The first time I saw this trick was in Syria. When you enter the country, there are small signs posted (so they say)  and small print on the visa form (never saw it), stating all foreign currency must be declared. The first I heard of this was in a discussion over tea with some locals in Syria. I was a little taken aback. I had a lot of Turkish and US cash as I had driven a car to the Syrian border and bused into Syria. I had a lot more cash than I normally would. According to the Syrians, any currency not declared would be seized. Great. Before I left, I hid my currency in various nooks and crannies all over my backpack. My pack had some great hiding spots and someone unfamiliar with backpacks might not figure it out, so I was hopeful.

At departure, there are huge signs everywhere, stated all undeclared currency will be seized! When they found out I didn’t declare any currency, they gleefully began the search. They managed to go through all the standard pockets, stopping to play with my swiss army knife and some of my other gear, having a good laugh in anticipation of some riches. Then a stroke of luck occurred! An American appeared next to me, was also being searched and they found his money almost instantly. A large commotion ensued, as the American guy (rightfully) was incensed. As I had a bit of Turkish and Arabic knowledge, and my pack seemed small and complicated, they gave up on me, concentrated on the American, and asked me to “translate”. Not much I could do, in the end, we left together, me with all my hidden cash, the poor U.S. guy with nothing.

I also experienced a similar spin on this in Russia. What they seem to do, is at random, not hand out the currency declaration form to people, on entry. I figure about 1 in 5, or more. If you don’t get one or ask for one, tough luck. I was traveling the Trans-Siberia with Greg Gerard.

Before leaving Russia we realized the scam as Greg had a declaration form and I didn’t. Luckily we together had spent half our monies, so I “gave” all my monies to Greg, Thus on paper he was OK, officially having as much as he declared on entry, no more. I had none, as much my non-declaration. It didn’t phase them at all at exit, as there are plenty more tourists coming. I am sure this is done country wide, so all customs people can share equally. Just one big currency non-declaration co-op. Easier money than wheat farming I guess.