Travelling with, or sending cash (2024)

Overview

Carrying cash - If you enter or leave the European Union (EU)at an Irish airport or port carrying cash of €10,000 or more, you must make a declaration to customs.

Sending cash - If you send or receive cash of €10,000 or more by post, freight or courier you may have to make a cash disclosure declaration.

Customs may check these declarations and the cash to ensure that the amount declared is correct. You may request a stamped copy of the completed declaration from customs.

Note

From 1 January 2021 the United Kingdom (UK) is no longer a member of the EU. The rules about cash declarations apply to movements of cash of €10,000 or more, to or from the UK, including the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. These rules do not apply to movements of cash to or from Northern Ireland.

Cash includes:

  • banknotes and coins (including currency now out of general circulation, but that can still be exchanged in a financial institution or central bank)
  • cheques, travellers' cheques, promissory notes or money orders without a named beneficiary
  • gold coins with gold content of at least 90%
  • and
  • gold bars, gold nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5%. (Gold is included for the first time from 1 June 2021.)

Note

These provisions also apply to a cash equivalent of €10,000 or more in other currencies.

You must make this declaration in order to comply with European and national legislation and to deter illegal activities such as money laundering.

A customs officer may search for, seize and detain cash being brought into or out of the State if:

  • the amount is €1,000 or more
  • and
  • the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the cash directly or indirectly represents the proceeds of crime or is intended for use in criminal conduct.

Next: Travelling with cash of €10,000 or more - How to declare it

Travelling with, or sending cash (2024)

FAQs

How do you prove sufficient funds for travel? ›

Travelers visiting the United States from a foreign country must be able to prove to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer that they have sufficient funds, i.e., credit card, cash, travelers' checks, money order to cover travel, lodging, entertainment, meals, etc. to be admitted into the United States.

Is it better to travel with cash or card? ›

Advantages of using cash

If your spending discipline breaks down when you use credit cards, cash may be a better choice while you let loose on vacation. No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge an extra fee of up to 3% on purchases made outside the country, although you can find cards that don't.

How much cash should you carry when traveling? ›

The general consensus is that you should have $50 to $100 in cash per day for each traveler. However, this amount could vary considerably depending on where you are vacationing. Some destinations are more cash-friendly than others.

Is it smart to travel with cash? ›

While credit cards are easy to carry and more secure than cash, you should always have some local cash on you when traveling. It's just good sense. Besides the fact that some local shops and vendors won't accept credit cards, having some cash provides a safety net in case your bank shuts off your card for any reason.

What is acceptable proof of sufficient financial means? ›

Here is a list of documents that you can present to prove your means of subsistence: A personal bank statement indicating your financial movements (for at least 3 last months) Credit card. Cash. Traveler's cheques.

What counts as sufficient funds? ›

Sufficient Funds means that the funds at issue have been delivered for deposit to the financial institution at which such account is maintained and not that such funds are available for withdrawal in accordance with the deposit rules or the funds availability policies of such financial institution.

Why is it illegal to travel with a lot of cash? ›

Flying with a large amount of cash on a flight is not illegal. Nevertheless, bringing larger amounts of cash to the airport increases the chance it will be seized for a civil asset forfeiture proceeding during a search and detention. Are these searches and detentions legal? The short answer is “No, usually not.”

What is the best form of money to travel with? ›

Cash and credit cards are the ideal way to pay when you are travelling. Speak with an expert to determine which currency to bring with you. It is not uncommon for travellers to bring US Dollars, as they are widely accepted all over the world. However, this is not the best idea.

Why cant you travel with a lot of cash? ›

Protecting your money from theft or other losses

Avoid traveling with large amounts of cash or other forms of money. Always keep your money in a carry-on bag. Your airline will not compensate you if your money is in a checked bag and that bag is lost, stolen, or destroyed.

What is the best way to pay when traveling internationally? ›

Using credit cards for purchases and using ATMs to get local currency are the best options when abroad. Avoiding cash as much as possible won't saddle you with extra unspent currency when you leave a country.

