I just handed in one of the applications at the bank, the one to request authorization to use my credit card in the United States between January 21st and 29th. I miraculously managed to get all the details right the first time, which is good.

Unfortunately, they told me I can’t file the other application (the one to request authorization to buy $500 in cash) until the first one is approved. According to the bank, it takes about 5 business days for the application to be approved by the government, but that new applications aren’t being processed until January, so it looks like I’ll have to wait until January 11th at the earliest to file the other application. That’s a bit closer than I’d like to my date of departure, so I guess we’ll see if I get my money in time.