Accor’s loyalty offering ALL is this month opening pop-up currency exchange booths across three key cities to enable travellers to donate unused foreign currency to support people impacted by domestic violence.

The move follows a national study commissioned by ALL last month that found 1-in-7 (14%) of Australians (1001 surveyed) who have travelled overseas, are holding onto at least AU$300 AUD in foreign currency since returning from abroad, while a third (34%) have the equivalent of AU$49 post trip.

One quarter (26%) of those surveyed admit they hold onto foreign currency because it’s too much effort to exchange.

Opening in Sydney (World Square; Nov 12-13), Melbourne (State Library Victoria; Nov 19-20) and Brisbane (Queen Street Mal; Nov 28-29), the ‘World’s Best Exchange Rate’ pop-up will donate all funds to the Domestic Violence Collective and will offer those that take part a chance to win a holiday at various locations across the Pacific.

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“As Australia’s largest hotel operator, we’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable resurgence in international travel, particularly among younger Australians,” said Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams.

“While we’re seeing such strong appetite for global travel, we’re also seeing millions in foreign currency sitting idle in homes across the country.

“Through the World’s Best Exchange Rate, we’re giving Australians a simple way to transform their unused travel money into something meaningful – with every dollar exchanged to go directly to the Domestic Violence Collective, supporting their vital work for those impacted by domestic violence.

“It’s a meaningful way to put idle travel money to good use while celebrating our spirit for exploration.”

ALL’s research found the majority (59%) of Australians have travelled abroad in the past 12 months – rising to 71% among those aged 18-34.

Despite the rise of contactless payment options, 97% of Australians are still opting to carry physical cash in the destination currency when travelling abroad.

The top five most popular currencies left unused in Australian households are USD (37%), Euro (33%), Singapore Dollar (21%), the British Pound (20%) and NZ dollar (20%).