A small action that supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Coins from a trip.
A few unused notes tucked into a drawer.
Around the world, billions in leftover foreign currency sit unused — money that can no longer be spent, exchanged, or easily reused by individuals.
Why this matters
Unused foreign currency represents a missed opportunity to support social impact.
- Foreign coins and banknotes often sit unused or lose value over time
- Many travelers return home with leftover currency (especially coins) that they can’t easily exchange at banks. Rather than letting that money languish unused, donating it can redirect dormant resources toward development causes.
- The Change for Good programme has raised over USD 185 million from leftover travel currency
- This long-running UNICEF initiative partners with international airlines to collect foreign currency donations from passengers, pooling small amounts into funds that support lifesaving programmes for children around the world. (Source: UNICEF – Change for Good)
- Airline partnerships demonstrate real impact from small contributions
- For example, American Airlines’ support of Change for Good has helped raise more than USD 18 million in leftover currencies through inflight collections, showing how travel change can contribute to major development outcomes. (Source: UNICEF Change for Good on American Airlines)
- Redirecting unspent currency contributes to broader financial flows that support global development
- While official development assistance and remittances are large financial streams in global development, local charitable contributions — including pooled leftover funds — help fill gaps and provide flexible, rapid support for communities. (Source: Our World in Data – foreign aid and donations context)
Reducing inequality isn’t only about large transfers of wealth — it’s also about redirecting unused resources to where they are needed most.
The small action
Donate leftover foreign coins or notes instead of storing or discarding them.
You can do this by:
- Donating through airport or airline-supported charity programs
- Giving to organizations that accept foreign currency donations
- Converting travel leftovers into digital or pooled donations when available
The action takes less than five minutes, often at the end of a trip.
How this helps
This simple step:
- Redirects unused money to social programs
- Supports education, health, and emergency response
- Turns personal leftovers into collective impact
It directly supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by helping resources flow — even in small amounts — toward more equitable outcomes.
Caution
- Only donate through recognized charities or programs
- Avoid informal or unverified exchange schemes
- Coins often cannot be exchanged — donation is usually their best use
The goal is safe, transparent impact.
Make it stick
Make it a habit:
After every international trip, ask one question — “Where can this leftover money do the most good?”
Small action. Shared benefit.
That spare change may mean little to you now.
But pooled with others, it can mean access, care, or relief for someone else.
Sometimes reducing inequality starts with letting go of what you no longer need.
