How to carry money when traveling to USA?

Custom Limit of $10,000

When traveling to USA you can choose from cash, credit card issued in your country, traveler’s checks, preloaded travel card.

If you carry money more than $10,000, you have to sign a declaration at the customs to disclose the purpose in your possession.  Failure to declare currency in amounts over $10,000  subject to forfeiture and could result in civil and criminal penalties. Students carrying a demand draft for university fees also need to sign this document, if they have over $10,000 in total.  This limit also applies while leaving the USA.

Traveler’s Checks or Travel Cards?

For clearing travelers check you need to carry passport for identification purposes. Whereas a travelers card can be preloaded with amount of funds required. You can use it anywhere like a normal debit card. It can also be used to withdraw cash with some fees (~$2) on each withdrawal. Most importantly students can swipe it in the bank to transfer funds immediately to their newly opened bank account in USA. I used SBI Travel card and faced no fee for money transfer to bank. This card can also be reloaded with cash and can be used over the longer period. This is an ideal option for most travelers and especially for international students.

How Much Cash Should I Carry?

It is best to carry some cash with you as you may need it for making a call on airport, calling a taxi or for food. Keep some quarters (25 cents) with you as they are needed for making paid telephone calls. Taxi services in most cities accept credit cards as a form of payments.

   Tip- You can pre-order a taxi for you before leaving your home by Google map search for taxi service in a US city.