Sending Money from Russia to the US

[Steamer]

Does anyone know the legal way to transfer over 10k to the US ?

[DaveNY]

Does anyone know the legal way to transfer over 10k to the US ?

Assuming the funds originate in Russia. In 2006, we transferred my wife's money from her Russian Sberbank account to my bank account in NYC.
This was one of their main branches in Moscow so doing it from a small branch or a branch outside of Moscow might be more complicated.

We provided the bank with her ID for her account and my ID for my account in NYC. My bank's physical address and the routing number that identifies my account.

Of course since the funds exceed $10K the receiving bank in the US is going to want to see proof of funds origins in Russia. The bank book, bank statements, etc. If it's a really large sum it might be wise to get a letter from the originating bank(s) about how the funds ended up in that account. For example, were the funds a compilation of several other accounts? Inheritance? Might need to provide a will. Maybe sale of property? Provide proof of sale.

2006 was a long time ago for international money transfers. We were told it would take 7-9 business days. It took 6. Now I'm told it's 3 or 4 days max. The American bank will probably still hold on to the money for a week maybe longer to verify everything. Again for a large amount the holding period will probably be longer.

Edit: Don't know how sanctions may make this more difficult? Best to talk to banks at both ends of the transfer for advice.

[krimster2]

the above, and risky I know, but have brought cash, filled out the US customs declaration for the money and handed in when landing at jfk
had a notarized letter in original Russian and translation to english showing income was from a property sale, which customs DID look at, and AGREED the money was from
a property sale and NOT from my cocaine business 
they'll take you to a back room and count it - nerve wracking for everyone, look at you strangely, and off you go!!
last did this approach in 2007, things may be different now
coming back with a big stack of bills is not a problem, i've done it accidentally
I got back last week, didn't realize I had SO MANY rubles left over,

[BillyB]

Does anyone know the legal way to transfer over 10k to the US ?

Whatever way you find to transfer the money I wouldn't transfer more than 10k at once. Financial institutions, by law, have to report to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network when someone moves 10k. Doesn't mean trouble for moving over 10k but by sending less each time, there's less chance trouble comes looking for you.

[krimster2]

billy no problem if you just "do the paperwork"
done this many, many times with no issues - but only once from Russia

[ML]

I think the existing and new sanctions on Russia might have some impact on this situation.

[DaveNY]

I think the existing and new sanctions on Russia might have some impact on this situation.

My wife sent just under $2K to our NYC bank account from Moscow last year with no problem. However it was less than $2K so it might have been too small to attract attention.

[krimster2]

tip for cash and or gold smugglers

do not fly out of Ukraine with a lot of cash in your suitcase, it will be detected/intercepted at the airport
instead take the train from kyiv to berlin
no x-rays until you fly out of berlin
and if you have your usa declaration filled out, no problem if German authorities detect you
and you want the luggage as carry-on only, so that limits the total amount if US dollars to about $300,000
it looks like for a little while longer you can still get 500 euro notes, so that's an alternative, but you have to pay FOREX in the usa
I've done this, not a violation of us law, if everything is declared properly, but if you're caught with this in Ukraine, they'll take your money
in russia I've purchased small amounts of gold and platinum coins and even uncut diamonds that came from Mirny (yes, they're real and gem quality!)
as far as gold/platinum goes, it's the same deal, on the US side you have to make the declaration if it's over 10,000 USD
don't be stupid and not declare it

[Davo2]

If Pay Pal available in Russia you can send 10k in a single transaction.

[msmob]

A VERY expensive way to send it surely !