Where do you put your money when going through airport security? ›

Ultimately, TSA uses the money to maintain and improve security operations. Travel Tip: To keep from leaving your money behind at the checkpoint, place it in a zip top plastic bag, pouch or favorite fanny-pack and store in your carry-on bag for X-ray screening.

Is it safe to put cash in checked luggage? ›

Always keep cash and other valuables with you in a carry-on bag. Never leave such items in checked baggage. Don't forget to declare the cash to customs if you're traveling internationally.

What is the safest way to travel with cash? ›

6 Ways To Keep Your Cash Safe While Traveling
  1. Share Your Travel Plans With Your Bank. ...
  2. Don't Keep All Your Money In One Place. ...
  3. Store Money Inside Fake Personal Items. ...
  4. Use an Anti-Theft Bag. ...
  5. Don't Drink Too Much. ...
  6. Don't Share Your Location on Social Media.

Should you carry cash when traveling internationally? ›

Bringing foreign cash, and how much to bring, is as important as making sure your credit card providers know you are traveling internationally. Foreign currency enables you to pay like a local, provides an important backup payment method, and is the most common payment for small transactions.

Should I take cash when traveling internationally? ›

I love using my credit cards to earn miles, points, and cashback. But when you travel internationally, places you visit won't always accept credit cards. This is why you need to have cash available while traveling.

What is proof of financial situation? ›

This can include evidence of current employment or self-employment, recent pay statements, a letter from the employer on business letterhead – showing dates of employment, wages paid, and type of work performed – or other financial data.

What is an example of financial proof? ›

The five key documents include your profit and loss statement, balance sheet, cash-flow statement, tax return, and aging reports.

What is the financial requirement? ›

Financial requirements will relate to expenses that affect costs and margins, such matters as: • Limiting the total security investment to a fixed percentage of total IT spend.

What is proof of sufficient funds for travel Europe? ›

Proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the intended journey, recent bank account statements during the last three months (Bank statements must show the name and address of the owner). We cannot accept Travel Money Cards or cash as proof of sufficient funds.

Can I use credit card statement as proof of funds? ›

A credit card statement can only serve as a record of payment, but a receipt may be needed to provide the details of such purchase. If you have no receipts, you cannot prove that you bought something tax-deductible.

Do banks check source of funds? ›

We are required by the anti-money laundering legislation to check where the money is coming from to buy the property. This can be from savings, mortgages and gifts from relatives, inheritances etc, and this is called a “source of funds” check.

How much cash can I travel with without declaring? ›

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).

Do airport scanners detect cash? ›

Does Money Get Flagged During Scanning? Scanners at airports are operated in a way that they can detect thick wads of cash. This money is counted to determine how much it is, and the person carrying it might be questioned.

What are the advantages of using cash when travelling? ›

With that in mind, we decided to put together some pros and cons for carrying cash when you travel abroad.
  • Pro: Paying in Cash Helps You Stick to Your Budget. ...
  • Con: It's Less Convenient Than Carrying a Credit Card. ...
  • Pro: You Can Avoid Transaction Fees. ...
  • Con: You Can't Earn Points or Rewards on Cash Purchases.
May 17, 2021

Is cash the best way to travel? ›

Cash still comes in handy. No matter where your travels take you, you'll be hard-pressed to find an outlet of any description that doesn't accept cash, and in remote places paying with plastic may not be an option. But consider some safety precautions: don't carry large amounts, and keep what you carry in a safe place.

Is strong dollar better for travel? ›

If you've been a budget traveler before, the strong dollar makes budget travel even more advantageous. The low-cost destinations you loved before are cheaper than ever.

Should I pay in local currency or USD for international travel? ›

While there are some situations where it may make sense to use DCCs, it's usually better to pay in the local currency – especially if you use a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.

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

You need to declare it when traveling internationally

It's legal to travel with more than $10,000 in the United States and abroad. You have the right to travel with as much money as you want. However, during international travel, you need to report currency and monetary instruments in excess of $10,000.

