Getting money to vegas.
account, there are dozens of BofA branches and ATM's
all over Vegas. Go to a branch in the daytime and it
costs nothing. I don't think banks charge anything
for making withdrawals from their ATM's if you
have an account.
Quote: kulinI am going with my dad to Vegas in a couple months and he wanted to know about ATM fees in strip casinos like Bellagio. His ultimate goal is to get money to Vegas without carrying it. He wont be using very much cash, maybe like $3,000 for the entire trip. Personally that is a small enough amount that I would just carry it but hes much more cautious than me. He was thinking about using the ATM but I think they have sizable fees and daily limits that will make it difficult. What are his options?
Buy him a money belt.
Quote: kulinI am going with my dad to Vegas in a couple months and he wanted to know about ATM fees in strip casinos like Bellagio. His ultimate goal is to get money to Vegas without carrying it. He wont be using very much cash, maybe like $3,000 for the entire trip. Personally that is a small enough amount that I would just carry it but hes much more cautious than me. He was thinking about using the ATM but I think they have sizable fees and daily limits that will make it difficult. What are his options?
The ATM fees in strip casinos are pretty ludicrous in my opinion. I haven't had to use one recently (because I hate paying the fees), but I'm pretty sure they're around $5 a pop, plus whatever your bank charges you. I can't comment on the maximums though, so he might be able to get $3K out without paying TOO much in fees. The fees are rivaled only by strip club ATMs (which usually change up to $7 in my experience).
The first obvious avenue would be if your local bank has a branch in Vegas. The company I bank with has several branches in Vegas, but they're all away from the strip and I usually don't rent a car, so I haven't used this method so far. But it would be the easiest if you have access to a car, just go in and make a withdrawal.
Other than that, you might be able to leverage a cashier's check or money order made out to yourself (or made out to cash or something) and cash it at a casino cage. I have heard if you fax a copy over before you go, it will hasten the process as they can clear it ahead of time. But this may be reserved for folks with a credit line or a gambling history established. I wouldn't be surprised if the cage wouldn't handle an amount as little as $3K. Hopefully others can speak to this method.
Lastly, tell him to man up and just carry the cash! Get a money belt, it's only 30 $100 bills, that will fit easily in any of the standard money belts/traveler's pouches.
Quote: 1BBBuy him a money belt.
Has anybody taken a money belt through an airport screener? Do they make you take it off ?
Quote: RaleighCrapsHas anybody taken a money belt through an airport screener? Do they make you take it off ?
Not if it's nylon with a plastic buckle.
Quote: 1BBNot if it's nylon with a plastic buckle.
But I would imagine it has to show up on those body scanners, and I can't believe they won't make you take it off. Otherwise, every drug trafficer in the world would be utilizing money belts. Hell, they make me take my 30 bills out of my pocket.
Three grand is not too hard to stash in various wallets, pockets, and even a money belt. A prior thread mentioned old pill bottles as good hiding places for a roll of bills.
BofA and Wells Fargo have branches, but there is always a risk of going to an ATM outside of a casino and getting held up. In fact, there is also a risk of getting held up after taking out ATM cash in the casino.
Quote: RaleighCrapsBut I would imagine it has to show up on those body scanners, and I can't believe they won't make you take it off. Otherwise, every drug trafficer in the world would be utilizing money belts. Hell, they make me take my 30 bills out of my pocket.
I've worn one dozens of times and never had to remove it. I've been patted down and asked about it but still wasn't asked to remove it. Whenever I carry a lot of cash I always carry ample proof that I'm a degenerate gambler on another junket. lol
Quote: 1BBI always carry ample proof that I'm a degenerate gambler on another junket. lol
What kind of proof.
Airport security has never been a problem but the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway definitely can be. If they accuse you of having drug money, it may be up to you to prove that you don't, not the other way around.
Be sure to offer a free sample to the TSA agent when going through the Magnetometer. You can cut it then add a generous mark-up when you get to Vegas.Quote: buzzpaffBuy cocaine where you live, sell it in Vegas.
Quote: 1BB
Airport security has never been a problem but the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway definitely can be. If they accuse you of having drug money, it may be up to you to prove that you don't, not the other way around.
Can you expand on that? I assume you mean a traffic violation stop. How does that get into what's in your wallet or worn around your waist?
He can repay the LOC advances at any time, hopefully before leaving Las Vegas, but if he loses all or part of it he can write a check to pay it off after returning home.
An interest free, no cost loan by the casino: not bad.
Quote: AcesAndEightsThe ATM fees in strip casinos are pretty ludicrous in my opinion. I haven't had to use one recently (because I hate paying the fees), but I'm pretty sure they're around $5 a pop, plus whatever your bank charges you. I can't comment on the maximums though, so he might be able to get $3K out without paying TOO much in fees. The fees are rivaled only by strip club ATMs (which usually change up to $7 in my experience).
Strip clubs charge 20-40 dollars in fees. All the Vegas ATMs I have used charge 2.50-4 bucks. Maybe I was at cheapo casinos, or withdrawing at Walgreens.
