How to Use the Leftover Foreign Currency Calculator
Bringing leftover foreign cash to a bank to convert it back into dollars almost always results in a loss, even if the market rate hasn't budged since you bought it. That's because banks and exchange counters apply different buy and sell rates — a spread — and typically tack on a re-exchange fee as well. This calculator takes your leftover currency amount, the rate you originally paid, the current re-exchange rate, and the fee rate to show exactly what you'll actually get back and how much you've lost compared to what you originally paid.
Losses from re-exchanging typically run around 3-7% of the original value, and fee rates vary between banks and exchange counters, so comparing a few options before converting can help minimize the loss. Small amounts tend to feel the loss percentage more sharply since fixed fees eat up a bigger share.
If the calculated loss is higher than you expected, consider alternatives to re-exchanging: hold onto the cash for your next trip, trade it directly with another traveler through an online currency exchange community, or drop small amounts into an airport charity donation box instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Banks and exchange counters use different buy and sell rates (a spread) plus charge a re-exchange fee. Even if the market rate hasn't moved since you originally bought the currency, that spread means you'll almost always get back less than you originally paid.
Yes — you can save it for your next trip, trade it directly with another traveler through an online currency exchange community, or donate small amounts to an airport charity box. If this calculator shows a large loss percentage, one of these alternatives may be worth considering instead.