It is not illegal[1] to carry more than $10,000 (talking US law here) but you do have to report it when you take it across the border, and if you don't, it can

It is not illegal[1] to carry more than $10,000 (talking US law here) but you do have to report it when you take it across the border, and if you don't, it can legitimately be seized per the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970. However, in many (most?) parts of the USA, you are vulnerable to having the cash seized by police any time you are carrying cash. (Typically this only happens with a large amount.) This is insane, but it is the reality today. Theoretically, you may recover the money via the legal process, but this may not actually work, and in any event will very often cost more in legal fees than was seized. [1]: http://www.snopes.com/business/money/10000.asp http://www.snopes.com/business/money/10000.asp