Ensure that you place the cash and other financial instruments in a secure location where they are accessible to U.S. Customs officers. Do not place them in a location where it may appear you were attempting to conceal your money from Customs.
Complete the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Declaration Form 6059B, which each person entering the United States is required to complete before entering the country. If you and companions are filing a joint form 6059B and are together carrying more than $10,000 in negotiable financial instruments, you must state so on the Form 6059B. If you fail to honestly answer this question, your money could be subject to forfeiture, and you could be criminally prosecuted.
Fill out an additional form if you are carrying more than $10,000 in negotiable financial instruments into or out of the United States: the U.S. Treasury Department FinCEN Form 105, entitled "Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments." According to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, you may obtain and complete the FinCEN Form 105 either before traveling or while going through Customs.
Be prepared to answer questions about how you will support yourself while in the United States. If you are a foreign visitor, Customs officers may ask you to explain how you will support yourself and cover your expenses for the duration of your stay in America. Whether or not you are an American citizen, if you are carrying more than $10,000 in negotiable instruments, be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of the funds.
