Currency conversion back to dollars?

1) possibly someone here will trade you at face value. good deal for both.

2) Many international airports have places to donate unwanted "foreign" currencies. You probably missed them.

3) Sending them to a bank will result in getting ripped off. Best to look for #1

With the downward spiral of the dollar and the US economy you might be wise to hang on to the Euros. When the dollar completely crumbles at least you'll be holding some hard currency!

ps - most larger banks will convert foreign currency (not coins) into dollars.

There is a Travelex office in the Beaverton US Bank, as well as the downtown location. They don't have the most fantastic rates, but if you're wanting to unload them, that's a way to do it. Also try calling AAA, there's a big branch there at the 217 exit.

Every time I've flown internationally, the airline has asked for donations of unwanted foreign money during the flight for various charitable causes. I'm surprised you didn't have that opportunity on the way home.

Check with the main branch of Wells Fargo in Portland. The undoubtedly have a currency exchange. By the time you get back to Europe, Poland, Hungary, and Croatia will probably be on the Euro. However, I would save your Euro for your next trip. That way no concern about getting them right away the next time you arrive. The Euro will probably be worth a lot more by then. With an increase it's probably wise to keep them instead of paying two 5% or more exchange rates.

In 2000 I brought home some (about €200)Euro (actually German Mark then, but it was fixed to the Euro) at $0.89 to the Euro. Today, seven and a half years later, they are worth $1.57. Pretty good investment.

You ALWAYS lose when you reconvert currency to dollars.I never do it. Perhaps you can sell the non-Euro bills to someone going to those countries.. Save the Euros as then you won't have tobuy any in advance of another trip. I always have a cache of Euros and pounds tucked away. In recent years, this has amounted to a non-taxable capital gain!!!! If only I had saved more.

If you really eventually want to sell your Euros/pounds, you can usually find someone going to Europe who will be willing to buy them. I alsmost did this 2004 and boy am I happy I didn't!!!!Think of it as a savings a/c for a future trip. These rates are not going to go down for some time, if ever.

I generally just hang on to the currency for my next trip. If you don't have one planned, do you know someone going to Europe? If so, your best bet might be negotiating a deal with them. You can both avoid the bank fees.

The Unicef "change for good" program will accept a foreign currency donation by mail. You can find information about this on their website.

Tuck it away in your passport for your next trip so you have some cash in hand when you land. If you're lucky you'll forget you had it and you'll find a nice little present from your past self.

You could try www.craigslist.com and post an ad to see if anyone wanted to purchase your currency for their upcoming trip.

If you sell it for what you paid for it, you are ahead, no one pays fees for the exchange.

Remember, on craigslist, that everything should be done in person, and cash only. Don't accept checks, and don't mail anything! Be mindful of scams on the site and you will be fine.

I've used craigslist several times and it works great.

As for the Euros...as the other posters said, if you think you will travel to Europe anytime again, hold on to those, sell the other currency if it's worth it!

If you take them to the bank they will exchange at the current rate and charge a commission just like you paid if you bought foreign currency from a bank or change booth. Banks will only take larger paper money, they don't take coins at all. The extra will either have to be sold to someone heading to Europe, given as gifts, or kept as souvenirs.

Best use I can think of for leftover euros is to save them for the next trip. Second best is to give them to a friend to use on their trip.

Mark, I'm live in Portland too and would be happy to purchase your excess euros. Please send me a private message and I'll get in touch with you to exchange money. Thanks!

Deb

A simple and useful way to use leftover money -
For Example: If you are staying in a hotel in each country (and havent prepaid your room via credit card) when you are leaving your hotel, use the rest of that countrys money towards the bill. Pay the balance with your card.

Also a hint for countries that have the same stores as the US - just load the money onto a gift card for that store. That way you can use it back home! London, Ireland, France, etc...all have Starbucks, Body Shop, etc...