How much cash should I have on hand? ›

While you're working, we recommend you set aside at least $1,000 for emergencies to start and then build up to an amount that can cover three to six months of expenses. When you've retired, consider a cash reserve that might help cover one to two years of spending needs.

What is not allowed on carry-on bags? ›

Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

Can TSA question you about cash? ›

However, if you are found flying with large amounts of cash or money, TSA officers may question you as to why you have it and details of your trip. These questions are designed to prevent crime such as drug trafficking or money laundering, so you should be prepared to answer truthfully and honestly to these questions.

How do I declare cash at the airport? ›

Travelers— Travelers carrying currency or other monetary instruments with them shall file FinCEN Form 105 at the time of entry into the United States or at the time of departure from the United States with the Customs officer in charge at any Customs port of entry or departure.

How much cash can you deposit at once? ›

A cash deposit of more than $10,000 into your bank account requires special handling. The IRS requires banks and businesses to file Form 8300, the Currency Transaction Report, if they receive cash payments over $10,000. Depositing more than $10,000 will not result in immediate questioning from authorities, however.

Do you need proof of funds to travel? ›

Intended travel itinerary for your U.S. trip. Proof of funds to cover the entire cost of travel (bank statements, proof of assets, etc) Proof of strong ties to your home country (employment verification, school enrollment, property ownership, etc) National ID number issued by your home country (if applicable)

How do I prove I have enough money for a visa? ›

Evidence of financial ability includes but is not limited to:
  1. Family bank statements.
  2. Documentation from a sponsor.
  3. Financial aid letters.
  4. Scholarship letters.
  5. Letter from an employer showing annual salary.

What is the difference between a bank statement and a bank certificate? ›

Certificates have a signatory, usually the branch manager, as proof that it is a legitimate document. Some banks may take a day to process the certificate as the signatory is not always available. Statements are issued on a timeframe basis and reflect all the incoming and outgoing transactions on that account.

What is proof of subsistence? ›

Means of subsistence should cover for the forseable duration of stay, unless otherwise stipulated in relevant bilateral agreements, protocols or instruments. Proof of means of subsistence may be provided by the entity hosting the service provider or providing training. Indepent work purposes.

Can cash be proof of funds? ›

No, not cash as in a briefcase full of money cannot be uses as a proof of funds. The lender has no way of sourcing this as it could be a loan. The money would need to be deposited into a bank account and seasoned for two months.

Why does customs ask how much money you have? ›

Most countries have laws about how much cash you can cross their borders with. The United States is no different. The point of the U.S. customs cash limit is to catch criminals and prevent money from being used to fund illegal activity like money laundering or drug trafficking.

How much money do you need to show for US visa? ›

Although there isn't a predetermined minimum balance needed, an F-1 visa requires a minimum balance of 10,000 USD.

Does a bank statement count as a bank letter? ›

A bank statement, is simply a statement of account. A bank letter, is a communication that the bank has sent you.

What is the difference between proof of balance and bank statement? ›

A Proof of balance is a statement that shows your current account balance. A Recent transactions report shows your transactions for your preferred time period.

Is a bank statement proof of bank account? ›

Bank statements can be used for monitoring your account, balancing your checkbook, and as proof of your financial activity.

What is the prove of payment? ›

A proof of payment can be a transfer receipt (screenshot or scan) and should ideally contain all of the following: Payer's details: Payer's account number: full number or the last 5 digits. Account holder's full name: this is the full name of the payer as shown in their bank account.

What is proof of financial status? ›

This can include evidence of current employment or self-employment, recent pay statements, a letter from the employer on business letterhead – showing dates of employment, wages paid, and type of work performed – or other financial data.

What is proof of financial resources? ›

Proof of funds usually includes bank statements and/or scholarship letters. Organizations and/or companies providing scholarships or paid study leave for you should provide an award letter outlining the details of the award in U.S. dollar amounts.

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