9 hours ago, rijb said:

 

I don't understand why you would have to take paper money out of your pocket.  It doesn't affect the metal detector.

but the body scanner will see it if they are using one....

Why would the government care so much about you? Do you really think they watch 300 million people? The government is not that capable. You must be special in some way to merit them spying on you through your computer. Would you mind explaining why they watch everything you do and why the TSA focuses on you? Just curious.

Consider travelers checks. Report nothing at either end. In addition, safer than having cash lying around  

You can bring never enough money to/in Thailand. Bring all plus your life savings. Lots of sick buffalos here. LOL!

18 hours ago, rijb said:

 

I don't understand why you would have to take paper money out of your pocket.  It doesn't affect the metal detector.

I agree with you, however when they say empty your pockets I do. That many hundreds in an envelope make a bulge and the scanner does show the outline too.

I brought 20 new hondos from Chase Bank.    I exchanged them at a major bank and they looked at each one and rejected a few due to what looked like small ink marks.    They were very suspicious they were fake.  They had no test pin or any method to make them trust very them.   They were all the new holographic micro chip strip ones.  A o look at your bills first or make sure they are all super brand new.   

1 hour ago, IAMHERE said:

I agree with you, however when they say empty your pockets I do. That many hundreds in an envelope make a bulge and the scanner does show the outline too.

 

I've never been asked to empty my pockets by TSA, except for things that might trip the metal detector.  That's why I'm confused.

 

However, I can understand Customs asking someone to empty their pockets.  Their job is different than TSA.

3 hours ago, Elkski said:

I brought 20 new hondos from Chase Bank.    I exchanged them at a major bank and they looked at each one and rejected a few due to what looked like small ink marks.    They were very suspicious they were fake.  They had no test pin or any method to make them trust very them.   They were all the new holographic micro chip strip ones.  A o look at your bills first or make sure they are all super brand new.   

 

What's a hondo?

5 minutes ago, macahoom said:

 

What's a hondo?

I think its the same as a watermelon.

5 hours ago, rijb said:

 

I've never been asked to empty my pockets by TSA, except for things that might trip the metal detector.  That's why I'm confused.

 

However, I can understand Customs asking someone to empty their pockets.  Their job is different than TSA.

Chicago O'Hare airport security check at the International gate,  likely they are just doing more than is expected for their jobs. 555

Hundo usually refers to a crisp US 100$ bill.   I had a 15% rejection rate at a major named bank in a mall.    Maybe my mistake was not exchanging it all at the airport?  

Where is the best place to get the best rate?   I've seen quite a bit of variation in rates offered at roadside stands and some were decent.   

Go to official websites for exact info, details and procedures. Google it. In a nutshell...

Can leave the USA with any amount under  $10,000. $10,000 up and declaration to US Customs is required and additional documentation. It is not illegal to take over $10,000 but it is illegal not to declare it. 

 

Keep it under $10k and no problem and nothing is required of you. You can still be interrogated and harassed by Customs and even TSA but you are within the legal limit with  $9999 and under, so courteous, honest cooperation on your part should have you merrily on your way.