What Coin Do You Need for Trolleys?
From £1 to €2: The Exact Coins (and Clever Alternatives) That Work in the UK, Europe, and Worldwide
What Coin Do You Need for Trolleys? Your Complete Guide to Unlocking Shopping Carts Worldwide
We’ve all been there: standing in front of a supermarket trolley, rummaging through pockets or purses for the right coin to unlock it. Trolley coin systems are common in many countries, designed to ensure carts are returned and not left scattered in parking lots. But what coin do you actually need? The answer depends on where you are—and even if you’re out of luck, there are clever fixes.
Here’s your ultimate guide to trolley coins, including regional requirements, travel hacks, and genius alternatives to keep you rolling.
Why Do Trolleys Require a Coin?
Most modern trolleys use a coin-deposit system. Insert a coin to release the chain, and retrieve it when you return the cart. This simple mechanism:
- Encourages shoppers to return trolleys.
- Reduces costs for stores (no staff needed to collect carts).
- Cuts clutter in parking areas.
But what happens if you don’t have the right coin—or any coin at all? Let’s break it down.
Trolley Coins by Region: What You Need to Know
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- Standard coin: £1 (28.5mm diameter, round, gold-colored).
- Why it works: The £1 coin’s size and thickness fit most trolley locks. Smaller coins (like 50p) usually won’t work.
- Travel tip: Some UK stores (e.g., Aldi, Lidl) provide free plastic tokens shaped like £1 coins—ask at checkout!
🇪🇺 European Union (Eurozone)
- Standard coins: €1 (23.25mm) or €2 (25.75mm).
- Regional quirks:
- Germany, France, Spain: €1 or €2 coins.
- Netherlands: Some stores accept 50¢ coins.
- Scandinavia: Many supermarkets use keychain tokens (no coin needed).
From Pennies to Pounds – Denominations, Designs, and Their Hidden Stories
🇺🇸 United States & Canada
- Less common: Few U.S. or Canadian stores require trolley coins.
- Exceptions: Aldi (U.S.) uses a quarter (25¢) system. Bring a quarter to unlock the cart, and get it back upon return.
- Hack: Keep a dedicated “trolley quarter” in your car!
Canadian Coins Unveiled: From the Loonie to the Toonie – Designs, History, and Nature-Inspired Secrets
🇦🇺 Australia & Asia
- Australia: 1or1or2 coins (similar in size to £1/€2).
- Japan/South Korea: Many stores use 100-yen or 500-won coins.
- Singapore/Thailand: Token systems or free carts (no coins needed).
From the Kangaroo to the Koala – Iconic Designs, History, and Why Aussie Currency Shines
No Coin? No Problem! 6 Clever Alternatives
If you’re caught without the right currency, try these workarounds:
- Keychain Trolley Tokens
- Cheap, lightweight tokens (Amazon, eBay) mimic coin sizes. Attach to keys for emergencies.
- Bottle Caps
- Metal caps from soda/beer bottles (e.g., Heineken) often fit EU trolleys.
- Flat Metal Washers
- Hardware-store washers (25–30mm diameter) can trick the lock.
- Carabiner Clips
- Small, rigid clips sometimes work in a pinch (though less reliable).
- Smartphone Apps
- Stores like Kaufland (Germany) let you scan an app to unlock carts.
- Ask for Help
- Many shoppers will lend you a coin or token—just pay it forward!
⚠️ Avoid using:
- Keys (can damage locks or get stuck).
- Paper clips (too flimsy).
Traveler’s Guide: Navigating Trolley Systems Abroad
- Research Ahead: Google “[Country] trolley coin size” before your trip.
- Carry a Multi-Tool Token: Buy a universal trolley token (works for £1, €1, $1, etc.).
- Check for “Coinless” Stores: Chains like Tesco (UK) or Carrefour (EU) often have free carts in cities.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a foreign coin?
A: Only if it matches the size (e.g., a Canadian loonie [$1] fits UK trolleys).
Q: What if my coin gets stuck?
A: Alert store staff—they have tools to retrieve it.
Q: Are trolley coins disappearing?
A: Yes! Many stores are switching to app-based or contactless systems.
Final Tip: Be a Trolley Hero
Return your cart (and coin!) to keep the system working. No one likes a parking lot obstacle course!
Whether you’re shopping locally or abroad, this guide ensures you’ll never be stranded trolley-less again. 🛒✨
Got a trolley coin hack we missed? Share it in the comments!