Carrying cash from Australia to Malaysia
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 Malaysia, Royal Malaysian Customs Department 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 Malaysia | USD 10,000 | Customs Form No. 7 (K7), Declaration of Cash and Bearer Negotiable Instrument | Royal Malaysian Customs Department |
The same duty applies moving money out. Bearer negotiable instruments payable to any person must also be reported.
Cash and bearer negotiable instruments, including traveller's cheques, count together. Anything above the equivalent of USD 10,000 must be declared on arrival.
If you do not declare
Australia: Significant fines; undeclared cash may be seized.
Malaysia: A fine of up to RM1 million and/or imprisonment of up to one year for failing to declare or making a false declaration.
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; Malaysia uses MYR.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.