Carrying cash from Australia to New Zealand
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 New Zealand, New Zealand Customs Service requires a declaration above NZD 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 New Zealand | NZD 10,000 | Border Cash Report (NZCS 337) | New Zealand Customs Service |
The same duty applies moving money out. Bearer negotiable instruments payable to any person must also be reported.
Required for NZ$10,000 or more in cash, or the foreign equivalent, carried into New Zealand. You must also speak to a Customs officer on arrival.
If you do not declare
Australia: Significant fines; undeclared cash may be seized.
New Zealand: Cash may be seized and penalties applied under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009.
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; New Zealand uses NZD.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.