Bringing Money to the US

Bringing Money to the US


It is essential that you anticipate the full cost of your education and secure adequate resources before leaving home. 

How can I receive money from home?

If you are from a country which allows foreign exchange to be transferred directly, you might consider finding a bank at home that can transfer funds to a bank in New York. Some of the major banks with international connections are Chase and Citibank. Both banks have branches near Teachers College.

Branch locations:

 How much money should I bring to get started?

You should have access to sufficient money in U.S. dollars to pay for your transportation and immediate expenses (such as food) upon your arrival. We advise against bringing large amounts of cash. Approximately $500 in U.S. currency should be enough for the first few days.

The most common forms of payment in the United States are credit cards and bank checks. You will want to open a bank account as soon as you can. Please check the bank websites for required documents to open an account. Among the banks in the immediate TC neighborhood are:

  •     Citibank
  •     JP Morgan Chase
  •     HSBC Banking Corporation
  •     Bank of America
  •     Banco Popular

Most banks are closed on Saturdays, and all are closed on Sundays and national holidays, including Labor Day, the first Monday in September.

*Note: Foreign currency checks may take several weeks to clear before the money is available to you.

What is the most common way of paying tuition and other bills?

Teachers College offers several options to complete your tuition and fees payment. For more information on tuition payment and payment options, please refer to the Office of the Bursar website

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