Carrying Cash on Flights
Limited
No explicit limit domestically, but amounts above INR 2 lakh can trigger questioning. International travellers must declare currency over USD 5,000 (or USD 10,000 aggregate).
Quick answer
Airports are choke points for anti-money-laundering checks. Officers look for unusually high cash, mismatched professions, or mixed currencies without paperwork.
Carrying business proceeds or wedding gifts? Document the sourceâwithdrawal slips, GST invoices, or gift deeds calm both CISF and Income Tax teams.
Foreign currency limits are strict: fill the CDF when crossing USD 5,000 cash or USD 10,000 aggregate. RBI can seize undeclared amounts, and airlines can deny boarding if they suspect smuggling.
When cash is unavoidable
- âSplit money between travelling companions so no single person holds the full stack.
- âBundle notes in tamper-evident envelopes and mark the amount on the outside.
- âCarry supporting documents (bank slips, invoices, wedding invitations) in the same folder.
At the airport
- âDeclare forex above the limit at customs before you exit arrivals or board departures.
- âAnswer security questions calmlyâofficers mostly want the purpose and duration of travel.
- âUse bank drafts, prepaid forex cards, or wire transfers for large values to avoid carrying bricks of cash.
Cash thresholds
| Scenario | Limit | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic travel | No legal cap | Explain source if >âš2 lakh |
| Leaving India | USD 3,000 in currency | Carry authorised dealer receipt |
| Entering India | Declare >USD 5k cash / USD 10k aggregate | Submit CDF |
Do this
- â Use DigiLocker or a secure drive to store digital copies of bank proofs.
- â Wear a money belt or slash-proof pouch instead of tossing bundles into backpacks.
- â Count cash privately before reaching the airport; cameras discourage open counting at terminals.
Avoid this
- â ď¸ Donât withdraw large sums right before the flightâsystems flag consecutive ATM pulls near airports.
- â ď¸ Avoid mixing multiple peopleâs cash; it complicates explanations to officials.
- â ď¸ Never stash currency inside electronics or toiletry bottlesâX-rays highlight dense bricks instantly.
FAQ
Q. Can I carry coins or commemorative currency?
Yes, but heavy coin rolls often trigger extra screening. Pack them in checked bags with receipts.
Q. Are forex cards exempt from declaration?
Prepaid cards are electronic value, so they do not count toward the USD 5,000 cash limit, but keep load slips to prove the balance.
Q. Do NRIs have different limits?
Arrival declaration thresholds are identical. NRIs can, however, re-export unspent foreign currency when departing again without extra paperwork.
Tips before you fly
- âď¸ Use tamper-evident bank envelopes for high-value notes; officers respect institutional packaging.
- âď¸ Consider splitting currency between checked and cabin bags using TSA-recognised locks (but never store all of it in checked baggage).
- âď¸ Record a quick video inventory on your phone before leaving homeâit helps if authorities need proof later.
Related YourTravelGuide guides
Official references
India DGCA guidelines â simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.