Take cash in and out of the UK (2024)

FAQs

Do you declare cash you carry into or out of the UK? ›

If you are carrying cash equivalent to £10,000 or more when you enter or leave Great Britain to or from any other country you must declare it. A declaration form can be found on line at gov.uk 'declare cash you carry into or out of the UK'. You may make the declaration from 72 hours in advance of arrival.

You must declare cash of £10,000 or more to UK customs if you're carrying it between Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and a country outside the UK. If you're travelling as a family or group with more than £10,000 in total (even if individuals are carrying less than that) you still need to make a declaration.

Are there limits? The same rules apply for taking cash out of the UK as for bringing it in. The maximum you can carry on a flight, ferry, train or car journey out of the UK is up to £10,000 or the currency equivalent. Anything above that sum, and you'll need to make a customs declaration.

There is no cash limit to bring into the UK money from abroad, however you do need to declare if you bring cash to the UK of £10,000 or more. When you arrive in the UK, follow the “goods to declare” or “red channel” signs, and tell a Border Force officer you want to declare cash.

If you fail to report to CBP that you are bringing more than $10,000 through customs or do so fraudulently, the penalties may include: Confiscation of all currency or monetary instruments. A fine of up to $500,000. Up to 10 years of imprisonment.

A good X-ray scanner will always detect money. Airport scanners can detect even the smallest amount of metal and can detect paper. The scanners will always look after things that look different to the norm. In this case, if the currency is arranged in bundles, it will be more easily detected.

There is no maximum limit, however, any amount exceeding $10,000 USD must be declared upon arrival on both the Form 6059B and FinCEN 105. All forms must be filled in completely and truthfully. The penalties for inaccurate declaration and non-compliance can be severe including heavy fines and/or confiscation of funds.

International travelers entering the United States must declare if they are carrying currency or monetary instruments in a combined amount over $10,000 on their Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B) and then file a FinCEN Form 105.

Don't Expect to Get Too Far Without Cash

There's a lot that you can buy with a credit card in Europe, so bring at least one. But don't expect to get very far without a little cash, too—especially if you're a tourist. Transportation services, such as taxis and buses, often require local currency.

It's completely up to you whether you exchange money before you travel to Europe, or get your euros when you arrive.

Do Brits carry cash? ›

The 2016 survey found that less than two-thirds (66%) of Brits use cash on a daily basis; chip and pin is the first choice when paying for goods and services (45%), followed by contactless (30%).

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).

You may bring large sums of money with you in the form of cash, money order, or traveler's checks. There is no maximum limit, however, any amount exceeding $10,000 USD must be declared upon arrival on both the Form 6059B and FinCEN 105. All forms must be filled in completely and truthfully.

You do not have to pay tax on foreign income or gains (even those you bring into the UK) if you get the 'foreign workers' exemption'. You qualify if: your income from your overseas job is less than £10,000. your other foreign income (such as bank interest) is less than £100.