What to Do with Old Foreign Currency: Fast, Easy Exchange Tips
Posted by: Ian • 23 Aug 2025
Ever found a drawer full of old foreign coins and notes from past travels? You're not alone. The great news is you can exchange foreign coins and banknotes for cash or donate them to a good cause, even if the currency is mixed or long obsolete. A specialised service is the fastest and easiest way to turn that leftover holiday money into something useful, without the hassle of sorting it yourself.
Your Options for Old Foreign Currency
That jar of mixed coins and those forgotten banknotes don’t have to become permanent clutter. While your first instinct might be to pop down to the local bank, you’ll probably find they can’t help. High street banks and currency exchanges just aren't set up to handle mixed bags of foreign coins or obsolete money like old Spanish Pesetas or German Deutschmarks.
This is where a dedicated online currency exchange service comes in. The whole process is designed to be fast, easy, and totally hassle-free, giving you two brilliant options for your leftover cash.
Exchange for Cash or Donate to Charity
The choice is yours, and both paths let you unlock the value hidden in money you can no longer spend.
- Convert Foreign Coins and Banknotes to Cash: Turn that jumbled collection of foreign currency directly into Pound Sterling. It's the perfect way to get back a bit of your travel spend. The process is completely transparent, and with a 100% guarantee, you can be sure you'll receive the exact value agreed upon.
- Donate Foreign Coins to Charity: If you’d rather make a difference, you can donate your currency instead. Even small, seemingly insignificant amounts add up to make a huge impact for worthy causes. It’s a wonderful way to transform forgotten change into meaningful support.
The best part? There’s absolutely no need to sort your coins or notes. Just gather up everything you have—no matter how mixed—and the service takes care of the rest. This alone removes the biggest headache people face when dealing with leftover currency.
A Trusted and Guaranteed Service
When you’re sending money, trust is everything. That’s why our service is relied upon by some of the UK’s most recognised organisations, including major charities, national supermarkets, airports, and even police forces.
These partnerships are a testament to our proven track record of reliability and security. It means you can confidently send off your foreign coins and notes, knowing the entire process is secure, hassle-free, and your money is in safe hands.
Comparing Your Currency Exchange Options
It's easy to see why a specialised service is the go-to choice when you look at the alternatives. Most simply can't handle the variety and complexity of leftover travel money.
| Method | Handles Mixed Coins? | Accepts Obsolete Currency? | Convenience Level | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specialised Service | Yes | Yes | High | Cash or charity donation |
| High Street Bank | No | No | Low | Often turned away |
| Post Office | No | No | Low | Only exchanges common notes |
| Airport Exchange | No | No | Medium | Only exchanges current notes |
| Keep for Next Trip | Yes | No | Low | Currency may become obsolete |
Ultimately, a specialised service is the only method that guarantees you can exchange all of your leftover currency, from modern coins to decades-old banknotes, in one simple transaction.
Why Your Bank Won’t Touch That Old Holiday Money
If you've ever tried to exchange foreign coins at a high street bank, you’ll know the feeling. You approach the counter with a bag of shrapnel from your last trip, only to be met with a polite but firm "no". It's a common story, and it leaves most of us wondering what on earth to do with all that leftover cash.
The truth is, for big banks, it’s just not worth the hassle. Their business model is built on large-scale currency trades, not fiddling with a handful of Euro cents or American dimes. The sheer cost of sorting, counting, and shipping small-value foreign coins back to their home country completely dwarfs any profit they could possibly make.
The problem got even bigger when the Euro arrived. All of a sudden, national currencies we all knew—like the French Franc, German Deutschmark, and Spanish Peseta—were made obsolete. For the banks, these weren't just old coins; they were historical relics with no place in a modern financial system.
The Demonetisation Dilemma
When a country gets a new currency, the old notes and coins are demonetised. In simple terms, they're taken out of circulation and are no longer legal tender. Most central banks give a final deadline to swap the old money, and once that date passes, it becomes officially worthless through the usual channels.
- Firm Deadlines: Many European countries had a strict cut-off for exchanging their old currency for Euros. Miss it, and the old notes and coins lost their value overnight.
- Logistical Nightmares: Even for currencies you can still technically exchange, the process often means dealing directly with that country’s central bank. That’s a massive headache your local UK bank is simply not set up to handle.
This is where a specialist service comes in. We have the expertise and the contacts to find value in currency that everyone else has written off, making the process to convert foreign coins and banknotes completely painless for you.
A Hangover from History
The way we handle money today is also a product of the past. For a huge chunk of the 20th century, the UK had tight exchange controls that restricted how money could be moved across borders. These rules, which were finally scrapped in 1979, shaped how banks and the public thought about foreign cash. You can get a sense of this history from the Bank of England's archives.
Today, the barriers aren't so much legal as they are practical. A bag of mixed foreign coins is a logistical puzzle that mainstream banks have no interest in solving. It’s a messy collection of different metals, weights, and values that needs a dedicated, specialised approach to sort out.
