How to bring money to the US

[utopia2004 2]

I need another option, I have about $10000 to bring with me. But I dont want to bring that much in cash. And right now my husband hasnt got a bank account.

I want to know- can I transfer the money once im in the US after ive opened a US bank account? I hear theres a third party transfer agency that has good exchange rates (i.e. worldfirst). So is it possible to transfer the money from my UK bank account (in person) into worldfirst and then once im in the US - transfer the money online or by phone from world first into my US bank account once ive sorted that out.

Or do you have to do all this in person while in the UK?

Thanks.

[cathy2904 97]

I need another option, I have about $10000 to bring with me. But I dont want to bring that much in cash. And right now my husband hasnt got a bank account.

I want to know- can I transfer the money once im in the US after ive opened a US bank account? I hear theres a third party transfer agency that has good exchange rates (i.e. worldfirst). So is it possible to transfer the money from my UK bank account (in person) into worldfirst and then once im in the US - transfer the money online or by phone from world first into my US bank account once ive sorted that out.

Or do you have to do all this in person while in the UK?

Thanks.

I use the Post Office to transfer money and I can do it all online so it doesn't matter where I am. You have to set up an account with them but they don't charge a fee - though obviously they are making money on the exchange rate! I have seen other people post other methods so I am sure you will get more replies.

http://www.postoffice.co.uk/finance/making-payments/post-office-international-payments

Edited November 18, 2011 by cathy2904

[Tim/Mav 305]

I need another option, I have about $10000 to bring with me. But I dont want to bring that much in cash. And right now my husband hasnt got a bank account.

I want to know- can I transfer the money once im in the US after ive opened a US bank account? I hear theres a third party transfer agency that has good exchange rates (i.e. worldfirst). So is it possible to transfer the money from my UK bank account (in person) into worldfirst and then once im in the US - transfer the money online or by phone from world first into my US bank account once ive sorted that out.

Or do you have to do all this in person while in the UK?

Thanks.

Your Bank has the best answer for this question And should help you.

You can always Western Union Money to yourself but it comes with a high Cost.

I would consult with your bank to help you set-up an Account in the States

[xxxwabbiexxx 70]

I've used World First before - there was no charge because it was a large amount, they were fantastic and I would recommend them to any one.

You transfer the money into their account (a barclays one I believe - it was a while ago that I did it) its there for a day while they process everything and then the next business day in america they transfer the money over

http://www.worldfirst.com/

Edited November 20, 2011 by xxxwabbiexxx

[wee carrington 33]

Thanks for these suggestions! They've been helpful.

[rick313 5]

I've been looking into the possibility of using PayPal. I'm not a big PayPal user generally, though I have used it to make occasional Ebay purchases. In anycase, now that PayPal is international, I've been told that transfers can be made internationally via PayPal instantly, and without a fee. I'm looking into the possibility of doing this for my fiance (who is in the US now), so she can transfer $ back and forth to her family in Thailand. Anyone have any insight into this?

[AMP 54]

I would recommend you by heroin, swallow the baggies, then sell it once you get here. Not only do you get you money into the USA, but you triple it.

[Tindsay 3]

I would recommend you by heroin, swallow the baggies, then sell it once you get here. Not only do you get you money into the USA, but you triple it.

That or your stomach acid dissolves the baggies and you die of a massive over dose.

[Dogwood_Poet 16]

I've been looking into the possibility of using PayPal. I'm not a big PayPal user generally, though I have used it to make occasional Ebay purchases. In anycase, now that PayPal is international, I've been told that transfers can be made internationally via PayPal instantly, and without a fee. I'm looking into the possibility of doing this for my fiance (who is in the US now), so she can transfer $ back and forth to her family in Thailand. Anyone have any insight into this?

I have a PayPal business account & I am allowed two debit cards tied to my account. I ordered one in my mother-in-law's name & she can use it at an ATM for a fee, or just buy stuff with it using it as credit. That way there is no fees & the exchange rate is pretty good.

Check with the banks in Thailand, The Philippines charge a fee for all international ATM transactions, but no extra fees for swipe transactions.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

I brought everything I own in cash, and that was many times the amount of $10K. I have friends who brought $700,000 in cash when they wanted to buy a house in California. In fact, there are days where I have $40K or $50K cash on me for business purposes. Cash rules the world, cash is the undisputed King.

Put the $10K in a leather belt and wrap it around your waist. This way you have it on you at all times when traveling.

[CoffeeBeans 1]

... I have friends who brought $700,000 in cash when they wanted to buy a house in California...

My understanding is the common largest denomination for USD is $100. So your friends would have at least 7,000 bills on them. If they brought the cash in EUR in the largest denomination of €500, that would still be 1,400 bills.

Just curious how they transported that many bills into the country safely, and since the amount is > $10,000, wouldn't they need to declare that to the custom at POE ? If they brought the cash in foreign currency, wouldn't they need to convert that into USD and hand a portion of it over to the money changer ?

Would you mind sharing the trick(s), we can all learn some more useful tips from you, Brother Hesekiel

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Well, $100K was less than a book size which I had in a small safe box inside my carry on. Those were all $100 bills.

Thus, $700K would be like having 5 hardcover books in the carry on. The wife has 3, the husband 4. Still enough space for a toothbrush and a couple of diapers, just in case.

Of course this has to be declared at the PoE! But it's only one more form to fill out and to hand over with the I-94 and Customs form. No big deal at all.

[TBoneTX 46,167]

Of course this has to be declared at the PoE!

This is the key part -- and don't LIE. Of course, having so much moolah to declare is a rather high-class problem, si man.