Carrying cash from Germany to Singapore

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 Germany, Germany customs authority (EU cash controls) requires a declaration above EUR 10,000. Entering Singapore, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority requires a declaration above SGD 20,000. The two rules are independent: satisfying one does not satisfy the other.

The two legs

LegLimitFormAuthority
Leaving Germany EUR 10,000 EU Cash Declaration Form Germany customs authority (EU cash controls)
Entering Singapore SGD 20,000 CBNI declaration (via the Singapore Arrival Card or the official app) Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

Applies when leaving the EU for a non-EU country.

Required when the total value EXCEEDS S$20,000, exactly S$20,000 does not trigger it. The duty applies whether the cash is yours or carried for someone else.

If you do not declare

Germany: Cash may be detained and penalties applied under national law.

Singapore: An offence under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992.

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

Germany uses EUR; Singapore uses SGD.

Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.