I travel to several countries on a regular basis, and collect substantial amounts of UGX, ETB, NGN, AED, OMR, EUR USD and GBP. Same as you, I keep the sorted noted in suitably sized ziplock bags, and take them with me when I'm on the road again. It's quite handy to have notes on hand in African countries when I arrive as ATMs are not numerous, and often don't work when I find one!
I agree with the coin problem. I always make a gift of them to a random person on the way to the airport, and always get a really good reaction. Try it! In places like the UAE, where there is still a bit of a coin shortage, it's really important not to take any coins out of the country.
In UAE and India I ran cashless. I only went places accepting credit cards. Frankly I never hold a rupee throughout my 2-year on and off trips to India.
We are Australians, now retired, living in Scotland. I use the Ziploc bags for frequently-used currencies. Tend to toss the silver coins, or from a place I may not get to again, into the charity bins or bags.
Funny thing is that while Scotland widely accepts English notes, the English don't necessarily accept Scottish notes! I've been in a Boots or a WH Smith in London and my money's been knocked back. So, as ridiculous as it sounds, I now have a Ziploc bag for English currency and my Oyster card. Go figure. 😮
As an aside, I also noticed on a trip last week in SIN that when offered the chance to pay for a card transaction in SGD or AUD, AUD was always cheaper
My experience differs on this - for me it is always cheaper to make the transaction in the local currency when paying by card, if offered a choice
I put mine in a tupperware container in the fridge. its the only place in the house guaranteed not to be thrown out by the cook.
Then i take all my foreign notes regardless where from and cash them in anywhere in Asia. Always better rate and no fees. (if there is a place with fees and crappy rates, i dont go there)
As an aside, I also noticed on a trip last week in SIN that when offered the chance to pay for a card transaction in SGD or AUD, AUD was always cheaper
My experience differs on this - for me it is always cheaper to make the transaction in the local currency when paying by card, if offered a choice
That's been my experience too; the charge in local currency in my recent experience is the cheaper option - especially if you have a no/low free credit card. It's not a huge issue unless you are making a big figure purchase.
I use kids vinyl zippered pencilcases that you can personalise with your name or in this case, the currency code. It is easy to cut out the cardboard letters that come with the pencilcases to do this. When travelling to the US for eg, I grab the USD pencilcase with my coins and notes. On the plane, I swap my AUD for USD and on the return flight, return the leftover USD to the pencilcase. No lost coins or notes, easy to store at home when not in use.
Just a quick note..am in London. Please be aware that the \brits have changed their 5£ and 10£ notes, as well as the pound coin. Businesses won't take any of the older notes. Banks are very reluctant to provide the service. The best way to change them is to go to the Bank of England adjacent to Bank tube station and they will do a swap of the notes. Coins..they won't touch. Also they have plans tp change the £20 in 2020.
Pallydou
Pallydou
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
Member since 02 Jul 2018
Total posts 22
In UAE and India I ran cashless. I only went places accepting credit cards. Frankly I never hold a rupee throughout my 2-year on and off trips to India.
Pegasus
Pegasus
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 26 Jun 2012
Total posts 11
We are Australians, now retired, living in Scotland. I use the Ziploc bags for frequently-used currencies. Tend to toss the silver coins, or from a place I may not get to again, into the charity bins or bags. Funny thing is that while Scotland widely accepts English notes, the English don't necessarily accept Scottish notes! I've been in a Boots or a WH Smith in London and my money's been knocked back. So, as ridiculous as it sounds, I now have a Ziploc bag for English currency and my Oyster card. Go figure. 😮
scohney
scohney
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 18 Jun 2015
Total posts 1
I use a plastic fishing box for coins, divided and labelled in countries
SeaVisionBurma
SeaVisionBurma
Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus
Member since 13 Jan 2017
Total posts 13
My experience differs on this - for me it is always cheaper to make the transaction in the local currency when paying by card, if offered a choice
Blake
Blake
Member since 03 May 2017
Total posts 39
J_seeker
J_seeker
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 23 Apr 2017
Total posts 2
My experience differs on this - for me it is always cheaper to make the transaction in the local currency when paying by card, if offered a choice
That's been my experience too; the charge in local currency in my recent experience is the cheaper option - especially if you have a no/low free credit card. It's not a huge issue unless you are making a big figure purchase.
Evanci
Evanci
Member since 16 Aug 2018
Total posts 1
I use kids vinyl zippered pencilcases that you can personalise with your name or in this case, the currency code. It is easy to cut out the cardboard letters that come with the pencilcases to do this. When travelling to the US for eg, I grab the USD pencilcase with my coins and notes. On the plane, I swap my AUD for USD and on the return flight, return the leftover USD to the pencilcase. No lost coins or notes, easy to store at home when not in use.
morco
morco
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 20 Dec 2011
Total posts 9
"I'll get rid of most of my coins by adding credit to my Oyster card at any tube station"
Brilliant - Ill do same when i vist next year (and every other year)
teegee
teegee
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 06 Nov 2017
Total posts 1
Revolut is an interesting new approach to this issue.
Racala
Racala
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 22 May 2018
Total posts 64
Just a quick note..am in London. Please be aware that the \brits have changed their 5£ and 10£ notes, as well as the pound coin. Businesses won't take any of the older notes. Banks are very reluctant to provide the service. The best way to change them is to go to the Bank of England adjacent to Bank tube station and they will do a swap of the notes. Coins..they won't touch. Also they have plans tp change the £20 in 2020.