I'm an American who lives and works abroad. I report my income in the annual tax forms. So how much money can I bring with me without having any problem?

I know that homeland security asks the questions "Do you have more than 10,000 with you?" in a small form when the plane is landing. And I've always said "No" when entering. What will happen if I say yes? Is there any fee they'll throw on me when I arrive? Confiscation of my money?

It is always batter to consult your accountant, as the law keeps changing, and the amount varies

... What will happen if I say yes? Is there any fee they'll throw on me when I arrive? Confiscation of my money?

If you bring more than $10,000 you will have to complete this (http://www.fincen.gov/forms/files/fin105_cmir.pdf) form. No, the money will not be confiscated and no fee will be charged.

Hello n:

I wouldn't bring cash. Why would you? Do I trust that the government WON'T confiscate it?? NO, I don't! Even if they don't take the money, I think you'll be put on some sort of watch list.

You can transfer as much as you want by bank wire with NO hassles, no fees and you don't have to TELL anyone.. Certainly, your bank has a correspondent bank in the US.

excon

I wouldn't bring cash. Why would you? ...

Agreed. Traveling with large amounts of cash one one's person is generally a fairly dim-witted thing to do. If you are not aware of it, there is a concept they have come up with recently ( ~ 1,000 years ago, more or less): it's called international banking (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_banking). :)