How to Bring Cash into Russia

October 1 , 2023

So, you sold your house in the USA and now you want to take your hard earned dollars into Russia. How to do it. Since there are sanctions, you will have to take cash with you.

First of all, if you are leaving the USA with over $10 000 in cash you have to report it to CBP (US Customs and Border Protection). You have to fill out Currency Reporting Form (FinCen 105).(you may download it to see how it looks).

So, you have two choices: Download the above mentioned form and fill it out, or

you fill out the form on the CBP website electronically. If you completed and submitted the form on the website, you do not need to complete a paper version of FinCEN Form 105.

Once you fill out your form online, it is good idea to keep you confirmation number. You will need to provide your confirmation number to the officer for processing.

When do I need to submit the Form?
Travelers planning to carry currency or other monetary instruments with them must submit the form within three days (72 hours) prior to the planned travel date out of the United States.

What if the amount I need to report changes after I submit the form?
If the amount of currency or monetary instruments that you need to report changes after you submit the form, you will be required to submit a new form with the correct amount. The previous form you submitted will expire with no action required.

What do I do, after I submit the form electronically.
Once you complete the form and endorse it online, you may print or save the confirmation receipt, or email it. When you travel, present the receipt or provide your confirmation number to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry.

Can I still use the paper form?
The paper form is still available for use. Please complete the form prior to your planned travel date and present it to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. You can also ask for a copy of the form at the port of entry and complete it there.

So, you cleared CBP ( Customs and Border Protection), now you are probably on the flight to Russia. There are no direct flights from the USA to Russia, so you will probably change the airplane ( transit) in Istanbul, Turkey or other transit countries.

So, you finally arrived into Russia. Now you need to go the customs here and declare your cash. They have green corridor and red corridor. Red is the one you need - you need to declare your cash. You can bring unlimited amount of cash, as long as you declare it. This is sample of Russian customs declaration.

Remember if you bringing more than $100 000 you need to provide the documents for the money : Purchase and Sales agreement , Bank statement or anything else that will prove that these are your money and the source of money.

Upon arriving to Russia, get Russian SIM card, ( Russian cell phone number) you will need that for the bank. Once you open bank account - you deposit your money into your account and it converts it to rubles.

One last thing. Before you leave the USA , go to the bank and tell them you will need to withdraw a large amount of money. Tell them how much you will need. Make sure to ask them for new bills. They are capable of doing that. I always did that at Chase. You want crispy $100 notes. Upon arriving to Russian bank, they will not accept any dollar bills that have some wear and tear, any marks on them or anything like that. So, notify bank of the amount of money you need and make sure to ask that you want NEW $100 bills. They will accommodate your request.

You are all set.