As you prepare to enter the U.S. it is important to remember that there are restrictions on what can be brought into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has created a useful publication called Welcome to the United States: A Guide for International Visitors which provides useful information on what to expect at the border as well as providing guidance on what you can and cannot bring into the U.S.
Money
While you can bring in as much money as you like, when you pass through customs, you must declare whether you are bringing more than $10,000 in the U.S. This figure includes:
- U.S. or foreign coins
- currency
- travelers checks
- money orders
- negotiable instruments
- investment securities in bearer form
Medicines
Bring only the medicines you will need during your stay. If the medicines you will bring contain potentially addictive drugs or narcotics (such as cough medicines, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, or stimulants,) you should:
- declare the medicines you are carrying
- carry the drugs in their original containers
- carry only what you will need during your stay (but no more than a 3-month supply)
US Food and Drug Administration,
- Information on the Importation of Drugs
- Regulatory Procedures Manual: Coverage of Personal Importation
Food
In general, packaged and processed food may be brought into the U.S. though there may be restrictions in certain cases:
Caviar: limit of 250 grams
You are encouraged to review the book listed above and the CBP list of foods that either restricted or prohibited from being brought into the U.S. It is a good idea to look at the list to see if items that you plan to bring are included.