Carrying cash from China to Malaysia
Two separate rules apply to any cash journey: one where you leave, one where you arrive.
Do you need to declare?
Part of this route is a hard limit, not paperwork. Leaving China, General Administration of Customs of China caps what you may carry at CNY 20,000, a prohibition, not a form. 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 China | max CNY 20,000 | Customs declaration form | General Administration of Customs of China |
| Entering Malaysia | USD 10,000 | Customs Form No. 7 (K7), Declaration of Cash and Bearer Negotiable Instrument | Royal Malaysian Customs Department |
The same ¥20,000 cap applies on departure. Foreign currency above USD 5,000 is released on the strength of the declaration made on your last entry, so keep the endorsed copy, without it, customs releases only what a certificate from the Foreign Exchange Bureau or an authorised bank covers.
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
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
China uses CNY; Malaysia uses MYR.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.