Question about Declaring Cash at UK Border

Hi All,

I'm moving to the UK next Thursday on a Spousal Visa.

Does anyone have any experience declaring funds of over the equivalent of 10,000 Euro at the UK Border?

After doing some research, it seems the most inexpensive way of getting my savings to the UK is by getting a bankers draft check in my wife's name, carrying it with me during my journey, and having her deposit it at her bank once I arrive. My concern is about declaring the check, which will be for about £14,000GBP or $22,000USD, at Heathrow customs.

What can I expect to happen when I declare this? When I arrive, where do I submit form C9011? Will I be questioned about the money? Do I need to bring proof of where the money's come from? What sort of proof? Are there charges/taxes involved?

You need proof that you earned and paid tax on the money.  Pay check stubs/tax returns are a good start.

Slightly off topic, but relevant - it might be cheaper to arrive with a bank draft, but you may wait WEEKS for the money to actually appear in the account here in the UK. The way the exchange rate is bouncing, that could mean you lose (or win) on the rate at the time the funds actually clear.

Spend the fees and do a wire transfer. It's quick, painless, and you know that the money will be available in a day or 2 at most. Plus, you are not carrying 'money instruments' that need to be declared. Banks here may charge a much higher fee for clearing the check than for the wire transfer.

Just get the recipient bank's IBAN and BIC numbers, the account details, and do the biz from your US bank.

Just send the cash to my bank account, and I will... hold it for you... yeah... LOL!

 

We actually did exactly what vadio suggested. We found that, for us, it was the easiest way.