Is there a limit for cash being taken into USA?

Apologies if this is in the wrong section here, would appreciate a moderator altering if necessary. We are travelling to Orlando for 3 weeks, 2 adults + 13 yr old twins. Obviously as the kids are over 9 years old, the majority of things we do over there will have to be paid for 4 x adult prices. We usually take cash with us when we go on holiday, we don`t have credit cards. Our question is this, is there a limit of cash which is allowed to be taken from UK to USA, we don`t want to get caught at the airport for taking too much out, bringing too much in etc But also don`t want to be stuck in USA with no money. We`ve reckoned on, 21 days x 4people spending around £150-£220 per day, that includes food/drink/transport, photos at parks, and Tshirts etc. This amounts to around £4500 for the 3 weeks. Park tickets will be bought in UK. We just saw UK border patrol programme on TV and they stopped a guy who was carrying £4000 to Dubai and told him he was only allowed to take out £1000. That won`t get 4 of us very far in Orlando ?|

You only need to declare $10,000 and over. Still no limit, but just need to tell them and prove where you have got it from etc if over $10,000

Edit:
UK law is differnt, see here. Can take €10,000 without declaring when leaving the UK

[honey lamb]

It's €10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies.

See here

Thanks for the swift replies, checked on both the links given, as you say 10,000 euros or equivalent. Then googled US$ limit, and they say $10,000. Maybe it would be best to have one of those pre-loaded cards and use the ATM`s to withdraw cash from it. Not sure how they work, but we do have time to arrange this before we go. Alternatively we bank with Lloyds TSB, does anyone have any experience of using any of their cards in USA.

I use a prepaid Mastercard issued by

https://www.caxtonfxcard.com/index.asp.

Never had a problem with it.

Rather than load all the cash on at once it might be wiser to top it up every other day using the internet. Or to get a couple of cards and spread the money over them just in case.

There are several cards available. I have used FairFX in the past. Best to check out the various commission rates and transaction rates too.

Whilst you only have to declare cash over certain limit when leaving the UK on entry to the USA it is slightly different and the customs form mentions 'instruments' (financial ones like bankers drafts etc).

I found this on the US Embassy Website which might be helpful.

But the rule is if in doubt DECLARE

I too have seen one of those customs programmes and the limits do vary from country to country and if in doubt declare it and have some evidence that it is your money e.g. currency exchange receipt / bank statement etc

I`m probably going to sound really dumb here - first time US travellers panicking at the thought, but as there are 2 adults, are we allowed that much each? In which case if we split the money we`d be nowhere near the limit would we? Or is it per family?

I've used my actual debit card in the US before, the bank charged a small fee I think.

I`m probably going to sound really dumb here - first time US travellers panicking at the thought, but as there are 2 adults, are we allowed that much each? In which case if we split the money we`d be nowhere near the limit would we? Or is it per family?

The white customs form is per party so it would appear that the limit applies accross you and Mrs Tigger.

But having reread your original post you say you are taking £4.5k that is 'only' $7.2k so you are well within the $10k limit.

My concern would be loosing the card doing day to day stuff than having the CBP confiscate it which is why I suggested getting a couple of cards.

They may ask how much you are bringing into the US in which case answer honestly.

My other tip (and you are probbaly already doing this) is to tale a couple of hundred $ is cash with you for incidental expenses until you get to a US cash machine.

I've used my actual debit card in the US before, the bank charged a small fee I think.

The Saga Platinum credit card does not charge a loading fee for use overseas.

Using plastic is widely accepted in the USA. We use a pre paid cash to get hard cash out but a credit card for all purchases.

ps and take a few hundred in $ bills.

Lots of replies, they`re all appreciated and welcomed. General consensus seems to be mix it up, get prepaid card, $$cash and organise a credit card just in case. There`s lots to do in the run-up, I just hope the pre-hol doesn`t overshadow the actual time there. Thanks for the info on the per family too, I`m sure it will all be fine once we start actually doing the deeds so to speak. Still looking forward to it all, and the kids....well, I think by the time we go there`ll be four of us again. y) y)

I have a Citibank USD account based in the UK. I can make electronic transfers from my account with HSBC and the money is credited in USD (at a good rate) a few days later. Whilst in the US, I use the account's debit card that I can use in shops or at a 7/11 or Citibank branch ATM to withdraw money, all fee free.

http://www.citibank.co.uk/personal/bank ... chant=citi

The Virgin Atlantic credit card is worth having, especially if you collect Flying Club miles - some good introductory bonuses at the moment and even member recommendation miles if you apply using a recommend-a-friend email from an existing cardholder. There is a fee when you use the card abroad, but handy for emergencies and I always use a credit card for petrol pumps as they seem to be almost exclusively 'pay-at-pump' - notorious for card fraud...!

honestly,however much you hate them a credit card or two should be your best friend. firstly if you intend renting a hire car you MUST have one for security. secondly any purchases made by c card are insured so if you get back to the UK and something breaks or is defective, you are covered. also cash can be stolen/lost in an instant -a card will loose nothing.

as suggested above a couple of hundred in readies is a good idea

[Scrooge]

Just to clarify, the $10k is not a limit when entering the US, it is the amount at which you have to say "I have this amount", this also applies to pre loaded debit cards, they are treated the same as cash.

The reality is, you put the amount, if asked you point to the family and the length of time in country.