Carrying cash from Australia to India
Two separate rules apply to any cash journey: one where you leave, one where you arrive.
Do you need to declare?
Yes: and on both legs of the journey. Leaving Australia, AUSTRAC requires a declaration above AUD 10,000. Entering India, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (India) requires a declaration above USD 5,000. The two rules are independent: satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
The two legs
| Leg | Limit | Form | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Australia | AUD 10,000 | Cross-Border Movement: Physical Currency Form | AUSTRAC |
| Entering India | USD 5,000 | Currency Declaration Form (CDF) | Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (India) |
The same duty applies moving money out. Bearer negotiable instruments payable to any person must also be reported.
Declare foreign currency above US$5,000 held as currency notes, or above US$10,000 counting notes, banknotes and travellers cheques together, on a Currency Declaration Form (CDF) on arrival.
If you do not declare
Australia: Significant fines; undeclared cash may be seized.
India: Seizure and proceedings under the Customs Act and FEMA.
Neither threshold on this route is a cap: you may carry more, but above it the duty is to report the cash, not to keep under the figure. Failing to report is the offence.
Currencies
Australia uses AUD; India uses INR.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.