What to do with old coins?
What should I do with old coins?
A friend of mine gave me 30 pounds in coins from her trip to the UK a decade ago. She suggested I exchange them so I could have some cash on hand and avoid card fees due to the exchange rate.
Now that I’m in Edinburgh and trying to make some purchases, I’ve discovered that most of these coins are no longer valid. Fortunately, I found 2 pounds that I could use at a church, and luckily, I also had 4 pounds in newer coins that were still accepted. However, when I tried to change the old coins at a store, I was told to visit a bank instead.
I went to the Royal Bank of Scotland, but they informed me that they couldn’t help me without an account there. This has left me with 24 pounds in old, unusable coins. My initial plan was to use the coins while avoiding credit card fees, but now I’m at a loss.
I even tried the Edinburgh post office, but they only exchange banknotes, not coins.
What are my options? Help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
It sounds really frustrating to be stuck with those old coins that you can’t use! Here are a few options you might consider:
Try Other Banks: Different banks may have different policies. If you have time, it might be worth checking with other banks in the area, like HSBC or Lloyds, to see if they’ll exchange the coins without needing an account.
Coin Exchange Services: Look for coin exchange or currency exchange services in Edinburgh. Some shops specifically cater to tourists and might be more flexible in accepting old coins.
Local Shops: Ask smaller local shops if they’ll accept the old coins for a purchase. Some places may be willing to do this, especially if they understand the situation.
Charity Donations: If you’re not able to exchange the coins, consider donating them to a local charity or church. They might appreciate the contribution, and it could be a good way to support a good cause.
Use a Travel Card: If you’re worried about exchange rates, consider using a travel card that allows for a better rate on currency exchanges. Just a thought for future cash needs!
Ask Locals: Engage with locals or use social media platforms like Facebook groups for travelers in Edinburgh. Someone might know a solution or be willing to help you out.
I hope this helps you find a way to make use of those coins! Safe travels!