How Much Cash Can You Legally Carry?

Travelling with large amounts of cash can be problematic. While there is no legal limit to the amount of cash you can carry on domestic or international flights, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. For international travel, most countries have reporting requirements for currency and monetary instruments exceeding a certain amount. For example, in the US, travellers must declare amounts over $10,000, while in the UK and EU, the threshold is €10,000. Failure to declare may result in confiscation and legal penalties. Additionally, carrying large amounts of cash can arouse suspicion from authorities, who may suspect illegal activity and seize the money. It is generally recommended to use alternative payment methods, such as credit/debit cards or traveller's cheques, to reduce the risk of loss or theft.

Declare cash above $10,000 in the US

When travelling with large amounts of cash, it is important to be aware of the relevant regulations to avoid fines or confiscation of your money. In the US, there is no limit to how much cash you can travel with domestically. However, if you are travelling internationally, you must declare cash or monetary instruments totalling above $10,000. This includes cash from other countries that meets the following criteria:

> coin and paper money of the United States or of any other country that: (1) is designated as legal tender, (2) circulates, and (3) is customarily used and accepted as a medium of exchange in the country of issuance.

This means that if you are carrying more than $10,000 in cash, you will need to file a FinCEN Form 105 ("Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments") with US Customs and Border Protection. This form requires you to provide the following information:

• Contact information, including your passport number
• Export/import information
• Shipping information, if applicable
• Details of the currency or monetary instrument

You can file this form electronically or in paper form. It is important to note that failing to declare cash above the $10,000 limit can result in forfeiture of your money and criminal penalties.

In addition to the international cash limit, there are also considerations when travelling with cash domestically in the US. While there is no limit to the amount of cash you can travel with, there is a risk of cash seizure by TSA agents if they suspect the money is gained from or intended for illegal activity. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the amount of cash you travel with as small as possible and to have supporting documentation for the source and purpose of the cash.

When travelling with large amounts of cash, it is also important to consider your safety. Avoid keeping all your cash in one place, and consider using a hidden wallet and a dummy wallet to minimise the risk of loss or theft. Additionally, using alternative payment methods such as credit/debit cards, mobile payment apps, or traveller's cheques can provide a safer and more convenient option than carrying large sums of cash.

Declare cash above €10,000 in the UK

When travelling to the UK, you must declare cash amounts of £10,000 or more if you are entering or leaving England, Scotland, or Wales. This also applies if the total cash amount exceeds £10,000, even if individuals within the travelling party are carrying less than this amount.

If you are travelling to Northern Ireland, different rules apply. You must declare cash of €10,000 or more if you are travelling between Northern Ireland and a non-EU country, or arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

The earliest you can make a declaration is 72 hours before you plan to travel. You can declare cash online, over the phone, or in person at UK customs by following the 'goods to declare' or 'red channel' signs.

When declaring cash, you will need to provide the following information:

• Details of the person carrying the cash, the owner, and the recipient, including passport or ID document number, and address.
• Your travel itinerary, including flight numbers, ferry routes, and any countries passed through in transit.
• The amount and type of cash being carried, including the currency and notes or coins.
• The source of the cash, including the country it came from and how it was generated (e.g. through earnings or selling something).
• What the cash will be used for.

If you do not declare cash of £10,000 or more, it may be seized by a Border Force officer, and you may have to pay a penalty of up to £5,000 to get it back. Customs authorities can seize any amount of cash if they have reasonable grounds to suspect criminal activity.

Therefore, it is important to familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations when travelling with large amounts of cash to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

Cash seizure by TSA

While there is no limit to the amount of cash you can travel with, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. If you are travelling within the US, your primary concern should be avoiding forfeiture of your cash. If you are travelling internationally, you need to declare the value of your currency and monetary instruments if they total more than $10,000.

TSA agents are not concerned with enforcing laws and penal codes, but they have been known to initiate the process of seizing cash from passengers under the suspicion that it is money gained from or intended to be used for illegal activities. This can happen even if you have not been charged or convicted of any crime.

If your cash is seized, you should be given a "Custody Receipt for Seized Property and Evidence" (Form 6051S). You then have the opportunity to petition the process and attempt to retrieve your funds. This can be costly, as you will likely need to hire a lawyer, and your success rate could be very low.

