Bringing money to the UK

Last modified: 22 October 2024

If you’re coming to the UK to study, you will need some accessible money to cover emergencies and other items while you get to your institution or booked accommodation. 

We strongly advise against bringing large amounts of cash and recommend that you use a credit or debit card. 

You should carry enough British currency to cover getting from the airport to your accommodation, emergencies and food. The UK is predominantly a cashless society so if possible, we advise having access to a credit or debit card as some shops and cafes cannot accept cash.   

To avoid carrying large amounts of cash for your tuition fees, contact your institution before you leave home and ask if you can pay your fees in advance, by bank transfer. If you cannot pay this way, talk to your institution about ways to make a payment. 

For further advice about living expenses, visit the Cost of living in the UK on our website. 

Please note that for Visa/Entry Clearance applications, UKVI specifies financial requirements. 

Are there limits on the amount of money I can bring?

Last modified: 22 October 2024

If you bring £10,000, or the equivalent in other currencies, into England, Scotland or Wales, you must declare that sum to customs officers by filling in a cash declaration form when you arrive. 

If you arrive into Northern Ireland you must declare cash of €10,000. 

You should also check whether the country where you live has any restrictions on cash that may be taken out of the country, or amounts that can be transferred to the UK. 

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Travel insurance

Last modified: 22 October 2024

It’s important that you’ll be covered should something happen when you arrive in the UK. We recommend that you take out travel insurance before you arrive in the UK to cover your journey and the first week of your stay. 

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Money laundering

Last modified: 22 October 2024

Be careful of letting anyone you don’t know deposit money into your bank account. Fraudsters may ask you to receive money into your bank account and transfer it into another account, keeping some of the cash for yourself.  

If you allow your bank account to be used this way, you will become a money mule. As a money mule you are involved in money laundering, which is a criminal offence. For further details on this, please refer to the Don’t be Fooled website.  

You can also visit our page about frauds and scams which gives advice on what to be aware of as an international student. 

© 2024 UK Council for International Student Affairs

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