Carrying cash from South Korea to Germany
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 South Korea, Korea Customs Service requires a declaration above USD 10,000. Entering Germany, Germany customs authority (EU cash controls) requires a declaration above EUR 10,000. The two rules are independent: satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
The two legs
| Leg | Limit | Form | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving South Korea | USD 10,000 | Traveler Declaration Form | Korea Customs Service |
| Entering Germany | EUR 10,000 | EU Cash Declaration Form | Germany customs authority (EU cash controls) |
Means of payment, foreign currency, Korean won notes or cashier's cheques, exceeding USD 10,000 in total must be declared on departure.
Applies when entering the EU from a non-EU country. No declaration is required when travelling between EU member states.
If you do not declare
South Korea: Failure to report is subject to fines or penalties.
Germany: Cash may be detained and penalties applied under national law.
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
South Korea uses KRW; Germany uses EUR.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.