You can take any amount of money on a plane, but if you are flying to or from the United States, you must declare amounts over $10,000.
Here's a breakdown of the rules regarding carrying cash on a plane:
No Limit, But Declaration Required:
- There is no legal limit to the amount of cash or monetary instruments (e.g., traveler's checks, money orders) you can carry on a flight, either domestically or internationally.
- However, if you are entering or leaving the United States with more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments, you are legally required to report it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Why the Declaration Requirement?
- The declaration requirement is a U.S. federal law designed to combat money laundering and other illegal activities.
- It helps authorities track large sums of money crossing borders.
How to Declare:
- You must declare the amount by filing FinCEN Form 105 (Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments).
- You can obtain this form from the CBP website or at the port of entry/exit.
- Make sure to complete the form accurately and truthfully.
Consequences of Not Declaring:
- Failure to declare amounts over $10,000 can result in:
- Seizure of the undeclared money.
- Civil penalties.
- Potential criminal charges.
Important Considerations:
- The $10,000 threshold applies to the total amount of currency and monetary instruments. This includes U.S. and foreign currency combined.
- Be prepared to explain the source and intended use of the money to customs officials. Having documentation to support your explanation is helpful.
In summary: While you can carry any amount of money on a plane, be sure to declare any amounts exceeding $10,000 when entering or leaving the U.S. to avoid potential legal issues.
