Carrying cash from Australia to South Korea
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 South Korea, Korea Customs Service requires a declaration above USD 10,000. 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 South Korea | USD 10,000 | Traveler Declaration Form | Korea Customs Service |
The same duty applies moving money out. Bearer negotiable instruments payable to any person must also be reported.
Below USD 10,000 in total means of payment, no permission or declaration is needed. Above it, report the amount on the Traveler Declaration Form and keep the Certificate of Foreign Currency Declaration you are given, it is what lets you take the money out again.
If you do not declare
Australia: Significant fines; undeclared cash may be seized.
South Korea: Failure to report is subject to fines or penalties.
There is no limit on how much you may legally carry in either direction, the duty is to report it, not to keep under it. Failing to report is the offence.
Currencies
Australia uses AUD; South Korea uses KRW.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.