How to Carry Cash When Traveling Outside the U.S.

Carry small amounts of cash while abroad.

Today's modern traveler should find it relatively easy to travel abroad without the use of cash; the availability of merchants accepting credit and debit cards abroad means that you may not need to carry much cash at all. If you do plan to carry cash outside of the U.S., you should be certain to follow the laws for declaring cash and be careful to protect your money while abroad.

Instructions

1. Declare any cash or monetary instruments --- such as traveler's checks --- exceeding $10,000 that you are carrying when leaving the country to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Failing to make this declaration is a federal offense and your cash may be confiscated if you do not do so.

2. Declare the amount of cash that you are carrying to customs officials in the country that you are entering, if the law requires it. The declaration requirements vary by country, so you should contact customs officials ahead of time. If you are uncertain, ask the customs officials when you arrive, if there is anything you need to declare.

3. Carry small amounts of cash with you when traveling abroad. It is best to avoid carrying large sums of cash in an unfamiliar country, particularly in tourist areas where pickpockets may be prevalent. Take out small amounts of cash from the ATM at a time. If you do take large amounts out, store it in a secure location such as a hotel safe.

4. Keep your cash close to you. Never carry your wallet in your back pocket; keep it in a front pocket or in the breast pocket of a jacket. Alternatively, you can use a money belt that straps across your chest to keep your funds secure.

References

• Wisebread; Travel and Money: How to Get and Carry Cash Safely and Securely; Nora Dunn; July 2010
• "Overseas Research: A Practical Guide"; Christopher Brendan et al.; 2010
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection; CBP in San Diego Seizes $90,000 in Cash Leaving Country; September 2009