Anyway I dont understand why people are so afraid of ATM fees in Vegas. If you think about the fee in terms of a % of the withdrawal it is actually quite a small "tax". Withdrawing 500 bucks with the very high fee of 7.50, it amounts to a 1.5% tax. The ATMs I used on my last trip were 3 dollar fees which is tantamount to a 0.62% tax. I am as cheap as the next guy, but I will suffer this tax while on vacation. There is a 1% room tax rate difference between down town and strip hotel rooms. I never see anyone saying they prefer strip properties because of the lower room tax.
If your banks charges fees on top of the ATM fee, time for a new bank. The key is to make sure your ATM card doesnt have any safety limitations on withdrawal sizes. Which reminds me....
Quote: rainmanFold the 3 grand in half put it in your pocket and head to LV. That's how I do it with eight grand.
Obviously you either do not fly to Vegas, or your airport does not have body scanners. They do not allow you to keep any money in your pockets!
So, now you need to reach in your pocket, pull out that 8Gs and hold it in your hand, with your hands held above your head. Then when you exit the scanner, the officer will ask you to display what you are holding in your hand. The last guy made me do a quick rifle through the bills to demonstrate nothing was hidden in the wad.
So far, none of them has been a dick about it. They have all been sensitive to the fact I wish to keep it quiet that I have a large sum of money in my hand, but I am still looking for a better method.
The pill bottle that was mentioned in the past is a neat idea. But I have read lots of stories of pill bottles 'disappearing', although most of those were centered around checked luggage and not airport screenings. Still, I don't think I would be too comfortable dropping a pill bottle with 3Gs in it, in the tub and then walking away from it. I hate doing it with my laptop, and that is MUCH harder for someone to walk off with.
You're right. Laptops are harder to walk off.Quote: RaleighCrapsI hate doing it with my laptop, and that is MUCH harder for someone to walk off with.
But so is your laptop case. Put the cash in a pocket of the laptop case.
Okay, I usually keep my bankroll folded in my pocket. I mostly wear jeans when I fly since I freeze to death in the A/C, so the outline isn't visible through the thick denim. I have yet to encounter a body scanning machine (except in one airport, but since I was travelling with a child under 12 they let us bypass while my husband and the older kids got scanned) and twice I've had a TSA agent ask what was in my pocket when I was wearing looser cotton pants, and I just pulled out the cash and showed them. Another time I just left it in a zipper compartment in my purse.
The only things that have caused problems at security were a bag of quarters I had brought for laundry rooms, a stack of magnetic rocks one of my sons had bought in a gift shop, and this big eraser one of my sons had in his backpack right next to his graphing calculator--it must have looked like plastic explosives and a detonator! (Yes, he did homework over Christmas break, which is why he's ranked second in his class. I wish it were contagious so my other kids would work as hard as he does.) Cash should be fairly simple, especially 30 Benjamins.
Quote: buzzpaffBefore I head to Vegas I go to Coinstar and convert my silver money to paper.
I'm too cheap to give them that 9%. I roll it myself and bring it to the bank.
Quote: buzzpaffMy bank has them wanted posters in the lobby.
I keep forgetting who I'm talking to!
Quote: DeMangoCan you expand on that? I assume you mean a traffic violation stop. How does that get into what's in your wallet or worn around your waist?
I was the only car on the road at 3AM and was pulled over for not using a signal to change lanes after leaving a toll booth. Cop says I'm acting furtively and asks if he can search the car which had out of state temporary plates all perfectly legal. I decline and he says he's calling for a dog and if the dog alerts I will be searched and the car will be searched. Of course the dog alerted not to drugs but to the 10K in my pocket.
I was told the money was being confiscated unless I could prove I obtained it legally. I couldn't. Luckily a relative of mine was a high ranking police official in my state. They called him and he vouched for me. They didn't even try to save face by writing me a ticket.The entire stop took a little over two hours. I've had a couple of similar stops since then but I've been prepared and sent on my way without a ticket.
Innocent people are being robbed more and more by police so take precautions.
Quote: 1BB
Innocent people are being robbed more and more by police so take precautions.
Why were you the only car on the road at
3am? With 10 grand in your pocket? I'll
bet you were under 30 too. Can you really
blame the cop?
Quote: RaleighCrapsObviously you either do not fly to Vegas, or your airport does not have body scanners. They do not allow you to keep any money in your pockets!
So, now you need to reach in your pocket, pull out that 8Gs and hold it in your hand, with your hands held above your head. Then when you exit the scanner, the officer will ask you to display what you are holding in your hand. The last guy made me do a quick rifle through the bills to demonstrate nothing was hidden in the wad.
So far, none of them has been a dick about it. They have all been sensitive to the fact I wish to keep it quiet that I have a large sum of money in my hand, but I am still looking for a better method.
