In order to ensure safe travel, the Department of Homeland Security introduced the Transportation Security Administration in 2001. One of their main purposes is to oversee air travel. In those efforts, there have been some rules imposed on carrying unusual amounts of cash on a plane. Before you pack your bags and set off to the airport, make sure to learn about the different regulations.
This article will discuss how much money you can carry on a plane; on domestic trips and international flights. Keep reading to learn all the essentials.
What Counts as Cash
In the context of this article and otherwise, cash will include any and all forms of currency. When traveling on a plane, cash doesn’t only constitute banknotes and coins. In fact, cheques; travellers’ cheques, bankers’ drafts, liquid assets, bearer forms/instruments, and other forms of monetary instruments fall into the category as well.
Every foreign currency, even the ones that are difficult to convert, is considered cash. Since it is difficult to distinguish what is and isn’t considered cash, make sure to check your country’s specific regulations.
In the meantime, here’s a list of things that are NOT considered cash despite their monetary value.
- Gold coins
- Other forms of gold
- Precious metals
- Casino chips
- Precious stones
How Much Cash Can You Carry Flying Within The US
Domestic
If you are traveling within the states then there is no legal limit on the amount of cash you can carry. There is also no need to declare the money at U.S. customs. However, if the TSA screener and law enforcement officers deem the amount unusual, they might question you regarding the details of your trip. They may also be interested in finding the purpose of carrying such a large amount of cash.
As long as you answer truthfully and present valid reasons, there is nothing to worry about as these measures are in place for everyone’s protection and spot criminal activities such as money laundering.
International
Even in international travel (flying outside the US), there is no “limit” or “restriction” on the amount of cash you can carry. However, you must declare the cash to the customs authorities if it exceeds the threshold of $10,000. You’ll be asked to sign the required forms and documentation in order to proceed. This requirement applies to combinations of different currencies as well, as long as they add up to $10,000 and more so make sure to follow the regulations.
Furthermore, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has defined that the $10,000 threshold applies to families rather than individual travelers. This means that you should declare a $10,000+ cash amount even if it’s not one person who’s carrying all of it.
How Much Money Can You Carry Flying Within The European Union
Domestic flight
If you are traveling from one EU country to another, there is no need to declare cash under the amount of €10,000. If you are planning to carry cash exceeding that amount, you’ll need to check the specific country’s guidelines. EU countries have varying rules but overall, there are less restrictions if you are flying within. While some require you to declare cash at costumes, others simply don’t.
International flight
For those of you who are flying outside the EU with cash exceeding €10,000, you’ll need to complete an EU currency declaration form. This includes combined currencies that add up to the defined threshold. However, if you are traveling from the EU to the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain, you’ll need to contact their customs officials and sort out the details.
How Much Money Can You Carry Flying Within The UK
Domestic
The UK law requires travelers to declare amounts of €10,000 and above. If you are flying within the UK with the pre-defined sum, you must download the relevant form from the UK gov website and fill it out. You can also get it at the airport and complete it before getting to customs.
International
The same rules apply to international travel. If you are traveling with a group or family, you should declare a $10,000+ cash amount even if it’s not one person who’s carrying all of it.
What Are The Regulations
Carrying large amounts of cash is a sensitive matter. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the regulations and remain cautious throughout.
How Much Cash Can I Carry Without Declaring It?
As discussed above, you can carry $10,000 without declaring it in the US and £10,000 in the UK and its territories (England, Scotland, and Wales). Any amount larger than that must be declared at customs or there can be various repercussions including the following:
- Potential legal issues
- Seizure of funds
- Criminal penalties
Be sure to remember that the declaration of cash is important for security purposes. There is no limit on the movement of money but it is imperative to avoid illicit activities and illegal activities.
What Do You Need for Cash Declarations at Customs
Here’s everything you’ll need while declaring cash at customs
- Information regarding the cash’s owner and beneficiary
- Information on the person in possession of the cash
- Your travel details
- What do you plan on doing with the cash
- The quantity and form of cash you are carrying
- The source of the cash, where it came from, and how it was generated
Tips and Best Practices For Carrying Cash On a Plane
It is important to remain cautious while carrying cash on a plane. Here are some tips that can help you travel more safely.
Carry essential amount
First and foremost, it is always recommended to carry as little cash as possible. If you must bring it because of special circumstances, make sure to carry it in different places i.e. divide it and store it in different compartments, and don’t put it all in one pocket/ place. This will prevent theft of large amounts and avoid unwanted attention. This is also a useful tip as you won’t be at the risk of losing all of it if something unfortunate happens.
Use alternatives
If you are traveling to a foreign country and are in need of large sums of cash, consider accessing cash alternatives. Credit cards and debit cards are just as reliable but the risk of carrying them is a lot less! Here are some other alternatives:
- Traveler’s cheques: they are less stressful than cash.
- Mobile payment apps: this is a much safer alternative. You can use your banking app or download one that is common in your destination country.
- Pre-paid travel cards: much like a credit or debit card, prepaid travel cards can be deposited with money.
Carry travel bags
Another tip is to carry travel bags/pouches and keep the money on your person. Money belts are also a good way to keep your cash and valuables secure.
You can wear them under your clothing and avoid the risk of losing anything.
Final thoughts
The bottom line is that there are no restrictions on carrying cash on a plane. You can bring as much money as you prefer; as long as it’s legitimate. The travel authorities have placed these regulations and added security measures to ensure everyone’s safety and spot financial crimes.
Before traveling, it is important to learn about the customs declaration rules and your country’s regulations. This will allow you to be well-prepared and get on your plane safely! We hope this article answered your questions and cleared any doubts you had about carrying cash on a plane.
If you have any further queries or confusion, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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