To avoid having your cash seized by the TSA, it is advisable to keep the amount of cash you are travelling with as small as possible. Avoid bringing more than $2,000 in cash if you can, and try not to use $20 bills, as these are customarily used in drug deals. If you do bring a large amount of cash, consider notifying a TSA agent when you enter the line and ask for a private or secondary screening.

If you are travelling internationally with more than $10,000, you will need to file a FinCEN Form 105 ("Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments") with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This can be done electronically or by filing a paper form. Failure to declare could result in forfeiture of your money and criminal penalties.

Cash declaration for family travel

When travelling as a family, it's important to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding cash declaration to avoid any legal complications. Here is a comprehensive guide on cash declaration for family travel:

Know the Limits and Requirements:

• In most countries, there is no official limit on the amount of cash you can carry when travelling. However, large amounts of cash, particularly above $10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, may arouse suspicion.
• When travelling internationally, it is mandatory to declare cash amounts exceeding a certain threshold. For example, in the US, you must file a FinCEN Form 105 with US Customs and Border Protection when entering or leaving the country with over $10,000.
• The requirement to declare cash applies to the total amount carried by the entire family, even if each individual carries less than the threshold. For instance, if each family member carries $6,000, the family must collectively declare as they exceed the $10,000 limit.
• The threshold for declaration varies by country. For instance, in the UK, travellers must declare amounts over £10,000 or €10,000 when entering or leaving the country.

Understand What Constitutes "Cash":

• "Cash" typically includes not only bills and coins but also other monetary instruments such as cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques, bank drafts, and certain types of stocks or securities.
• Some countries have specific additional requirements. For example, when entering or leaving Northern Ireland, you must also declare gold coins, bullion, or nuggets.

Provide Necessary Information:

• When declaring cash, you will need to provide detailed information, including the amount and type of cash being carried, the owner and recipient of the cash, your travel schedule, and the source and intended usage of the funds.
• Most countries have specific forms for cash declarations, such as Form 6059B in the US and a general form in Canada.
• It is recommended to declare cash before your trip or upon arrival at your destination. In the UK, you can declare online or via phone up to 72 hours before your trip.

Be Aware of the Consequences of Non-Declaration:

• Failing to declare cash when required can lead to serious consequences, including seizure of your money, civil penalties, and even criminal penalties in some countries.
• For example, in the UK, failure to declare cash can result in the seizure of all the cash you are carrying, and you may have to pay a penalty of up to £5,000 to retrieve it.
• Customs authorities may also confiscate your cash if they suspect it is related to illegal activities, such as money laundering or financing terrorist activities.

Consider Alternatives to Carrying Large Amounts of Cash:

• Carrying large amounts of cash comes with risks, including the possibility of theft or loss. Consider using alternative payment methods such as credit/debit cards, mobile payment apps, traveller's cheques, or prepaid travel cards.
• If you need access to cash during your travels, consider using a travel credit card or withdrawing local currency from an ATM with your debit card.

By being informed about the regulations, providing the necessary information, and making thoughtful decisions about payment methods, your family can have a smooth travel experience while complying with cash declaration requirements.

Cash alternatives

When travelling, it is recommended to use cash alternatives to ensure your money is safe and secure. Here are some options for cash alternatives when travelling:

Credit/Debit Cards

Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards being blocked for suspicious activity. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across the world and are a safer alternative to carrying large amounts of cash.

Mobile Payment Apps

Many countries have mobile payment apps that can be linked to your bank account or credit/debit card. These apps can be used to purchase goods and services without carrying physical money.

Traveller's Cheques

Traveller's cheques are prepaid cheques that can be used instead of cash. They can be purchased in advance and are safer to carry as they can be replaced if lost or stolen.

Prepaid Travel Cards

Prepaid travel cards can be loaded with a set amount of money and used like a credit or debit card. They are safer than carrying cash as they usually require a signature or PIN to be used.

Dummy Wallet

A dummy wallet is a great way to deter thieves. It is a wallet with a small amount of cash and old or useless cards. You can hand this over to a thief, knowing that your real cash and cards are safely hidden elsewhere.

Anti-Theft Bags

Consider investing in an anti-theft bag with features such as cut-proof fabric and locking zippers. These bags can help deter opportunistic thieves and pickpockets.

On-Body Storage

There are various accessories available for on-body storage of cash and valuables, such as money belts, scarves with hidden pockets, socks with hidden zipper wallets, and undercover leg wallets. These allow you to keep your valuables close to you and hidden from view.

Frequently asked questions