Flying With Cash: What You Need To Know
Carrying cash on a flight is something many travelers do for convenience and ease of purchase. But how much cash can you actually bring on a flight, and who sets the rules? Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.
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Carrying cash on a plane is perfectly legal, but there are limits depending on the country you're flying to or from. Understanding these rules before you travel can help ensure a smoother experience at the airport and during your flight.
How Much Cash Can You Fly With?
According to the South African Revenue Services, any traveler entering or leaving South Africa must get prior approval from SARB to carry more than R25,000. Airline regulations are closely tied to a country’s security policies, so it’s important to check the rules for your destination.
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For international flights, you may need to declare amounts above a certain threshold, while domestic flights often don’t have such restrictions. Here's a quick look at some countries' cash limits:
| Country | Cash Limit |
| USA | $10,000 |
| European Union countries | €10,000 |
| Australia | AU$10,000 |
| Canada | Can$10,000 |
| Turkey | $10,000 |
| Japan | 1 million Japanese Yen |
| Mexico | $10,000 |
In Singapore, authorities have caught over 87 people at Changi Airport carrying undeclared cash exceeding $20,000 as of June 2024. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) encourages travelers to declare any cash over $20,000 before flying in or out of the country. Their statement reads:
It is the responsibility of arriving travelers to make accurate and complete declarations of the dutiable and taxable items in their possession.
To avoid hefty penalties and for their own convenience, foreign travelers and local residents are strongly encouraged to make an advance declaration and payment for their dutiable or GST goods up to three days prior to their arrival in Singapore.
US Customs Cash Limit Per Person
Is it legal to carry a lot of cash on a flight? The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says there’s no limit on the amount of money or monetary instruments you can bring into the United States. However, if you’re carrying more than $10,000, you must declare it to customs.
How Much Cash Can You Fly With Internationally?
The TSA’s cash limit applies to international travelers flying in or out of the US. These regulations cover all forms of monetary instruments. According to the US Customs and Border Protection, "monetary instruments" include US or foreign coins currently in circulation, currency, traveler’s checks, money orders, and negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form.
How Much Money Can You Fly With Domestically?
The TSA doesn’t restrict the amount of cash you can carry on domestic flights within the US. Still, it’s a good idea to carry documentation that supports the source and purpose of your money, just in case.
Where to Put Cash When Flying
When packing for your trip, consider these tips to keep your money safe and secure:
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- Carry cash in a hidden pouch, such as a money belt around your waist or neck.
- Keep it close to your body and out of sight at all times.
- Don’t keep all your cash in one place—spread it out in different compartments of your bag or clothing.
- Never leave your bags or purses unattended, even for a moment.
How Much Cash Can You Fly With in Europe?
The European Union allows you to travel with any amount of money when flying into or leaving an EU country. However, if you’re carrying €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency), you must declare it at customs. The EU also restricts certain items of equivalent value, including:
- Banknotes and coins.
- Coins with a gold content of at least 90%.
- Traveler’s checks, promissory notes, or money orders.
- Bullion, such as bars, nuggets, or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5%.
How to Report Money When You Travel
Declaring cash before you travel is typically done at customs inside the airport, usually in the arrivals area. In the US, you must report excess cash to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Here’s how:
- Fill out the Currency Reporting Form (FinCen 105) online.
- Complete and print Form FinCen 105 before your trip and present it to a CBP officer.
- Ask a CBP officer for a paper copy and fill it out at customs if needed.
What Happens If You Fail to Report Your Money?
If you fail to declare your cash or provide an inaccurate report, you could face penalties. The punishment varies depending on the country. In the US, the CBP penalties can include:
- Confiscation of all currency or monetary instruments.
- A fine of up to $500,000.
- Up to 10 years in prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flying with cash is allowed, but there are limits on how much you can carry onboard. Declaring your cash can prevent issues like confiscation or fines. Here are some common questions about flying with cash:
- Is there a limit on flying with money? There’s no specific limit, but you must report amounts exceeding a certain threshold to authorities. The exact limit varies by country.
- Can you fly with over $10,000 cash? Yes, it’s legal to carry more than $10,000, but you must declare it at customs.
- Is the $10,000 cash limit per person or per family in the USA? In the US, the limit applies to the combined total for a family traveling together.
- Can you carry cash in your pocket through airport security? Yes, you can keep cash in your pocket while going through the metal detector or body scanner.
- How much cash can you carry to the US? There’s no maximum limit, but any amount over $10,000 must be declared at customs upon arrival.