The pill bottle that was mentioned in the past is a neat idea. But I have read lots of stories of pill bottles 'disappearing', although most of those were centered around checked luggage and not airport screenings. Still, I don't think I would be too comfortable dropping a pill bottle with 3Gs in it, in the tub and then walking away from it. I hate doing it with my laptop, and that is MUCH harder for someone to walk off with.
I carry this amount through security semi frequently in my pocket. I throw it in the tub. If questioned I point out the fact my destination is LV. I also present a withdrawal slip from my bank with a date on it a few days prior. All perfectly legal. I'm not to paranoid about theft or robbery. A problem will certainly arise if you have 10 grand or more that's the threshold you will most certainly be taken for further questioning and they don't care about you missing your flight.
Edit: You are correct I don't go through the check point with it in my pocket I go to the check point. bad wording on my part twice. :)
Quote: EvenBobWhy were you the only car on the road at
3am? With 10 grand in your pocket? I'll
bet you were under 30 too. Can you really
blame the cop?
Yes I can. I broke no laws traffic or otherwise. Since the dog was the smartest of the bunch I blame him too. I was just shy of my 35th birthday.
Quote: 1BBYes I can. I broke no laws traffic or otherwise. .
If you were a cop, you'd be suspicious of
some guy at 3am with 10 grand in his
pocket. I would be.
Because to train a dog, you must have an IQ equal to, or greater than , a dog !
The dogs can be manipulated to false alert,so the cops can then search you and your vehicle.The cops are looking for any money they can steal to use for the departments budget.There are numerous videos of this abuse on youtube.With these stops it`s, you are guilty until you can prove you are innocent.Quote: buzzpaffThe Police have to send the dogs to a private training facility. There are no in-house dog training facilities in any police force.
Because to train a dog, you must have an IQ equal to, or greater than , a dog !
They can't just take your money, dude, unless they arrest you.
What, Bill Gates is driving his Bugatti Veyron at 3AM on I-5, he's pulled over for failing to signal a lane change, not arrested, and then his money is "confiscated?"
I don't think so.
Quote: MrV1Bb, your story does not compute.
They can't just take your money, dude, unless they arrest you.
What, Bill Gates is driving his Bugatti Veyron at 3AM on I-5, he's pulled over for failing to signal a lane change, not arrested, and then his money is "confiscated?"
I don't think so.
They can and they do. Sometimes it's returned and sometimes it isn't. You do not have to be arrested.
MRV This has happened to many people,they don`t have to arrest you.They take the money give you a receipt and then it is up to you to hire a lawyer to get your money back.Google cash seizures in texas.60 minutes did an expose a few years ago.I know 5 people that have had money confiscated,and they were not arrested.Quote: MrV1Bb, your story does not compute.
They can't just take your money, dude, unless they arrest you.
What, Bill Gates is driving his Bugatti Veyron at 3AM on I-5, he's pulled over for failing to signal a lane change, not arrested, and then his money is "confiscated?"
I don't think so.
Next you will be telling me you can not be stopped for a DWB !!!
Here in the Pac NW, they don't do this, at least I never read about it.
Interesting.
Quote: MrVHmmm.
Here in the Pac NW, they don't do this, at least I never read about it.
Interesting.
I have been a passenger in cars that were stopped for DWB. It happens way too much.
Just because you don't know about it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It does.Quote: MrVSure, but getting pulled over on a pretext is one thing, but having your cash stripped from you without an arrest is another thing entirely.
As for bringing $3K to Vegas, is there any reason it can't be put in carry-on luggage? TSA won't stop you for money in your bag, and they won't open your bag without you being present. I fly a lot, and my carry-on always stays within view. A money belt is not allowed through mm-wave screeners. You can take the money belt and hold it above your head, which will prompt a TSA inspection, and this will usually work, but it's embarrassing with large amounts of cash. The most I've done this with is probably $10K—they just check to make sure you're not hiding anything in the bills. I've never once had a problem with even large amounts of cash through the conveyor belt, except for the time that I had about a large amount of casino cheques mixed in with my cash and I had to go to the back room to explain that I was a "poker player." Cheques show up on the screen as a large, dense mass, so you WILL be flagged for additional screening if you carry cheques with you in any large quantity. TSA used to be terrible about cash, but they've really smartened up in recent years.
If you do, check a gun in there with it so you can lock the bag yourself after TSA rifles through it in your presence. When you check a gun you must use a real lock on your luggage, not a TSA lock. Get something like a pelican case. Have a backup plan for getting more cash in case it disappears anyway.
Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, etc. Find a bank with branches at both your location and in Vegas. Deposit it there, withdraw it here. No need to use an ATM. Banks still have tellers.
Quote: QuadDeuces
Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, etc. Find a bank with branches at both your location and in Vegas. Deposit it there, withdraw it here. No need to use an ATM. Banks still have tellers.
Some BoA accounts charge for using a teller, though. I get all sorts of freebies from them since we have all of our mortgages there, but when my son changed over from a custodial account after he turned 18 the only fee-free accounts make you use ATMs and online banking, or you pay per use.
