Travelling with, or sending, cash (2024)

FAQs

Is it a good idea to travel with cash? ›

Security: Carrying a wad of cash is rarely a good idea, especially when you're away from home and distracted to the max. If your wallet is lost or stolen, any cash is probably gone forever. If you lose your credit card, you can cancel it online or through the app and get a replacement expedited to you.

If you are traveling with an excess of $10,000, you must report it to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer when you enter or exit the U.S. But there is no limit to the amount of money you can travel with.

Members of a family residing in one household entering the United States that submit a joint or family declaration must declare if the members are collectively carrying currency or monetary instruments in a combined amount over $10,000 on their Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B).

Credit Card, Pre-paid Credit Card, and Gift Card

Credit cards are often considered one of the safest ways to travel with currency. When traveling, it's a good practice to carry more than one of each these three options.

Use the credit card instead of cash wherever possible. Credit card issuers typically charge fees for international transactions and you may get the best exchange rate and fees lower than those associated with exchanging cash.

When flying domestically within the US, there are no restrictions on the amount of cash you can carry or must declare. However, be aware that you are flying with a large amount of cash or money, TSA officers have the right to ask you why you have it and the details of your trip.

A good X-ray scanner will always detect money. Airport scanners can detect even the smallest amount of metal and can detect paper. The scanners will always look after things that look different to the norm. In this case, if the currency is arranged in bundles, it will be more easily detected.

In fact, individuals can theoretically travel with any amount of cash and not violate any law. However, if traveling with large sums of cash, you must report the sum to the U.S. Customs Service if traveling internationally.

Both. “You generally want cash on you, always, in case of an emergency,” Granite said. Cash is also useful for gratuities and small purchases. For larger transactions, he recommends credit, provided there are no foreign transaction fees.

You may bring into or take out of the country, including by mail, as much money as you wish. However, if it is more than $10,000, you will need to report it to CBP. Use the online Fincen 105 currency reporting site or ask a CBP officer for the paper copy of the Currency Reporting Form (FinCen 105).

How much cash can you carry on a plane internationally per person? ›

The short answer is “there is no limit to how much cash you can bring to the airport for a domestic or intentional flight. However, you must declare on the FinCEN105 form that you are bringing more than $10,000 on an international flight (which includes all money being carried by anyone in your family or group).

Keep cash safe when travelling

Don't carry it all in one place to prevent it from getting lost or stolen. The safest place to keep your money secure will most likely be in your hotel room safe. If you don't have one (or if you really need to carry cash with you) try keeping your money in a: Money belt.

Cash is the best — and sometimes only — way to pay for bus fare, taxis, and local guides. If you'll be shopping a lot or settling bills at pricey business-class hotels, you might use your credit card more than I do — but you'll still be better off using cash for smaller purchases.

Remember, carrying less and using cards or ATMs to withdraw cash when needed is safer. Carrying a large sum of cash can be risky.

Cash can also be great to have on hand in case of emergencies. For example, you may find a vendor that doesn't accept credit or perhaps you have a low-limit on your credit card and, in this case, cash is a reliable back-up.