That's the exact problem our service was built to solve—and it's why we're trusted by major UK brands, including charities, supermarkets, airports, and even police forces. We offer a 100% guaranteed solution that’s fast, incredibly easy, and requires absolutely no sorting on your part.
How to Exchange Foreign Coins and Notes for Cash
So, you've decided it's time to deal with that drawer full of leftover foreign cash. Good news! Turning those old coins and notes into real money is surprisingly easy when you know how. Forget the headache of sorting through different currencies or wondering if that old banknote is even valid anymore. The whole point of a specialised service is to make it fast, simple, and completely stress-free for you.
First things first, just gather it all up. Don't waste your time trying to separate what's current from what's obsolete—just get all your leftover foreign currency into one pile. We're talking everything from common Euro coins to old pre-decimal British money or those forgotten banknotes from a holiday years ago. Seriously, there's absolutely no need to sort your coins. That alone saves you a ton of time.
Getting Your Quote and Sending Your Currency
Once you've got your stash, the next step is finding out what it's worth. Our online form is designed to be incredibly simple, walking you through everything you need to do to get a quick quote. You'll see exactly what your collection is valued at in just a few clicks.
After you've got your quote, it’s time to pop your currency in the post. A padded Jiffy bag or a small, sturdy box will do the trick perfectly. I always recommend using a tracked postal service—it just gives you that extra peace of mind knowing you can follow its journey right to our doorstep.
We're a service trusted by some of the biggest UK organisations out there, including major charities, supermarkets, airports, and even police forces. That trust is built on security and reliability, backed by our 100% guarantee that your money is always in safe hands.
The Exchange and Payment Process
So, what happens when your parcel arrives? Our team of experts takes over from here, handling all the sorting and counting that you didn't have to. We meticulously go through every single coin and note, identify what it is, calculate its value, and finalise the exchange. This is where our specialist knowledge really shines, as we find value in obsolete currency that banks and high street exchanges simply refuse to touch.
The final, and best, part is getting paid. Once everything is processed, we send the funds directly to you using your preferred method. It’s usually all done and dusted within a few working days. It’s a seamless end to a simple process, turning that forgotten clutter into useful cash. For a more detailed walkthrough, you can learn more about how to exchange foreign currency with our guide.
This simple flow shows exactly how we take your currency and turn it back into valuable funds. As you can see, the whole journey is designed for simplicity, whether you’re exchanging for cash or choosing to donate foreign coins to charity. The main thing to remember is that a proper, specialised system gets rid of all the usual hurdles, making it easy for anyone to unlock the hidden value in their old money.
Donating Foreign Coins to Your Favourite Charity
If getting cash back isn't your top priority, there’s another incredibly powerful option for your leftover currency. You can donate foreign coins to charity, turning that forgotten shrapnel into a meaningful contribution. It’s a simple, impactful way to support a cause you care about, transforming what feels like clutter into vital funds.
The whole process is designed to be completely hassle-free. Just like exchanging for cash, there’s no need to spend hours sorting through your collection. Just gather everything together—the odd coins, the old banknotes, the mixed currencies—and send it all in one go. We handle the rest, making sure every last penny of value is unlocked for a good cause.
This gives a second life to money that would otherwise sit gathering dust in a drawer. It's a fast and easy way to give back, making a tangible difference without any extra effort on your part.
How Your Small Change Creates Big Impact
It’s easy to dismiss a handful of foreign coins as worthless, but when you pool them together, these small amounts add up to create substantial donations. Many UK charities receive thousands of pounds each year from collections of leftover foreign currency.
Just imagine the collective impact of thousands of travellers all donating their spare change.
- Medical Aid: A few old coins could contribute to life-saving medicines or essential supplies for medical teams.
- Animal Welfare: Your donation might help fund shelters, food, and care for animals in need.
- Community Projects: That forgotten banknote could support local projects that provide education, clean water, or shelter.
Our partnerships with major UK charities mean you can be confident your donation is going where it’s needed most. We are trusted by these organisations to efficiently convert foreign coins and banknotes into funds they can use to continue their important work. That trust is built on a transparent and reliable process that maximises every single donation.
Choosing to donate is a powerful act. Our 100% guaranteed service ensures that the full value of your currency collection directly supports the charity of your choice, making your contribution go further.
A Trusted and Straightforward Process
The donation process is just as simple and secure as our cash exchange service. Because we work with established partners, including well-known charities, supermarkets, and even police forces, you know the entire system is credible and trustworthy. You can learn more about where you can donate foreign coins through our dedicated resources.
This is about more than just getting rid of old money; it's about making a conscious choice to support something bigger. Instead of leaving it forgotten in a drawer, you can put that currency to work, helping those who need it most. It's the ultimate way to ensure your leftover holiday money has a lasting, positive legacy.
