Airports deploy foreign currency exchange kiosks

Passengers convert unused foreign currency into funds for e-wallets or gift cards

Several European and Asian airports have deployed foreign currency exchange kiosks to allow passengers to convert unused foreign currency into funds for e-wallets or gift cards.

The kiosks, developed by Israeli company TravelersBox, allow passengers to deposit foreign currency in a PayPal account, make a donation to a number of different charities or to buy an e-gift card for websites and online services including eBay, Groupon, Skype, GAP and the Caffe Nero.

Passengers always have unused foreign cash and the idea is that they can turn those coins and notes into useable currency – gift cards or donations to good causes. The options vary based on the country and its regulations.

TravelersBox currently has kiosks at eight airports in four countries:

  • Turkey – Ankara, Izmir, Istanbul Ataturk
  • UK – Manchester
  • Italy – Milan Linate and Malpensa Malpensa
  • Georgia – Tbilisi

The company plans to deploy to the Philippines and Brazil in the upcoming weeks. It plans to roll out 150 additional kiosks by the end of 2015.

The company charges between 5 and 15% of the transaction amount.

How it works

  • Passengers deposit the leftover coins and notes in the kiosk and supply an email address
    • The kiosks in Turkey accept the following currencies:
      Turkish Lira, USD, EURO and Russian Ruble.
    • The kiosk in England accepts the following currencies:
      British Pounds and Euro.
    • The kiosks in Georgia accept the following currencies:
      Georgian Lari and Euro.
    • The kiosks in Italy accept the following currencies:
      Euro, USD, Canadian Dollar and Euro.
  • Travelersbox send an e-mail confirmation with redeem instructions
  • Passengers click on the link in the e-mail and follow the instructions.
  • The deposit will be available within 48 hours.

 

Internet links

Travelersbox