Taking Cash Out of the U.S.: Regulations & Requirements

If you are moving abroad from the United States, or just traveling to another country, you may want to take a large amount of cash with you. The U.S. government places no restrictions on the amount of money that you can take with you when you leave the country. However, you do have to declare any amount that is $10,000 or more. If you fail to do so, the money can actually be seized by the Customs and Border Patrol agent.

Step 1

Withdraw the amount of cash that you want to take with you from your financial institution.

Step 2

Convert your cash into traveler's checks if you prefer to not carry actual cash with you. This can be a safer way to travel with your money.

Step 3

Download form FinCEN 105 from the U.S. Department of Treasury website (see Resource section), or wait until you get to customs at the airport to ask for the form. The form is only required if you are leaving with $10,000 or more.

Step 4

Fill out the form to declare all of the money you are taking out of the U.S. and give it to one of the Customs officers.