You’ve just gotten back from an amazing trip, full of new sights, sounds, and experiences. As you unpack, you find it: a small pile of foreign coins and a few colorful banknotes you forgot to spend. It’s not enough to fund another vacation, but it feels too valuable to just toss in a drawer. So, what should you do with that leftover foreign cash?

Don’t let it become permanent clutter. There are several practical and even creative ways to handle that leftover currency, ensuring it doesn’t go to waste. Here’s a guide to your best options.

Exchange It Before You Leave (Or When You Get Home)

The most obvious thing to do is convert your foreign cash back into your home currency. You can often do this at a currency exchange counter at the airport before you leave. But be aware that airport exchange rates are rarely the best. If you have a good amount left over, you might get a better deal by waiting until you get home and visiting your bank or a dedicated currency exchange service.

Some currencies are easier to exchange than others. Major currencies like the Euro, British Pound, and Japanese Yen are easy to convert almost anywhere. For less common currencies, you might need a specialized service. For example, if you need to sell Vietnamese Dong, an online exchange group can often offer a better rate and greater convenience than a local bank that might not handle that currency. Just remember that most places won’t exchange foreign coins, so this option is best for leftover bills.

Save It for Your Next Adventure

If you travel often or plan on going back to the same country or region, just saving the money is a fantastic idea. Keeping a stash of Euros, for example, is super useful if you visit Europe a lot. It means you’ll have cash for a taxi or a coffee as soon as you land, without having to rush to an ATM.

A good way to stay organized is to keep different currencies in separate, labeled envelopes. Store them with your passport so you’ll remember to grab them before your next trip. This saves you from paying exchange fees twice and sets you up for a smoother arrival on your future travels. There are many smart ways to use leftover currency, and saving it is one of the most practical.

Donate Your Leftover Coins and Bills

Putting your leftover cash toward a good cause is a wonderful way to make a positive impact. Many international airports have collection boxes where you can donate foreign currency to various charities. One of the most well-known programs is UNICEF’s Change for Good, which collects unwanted currency on many international flights and in airports to help children in need around the world.

Airlines sometimes collect donations onboard during the flight home, so listen for announcements. It’s a simple, feel-good way to get rid of those otherwise useless coins and small bills while supporting a worthy cause. Many travelers choose to donate currency as a way to give back to the global community.

Spend It on Last-Minute Souvenirs or Snacks

If you find yourself with a pocketful of cash at the airport, your easiest option is to spend it. This is the perfect time to buy those last-minute souvenirs you forgot, grab a magazine for the flight, or treat yourself to a nice coffee and a snack. While airport prices can be high, it’s a better use of the money than letting it sit in a drawer forever.

This is an especially good strategy for using up all your coins, since you can’t exchange them. Combine your coins with a credit card to pay for a larger purchase or simply use them to buy a bottle of water or a pack of gum. It’s a simple way to clear out your pockets and arrive home with one less thing to worry about.

Get Creative: Souvenirs and Gifts

Sometimes, foreign money is too beautiful or interesting to get rid of. Colorful banknotes and unique coins can make for wonderful souvenirs. You can frame a particularly artistic bill, add it to a scrapbook, or create a display jar filled with coins from your various travels. It’s a tangible reminder of the places you’ve been.

Leftover currency also makes a great gift, especially for kids. Giving a young relative a few interesting coins from a faraway place can spark their curiosity about geography and other cultures. It’s a small, unique present that costs you nothing extra and lets you share a piece of your journey with someone else.

Instead of letting that foreign cash collect dust, put it to good use. Whether you exchange it, save it, or donate it, you can give your travel money a second life long after you’ve returned home.