Traveling with cash

What’s the best method for traveling to Vegas with large amounts of cash? I’m always nervous to check a suitcase with cash in it.

 

I usually put it in my checked luggage next to 5 kilos of the "devil's dandruff."

Not sure if you're serious about putting in checked luggage? If so, that sounds insane. How much are we talking? Anything over 10k you're supposed to declare it. More than 10k in a checked bag would likely raise some alarms. I'd go carry on, bottom of backpack.

 

What constitutes "large amounts of cash"?

 

I’m taking 10k which is a bit more than most trips. I normally put in my carry on but was curious what others do as well.

 

I usually bring about $7000 and just put it in my computer bag in an envelope. If I am slightly nervous i may carry half through security in my pocket. I have not had any issues.

 

Declaring is only for traveling internationally. No requirements to do so domestically.

 

I carry it in my pants pocket and take it out and hold it so TSA can see it, Only time did an agent ask me to fan it out to make sure there wasn't a blade in there

 

I'd highly recommend being under 10k. 10k in cash is where CBP, TSA, and local LEOs get suspicious (and you have to declare that amount for international flights.) On domestic flights, the TSA/ local LEO's will at the very least ask questions.

Is a marker a possibility for you? Could you wire the money directly to the casino cage? Does your bank have a branch in Vegas? You will raise significantly less red flags with those methods.

 

I take off the money clip and just leave the folded 100s in my front pocket.
EDIT: I do have TSA pre-check, so I am never in the scanner.

 

That’s exactly what I do too.
I’ve always wanted to start yelling “Vegas bitches” when they ask me to fan it.

 

I don't have your problem.

I use the ATMs at Walgreens, Target or CVS. My bank offers free withdrawls at any "Allpoint®" ATM

 

have you checked to see if your bank has a branch in LV somewhere?

 

I have a money belt that fits about my waist under my pants. I bought it at a travel store. Last trip TSA took me to a private room and strip searched me...down to my tidy whities. Then, even though they had my pants on the desk, instead of patting my pants on the desk down they had me put the pants back on and patted me, and my crotch, down with my pants on. For some reason they chose not to shove their fist up my ass though I'm not sure what preempted that action.
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I highly recommend a line of credit. Take a blank check from home and they'll have it set up within 24 hours. Be sure to have the amount you want on the credit line to show up in the account's balance.

 

I think it depends on the airport and who is working. I go to vegas pretty much monthly, always carry more than 10k, and have only been questioned once. I've told that story on here before (wasn't even headed to vegas, lol). A couple other times I have been stopped because the large bundles of cash sometimes look like something else on the scanner and they wanted to open my bag to see what it was (I have had that happen a couple times carrying thick books in my bag as well). So I wouldn't let this concern stop me.

As for the OP's original question, I wouldn't be concerned about leaving it in your bag. If you want to be secure, get a bank bag that zips close, put your cash in there, and then bury it under your clothes at the bottom of your suitcase. I have carried some large sums through security using that method and never had any problems or concerns

 

The best way would be to have a bank that has locations where you are and in Vegas and withdraw the money when you get here above what you are comfortable carrying. The second would be to open an account in Vegas and wire transfer money to it before your arrival again carrying what you feel comfortable with.

 

I put it in my handbag. We usually travel with $9950. Put it in your carryon and keep it close by.

I’ve never had an issue. We are from Canada and I hate paying the fees to take money out so I understand wanting to carry it. But don’t put it in checked luggage

 

I keester it...All of it.

 

One time I had Vegas TSA find cash in my carry-on. They asked how much it was, how I got it, and then took a pic of my drivers license and boarding pass.

 

In all seriousness I only keester the "Devils Dandruff" ( thanks fudgewapner I blew water out of my nose when I read that) and carry our cash in an envelope in our carry on.

Last few trips however, I carried it in my front pocket and put it in my hand when I went through the x ray machine. No issues.

 

Hah! Did you just watch the movie Papillion with Rami Malek?