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What to do if…
you are asked to declare cash or valuables at customs and are unsure what to report

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Tell the officer you are unsure and ask whether they mean currency or monetary-instrument reporting, a customs declaration for goods, or both. Do not guess or answer “no” while you are uncertain.

Do not do these things

  • Do not answer “no” or “nothing to declare” if you are unsure.
  • Do not divide, hide, or move money between people or bags to try to avoid reporting. If funds are shared, say so and ask the officer how to report them.
  • Do not leave out foreign currency, travelers’ checks, or other instruments because they are not US dollar bills.
  • Do not describe a bank-account or payment-app balance as physically carried cash.
  • Do not guess whether a check, money order, note, security, watch, or piece of jewelry counts. Show or describe it and ask.

What to do now

  1. Ask: “Do you mean currency or monetary instruments, goods or valuables, or both?”
  2. If the question is about money, state the total currency you are physically carrying and list the currencies. A traveler entering or leaving the United States must report an aggregate amount exceeding $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments at one time.
  3. If foreign currency is involved, state each currency and amount. If the US-dollar equivalent is unclear, ask the officer for help rather than guessing.
  4. Mention and show any non-cash instruments you are carrying, including:
    • travelers’ checks
    • checks, including cashier’s checks
    • promissory notes
    • money orders
    • securities or stock
  5. Ask the officer whether the form, payee, or endorsement of any check, note, money order, security, or stock makes it reportable.
  6. If the total exceeds $10,000, or might exceed it after all currencies and relevant instruments are counted, tell the officer you need to report it. Ask whether to file FinCEN Form 105 online, use a printed form, or complete a paper copy.
  7. If you are entering the United States, answer any customs-declaration question about currency or monetary instruments truthfully as well as completing any required FinCEN Form 105 report.
  8. If the question is about goods or valuables, state which items were acquired abroad, received as gifts, repaired or altered abroad, and which items you already owned. Keep receipts available if you have them and ask the officer how to record the items.

What can wait

  • You do not need to calculate any possible duty yourself right now.
  • You do not need to decide the legal classification of an uncertain item by yourself.
  • You do not need to make any decision beyond giving an honest description and following the officer’s instructions.

Important reassurance

It is reasonable to ask for clarification when several declaration rules may apply. Disclosing what you have and asking how it should be recorded is safer than guessing.

Scope note

These are first steps for a traveler being asked about cash or valuables. Different rules or filing arrangements may apply to money or items that are mailed, shipped, or received, and later questions may need specialist help.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, or other professional advice. If you are unsure what to report, disclose what you are carrying and ask the CBP officer for clarification.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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