Getting the Most from Your Leftover Currency
So, what should you do with that old foreign currency you’ve got tucked away? It often boils down to one simple question: how do I get the best possible value for it? While it’s tempting to just hold onto it for a future trip, that money is often losing value day by day.
Exchange rates are always on the move. That handful of notes worth £50 last year might only fetch you £45 today. It’s a bit of a gamble. Using a specialised service to exchange foreign coins and notes is a smart way to lock in its current value. You get usable Sterling in your account before it has a chance to drop any further.
Honestly, it’s a much better alternative than letting it gather dust in a drawer, where it’s doing absolutely nothing for you. A quick, easy exchange puts that money right back where it belongs—in your pocket.
Should I Worry About Collector Value?
It’s a thought that crosses everyone’s mind: could this old banknote be rare and worth a fortune? While it’s true that a tiny fraction of old currency becomes sought-after by collectors, the vast majority of obsolete notes and coins are just… obsolete. Think about it—most pre-Euro banknotes from places like Spain or France were printed in their billions.
For every genuinely rare note out there, there are millions more that hold no special collector value at all. Their real worth is in what they can be exchanged for. Our service is built to convert foreign coins and banknotes based on their real-world exchangeable value, giving you a 100% guaranteed return without the guesswork of hunting for a collector.
Our process is straightforward, ensuring you always receive the true exchange value for your currency. It’s why we’re trusted by major UK brands like supermarkets, airports, and even police forces—they know we provide a reliable, no-fuss service every time.
Maximising Your Return with a Specialised Service
Putting your leftover foreign currency in the hands of a specialist is, without a doubt, the most efficient way to maximise its value. High street banks won't take it, and trying to find a private buyer is a difficult and time-consuming headache you don't need.
We handle everything from start to finish, including all the sorting, so you don’t have to lift a finger. You can see just how we unlock the value of your leftover foreign coins and how simple the process really is.
A Note on Travelling with Large Amounts of Currency
It’s also worth being aware of UK customs regulations, especially if you’ve accumulated a large amount of currency over several trips. According to UK government rules, you must declare cash (including old foreign money) if you're carrying the equivalent of €10,000 or more when entering or leaving the country.
This is a standard legal requirement designed to regulate large cash flows. It’s always a good idea to stay informed, and you can learn more about these exchange control regulations if you need to.
Ultimately, for most of us, the smartest move is simply to exchange old currency promptly. It’s a practical step that turns forgotten cash into something you can actually use or even donate to a charity you care about.
Got Questions About Exchanging Old Currency? We've Got Answers
If you're thinking about exchanging old foreign currency, it’s completely normal to have a few questions pop into your head. We get it. To make things crystal clear, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common queries we hear from people just like you.
Our whole goal is to make this process fast, easy, and totally straightforward, so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Do I Really Have to Sort All My Coins and Notes?
Absolutely not. In fact, this is one of the biggest perks of our service. Forget about spending hours separating different currencies, figuring out which notes are obsolete, or counting up a mountain of shrapnel.
Just gather up all your leftover foreign currency—mixed coins, old banknotes, the lot—and send it all to us in one go. We take care of all the sorting and counting on our end, which saves you a ton of time and makes the entire process ridiculously simple.
What About Obsolete Currency like German Marks or French Francs?
This is where we really shine. We specialise in exchanging both current and obsolete currencies. While your high street bank will almost certainly turn you away if you show up with notes and coins that are no longer in circulation, we can still find value in them.
Our team has the expertise to convert foreign coins and banknotes that many would consider worthless. This includes old pre-Euro currencies like the German Deutschmark, French Franc, and Spanish Peseta. It’s a great way to get paid for money you thought was just a souvenir.
It's no accident that major UK brands—from national supermarkets and airports to charities and even police forces—trust our service. That trust is built on our solid track record of securely and efficiently handling every type of currency, no matter how old or obscure it might be.
How Do I Know My Money Is Safe When I Post It?
We know that security is a massive concern, and we take it very seriously. Our process is designed to be secure and transparent from the moment you send your currency to the moment you get paid. We even provide clear, practical tips on how to package your currency safely.
For total peace of mind, we always recommend using a tracked postal service so you can follow its journey right to our door. Our reputation is backed by our 100% guarantee, ensuring a reliable and trustworthy experience every single time. You can send your currency knowing it's in professional hands.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
We pride ourselves on being fast and efficient. As soon as your currency arrives with us, our expert team gets to work processing it quickly. If you're looking to exchange foreign coins and notes for cash, payments are typically sent out within just a few working days.
And if you choose to donate foreign coins to charity? We consolidate all the funds and make regular transfers to our brilliant charity partners. This makes sure your generous contribution makes an impact as soon as possible, supporting the vital work of causes you care about.
Ready to turn that old, forgotten currency into cash or a charitable donation? At We Buy All Currency, we make the process fast, easy, and 100% guaranteed. There's no need to sort your coins or notes—just send them to us, and we'll handle the rest. Visit our homepage to get started today!