Cash From India to the USA – Everything You Need to Know (Updated – 2025)

Are you getting ready for your first trip from India to the USA? If so, have you decided how to handle your foreign currency? Questions like “What is the limit for carrying cash?” or “What is the best way to send money?” are common. Allow us to walk you through it. This article will explain everything you need to know about carrying or sending money to the USA from India. As you plan your travel, check out the special offers on flights with Flyopedia. Also, consider purchasing cheap flight tickets to India from USA, when traveling back. This way you can make your travel cheaper. We will make your journey simple, affordable, and memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will find all your questions and the rules in one place. Our goal is to make the process simple and clear, so you can manage your money with ease and confidence.

1. How Much Cash Can You Legally Bring to the USA?

When entering the USA, there is no legal limit on cash. However, if the total amount of cash or monetary instruments exceeds $10,000, you are legally required to declare it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It can be done by filing FinCEN Form 105 at the port of entry.

Note:- Failure to declare cash of more than $10,000 could end up in serious penalties, like fund seizure and even legal action.

1. How Can I Bring Money to the USA from India?

The Reserve Bank of India has established a restriction of ₹25,000 for carrying cash out of India. To transfer bigger amounts, use online money transfer services, demand drafts, or wire transfers through recognized banks.

1. What is the Maximum Cash Allowed on International Flights from India?

As per the Reserve Bank of India guidelines, you can carry up to $3,000 in cash on international flights from India. If you’re carrying more than $5,000 in cash or $10,000 in a combination of cash and traveler’s cheques, you must declare it to customs. For Indian currency, the limit for carrying out of India is ₹25,000. Additionally, while traveling, it is recommended to use forex cards for safety and convenience instead of carrying large amounts of cash​.

Ways To Send Money to the U.S.

To find the cheapest way to send money to the USA, compare fees and exchange rates of different providers. Below are some common methods for transferring money:

• Bank Transfer/Wire Service

People can send money to the United States online or offline using their bank account or credit cards. Account holders can download, complete, and print the remittance form, which is available both online and offline.

Note:- The bank transfers money either on the same day or within two business days, depending on the bank’s cut-off time and how long it takes to approve the transfer.

• Online Money Transfer Services

You can easily use online money transfer services like PayPal to send money to other countries. These services offer competitive rates, which vary based on the provider, the amount being sent, and the exchange currency.

• Cryptocurrency Transfer

The US is another country to which users can send money using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and other digital currencies. Both parties to a transaction like this use peer-to-peer cryptocurrency wallets, from which they can either retain the value in their wallet or withdraw it through an exchange.

What Is the Maximum Amount of Money You Can Send to the U.S.?

Under India’s Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS), the maximum amount you can send abroad per financial year is up to USD 250,000 or its equivalent in other currencies. This limit applies to most transactions, including gifts, donations, and investment purposes. However, you cannot use this scheme for activities like gambling, buying lottery tickets, or investing in prohibited sectors​.

Additionally, there is a 5% tax collected at source (TCS) for amounts exceeding INR 7 lakh, which applies to most remittances. The TCS rate can vary depending on the purpose of the remittance, such as educational expenses or travel​.

Account Type	Remittance Limit
Indian Resident	USD 2.5 lakh per financial year
Non-Resident External (NRE) Account	No limit
Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) Account	USD 10 lakh per financial year

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Fees for Transferring Funds to the USA

When you want to send money to the USA, the fees can vary based on several factors, like the service provider, the amount sent, and the transfer method. Normal fees associated with international money transfers include:

• Foreign Exchange Markup:- Many service providers apply a markup on the exchange rate, which can differ between banks or transfer services. This cost is added to the transfer and impacts the final amount received by the recipient​.
• Transfer Fees:- These fees can depend on the type of transfer, such as wire, internet, or bank transfers. Typically, they are calculated as a percentage of the total amount being sent. Some banks or services may have a minimum transfer threshold to waive or reduce the fee​.
• Correspondent Bank Fees:- If an intermediary or correspondent bank is used in the transfer process, this may incur additional fees. These costs can fluctuate depending on the route the money takes​.
• Receiving Bank Fees:- The bank receiving the money in the U.S. may charge a fee for processing the transfer. This can reduce the amount the recipient ultimately gets​.

Money Allowed To Take To Other Countries

Destination	Declaration-Free Maximum
USA	USD 10,000
Canada	CAD 10,000
UK	GBP 10,000
EU	EUR 10,000
UAE	AED 100,000
Philippines	PHP 50,000
Australia	AUD 10,000
Pakistan	USD 10,000

As you can see, you can at least carry $10,000 to most nations. The money value mentioned in the table is for a person. If you are traveling in groups then you can carry more money in cash bills with you.

Bottom Lines

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Also Read: 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Handling Cash in India