“I have a bunch of mixed coins from countries around the world leftover from when I traveled internationally. Is there some easy way to donate them to charity?”

Yes there is. Donating gets the clutter out of your way immediately and puts that heavy metal to excellent use. Here are the easiest ways to send off that mixed currency.

1. The Guest Services Desk on Your Next Cruise

Handing the coins over at the purser’s desk on a ship is incredibly convenient. Most major cruise lines keep a charity collection box specifically for leftover foreign currency right at Guest Services. You can just hand over the whole bag, and they will bundle it up to send to their international charity partners.

2. Mail to UNICEF’s “Change for Good”

This is the most famous global program for leftover currency. To get them in the mail straight from Altamonte Springs, visit the UNICEF USA website and search for the “Change for Good” program. They will provide the current intake address for their coin processing center, along with guidelines on how to securely tape up your package so the heavy metal doesn’t tear through the box in transit.

3. Local Airport Drop-Off

If you happen to be passing through your local airport or just about any major hub for an upcoming trip, keep an eye out for the currency exchange kiosks like Travelex. They almost always have a clear charity collection box sitting right on the counter specifically designed to catch mixed foreign coins from travelers.

4. Ronald McDonald House Charities

The local Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida also accepts foreign coin donations. They partner with specialized recyclers to convert mixed global coins into funding for their local houses. You can package the coins and mail them directly to their main office in Orlando.

Just pick the method that requires the least amount of driving or packing for you, dump the coins in, and cross another item off your decluttering checklist.

Yes, you can convert mixed foreign coins into USD, though it often requires specialized services because banks usually only accept banknotes. Options include dedicated online services like Leftover Currency, Cash4Coins, or selling them on platforms like eBay. Leftover Currency +4

Here are the best ways to cash in your foreign coins:

• Online Specialized Services (Best for mixed coins): Services like Leftover Currency and Cash4Coins specialize in taking foreign coins and notes. You mail them in, and they provide USD via bank transfer or other methods, often accepting currencies that banks will not.
• Sell on eBay: If you have a large volume, selling them as a “bulk lot” to collectors or others looking to get foreign currency at a discount is effective.
• Airport Donation Bins: If the coins are too small in value to justify mailing costs, many airports have donation bins that support charities, such as UNICEF’s “Change for Good”.
• Currency Exchange Services: Some specialists like Currency Exchange International offer buyback services, though they are usually better for notes than coins. CEIFX.com +4

Tips for Success:

• Consolidate first: Sort your coins by country to maximize their value, especially if using a service that charges a flat fee or calculates based on coin weight.
• Check Value: Check the current exchange rate to see if the cost of shipping or commissions is worth the return. 

Alternatives if not exchanging:

• Charity: Donate them to UNICEF to help fund initiatives like “Change for Good”.
• Save for Future Travel: Keep them in a “travel pouch” for your next trip, saving you ATM fees later.
• Use at Airport: Some airport restaurants or duty-free shops will accept mixed foreign change to help pay for a purchase.