Is sending cash through mail, whether envelope or a package, illegal?

Question

The reason I am asking-I put some cash in a package I made to another country.

Is it possible that the package may be returned to me because of this?

I forgot to add: Is sending cash INTERNATIONALLY through mail, whether envelope or package, illegal?

Answer 1

No, it probably would not be returned, however if some one in the postal system suspects the letter or package contains money then it may disappear.
Oh, it is illegal to take or ship $10,000.00 in money of any form out of the country with out reporting it.

Answer 2

Illegal no, unwise yes.

A postal carrier isn't likely to necessarily steal it because they probably don't know what is in your package to begin with, unless based on security scanning anything raises questions... though in reality, I'm not sure how much scanning may or may not be happening. Certainly higher potential on an international shipment though.

The assumption would be, that whatever you've included in your package is not worth the bother/risk anyway.

Either way, it sounds like your question is more late than early and should have been asked before sending. Regardless, you should never ever send anything, cash or otherwise, in a way that is minimally protected if it is important or valuable to you or the recipient.... whether that means sending it certified, in double box packed with protective filler, or a check.

Now if you are panicking because you fear something has happened, and your package has been sent cross borders or a long distance, keep in mind that it may take considerably longer for it to reach its destination than you may be used to.

Aside from that, keep all fingers crossed until further notice .... ;)

Answer 3

CAREFUL DOING THIS!!!! Most countries open packages for customs inspection! If they find money and it is undeclared it is contraband and seized. Also most countries have a limit on how much can you can enter with or send. Maybe $5,000. Regardless when sending a package you HAVE to declare what is in it. Not wise to declare "money" (It's like waving a red flag) and if you don't it will be seized so your answer depends on what you do... non declaration it is ILLEGAL! A declaration it is legal but everyone will know about it and steal it! Good luck! Best trust someone to hand carry it for you. You have a much better chance using a envelope lined with tin foil!

Answer 4

I doubt it. I have had relatives send me cash in birthday cards through the mail. I highly doubt it is illegal. What I would do instead is to send either a money order or a check. This way if the package or envelope gets lost you have a way to track it.

Answer 5

No it is not illegal. However I would recommend you put the cash in a security envelope in case the person opening it is not the proper owner. Security envelopes make it harder to see through the envelopes therefore people do not want to risk opening them if it is not rightfully theirs. Also, security envelopes are specaially made for sending cash.

Answer 6

it is if you put your correct return address on it. but, how could they fault you if you sent a few pounds of lead fishing weights? easy to mistake the lead and gold, lol, they weigh about the same. plates of lead, even better if you find any. be advised the new regs for mail says that any envelope over a certain size must be posted at the post office. that double cheese is larger than the legal size (unless you flatten it down).

Answer 7

Its not illegal but chances of it getting there are slim.for ur sake i hope that it gets there.use a money postal order or western union or better yet insure it as priority mail

Answer 8

Sending cash isn't illegal. It is stupid. It is very easily stolen and you would have no record of it.

Answer 9

No it's not illegal, but you should have wrapped the cash in aluminum foil so it doesn't get stole.

Answer 10

if you choose to send money like that they ask you hide it securely and no it isnt illegal