number411 said:
Hi Kate -Are you sure bringing a large amount of cash, say about CAD20K is not a problem in airports immigration?
Yep! Not a problem at all. I've crossed with (and declared) both cash and precious metals.
One question is on cash carried. It might lead to some further questions, a temporary detaining in the airport itself till we answer clearly why so much cash and so on.
It's a non-issue in Canada if the funds are declared. Bring a copy of your bank withdrawal receipt, and let them know you are landing. It's really a quick and painless process.
I would recommend getting a DD in Canadian dollars and carrying about 2K in cash, not more. We can of course goto a bank and open an account with that DD, and then withdraw anymore using ATMs. Why risk carrying so much money in cash? Whatever might happen..
If you watch the Border Security show (there are some episodes on YouTube), people bring cash all the time - one guy had $400,000 worth. It's really, truly, a non-issue. If you have an account with Royal Bank of Canada (or even just want to open one), they have a branch
in the airport, so you aren't lugging around that much cash.
Ultimately, it's up to you. If you bring a printout, you run the risk of them having concerns with the proof of funds. If you have the funds with you, there is no question that you have them.
This is Canada, not the US - they aren't looking to shake people down.