foreign currency in the UK?

You can exchange foreign currency through:

• Banks (limited to certain banknotes)

• Exchange bureaus (notes only, restrictions apply)

• Specialist services (coins, notes, and old currency)

👉 The most flexible option is to use a service that allows you to exchange foreign coins and notes online.

What types of foreign currency can you exchange?

Different providers accept different types of currency.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Currency Type	Can You Exchange It?	Notes
Banknotes (current)	✅ Yes	Widely accepted
Banknotes (old series)	⚠️ Sometimes	Restrictions apply
Foreign coins	❌ / ✅	Usually only specialist services
Withdrawn currency	❌ / ✅	Depends on provider
Mixed currencies	❌ / ✅	Specialist services only

👉 This is where most people get stuck — especially with coins.

Why banks and exchange bureaus won’t accept everything

Many people assume banks will exchange any foreign currency — but this isn’t the case.

Common limitations:

Provider	Coins	Notes	Old Currency
Banks	❌	✅	❌
Exchange bureaus	❌	✅	❌
Specialist services	✅	✅	✅

Why?

• Coins are expensive to process

• Old currency is difficult to verify and resell

• Low-value denominations are not profitable

👉 This is why so much currency goes unused.

What should YOU do? (Simple decision guide)

If you have coins:

👉 Use a specialist service — banks won’t accept them.

If you have banknotes:

👉 You can try banks or bureaus, but specialist services often accept more.

If you have old or withdrawn currency:

👉 Specialist services are usually your only option.

If you have mixed currency:

👉 Combine everything into one transaction for better value.

Common real-life scenarios

🪙 “I have a jar of foreign coins”

This is extremely common. These coins are usually refused by banks but can still be exchanged through specialist providers.

💶 “I have leftover euros from a holiday”

Euro banknotes are widely accepted, but coins (especially 1 and 2 cent) are often refused.

💵 “I found old foreign banknotes”

Even if they are older or withdrawn, they may still have value depending on the currency.

🌍 “I have multiple currencies mixed together”

This is where specialist services are most useful — allowing everything to be exchanged in one go.

How to exchange foreign currency (step-by-step)

The process has become much simpler in recent years:

1. Add your coins and banknotes to your account

2. Send your currency securely

3. Receive payment directly to your bank

👉 This avoids the need to visit banks or exchange counters.

How much is your foreign currency worth?

The value depends on several factors:

• Currency type

• Quantity

• Condition

• Whether it is still in circulation

Typical value examples:

Scenario	Estimated Value
Small holiday leftovers	£10–£30
Multiple trips combined	£30–£100+
Bulk mixed currency	£100+

👉 Even small amounts can add up when combined.

Why more people are using specialist exchange services

Specialist services are becoming increasingly popular because they:

• Accept coins and notes

• Accept withdrawn currency

• Handle mixed denominations

• Offer a simple online process

👉 This makes them the most practical solution for leftover currency.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Trying to exchange coins at banks

• Leaving currency unused for years

• Assuming old currency has no value

• Splitting currencies instead of combining them

Related guides (useful next steps)

If you want more specific advice, see:

• 👉 Where to exchange foreign coins in the UK

• 👉 Can you exchange old foreign currency?

• 👉 What to do with leftover holiday money

FAQ: Exchanging Foreign Currency

Can I exchange foreign currency at a bank?

Banks usually only accept banknotes and often refuse coins and older currency.

What is the best way to exchange foreign coins?

Using a specialist service that accepts coins and pays directly to your bank.

Can I exchange old or withdrawn currency?

Yes – but usually only through specialist providers.

Is it worth exchanging small amounts?

Yes – especially when combined with other currency.

Can I send multiple currencies together?

Yes – most services allow mixed currencies.

Do exchange bureaus accept coins?

No – they typically only accept banknotes.

How long does the process take?

Payment is usually made after processing, often within a few days.

Is it safe to send currency by post?

Yes – when using a trusted, established service.

Final thought

Foreign currency is one of the most overlooked sources of lost value in UK households.

What seems like spare change or old notes can often be turned into real money — quickly and easily.

👉 If you have leftover travel money, now is the perfect time to exchange foreign coins and notes and unlock its value.

See the currencies we exchange here: https://www.webuyallcurrency.com/exchangeable-currencies/