Carrying cash from Malaysia to Australia
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 Malaysia, Royal Malaysian Customs Department requires a declaration above USD 10,000. Entering Australia, AUSTRAC requires a declaration above AUD 10,000. The two rules are independent: satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
The two legs
| Leg | Limit | Form | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Malaysia | USD 10,000 | Customs Form No. 7 (K7), Declaration of Cash and Bearer Negotiable Instrument | Royal Malaysian Customs Department |
| Entering Australia | AUD 10,000 | Cross-Border Movement: Physical Currency Form | AUSTRAC |
The same threshold applies on departure. The declaration is required under section 23 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001, not under customs duty rules, so it applies whatever the money is for.
Declare A$10,000 or more moving into Australia, counting Australian and foreign currency together.
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.
Australia: Significant fines; undeclared cash may be seized.
Neither threshold on this route is a cap: you may carry more, but above it the duty is to report the cash, not to keep under the figure. Failing to report is the offence.
Currencies
Malaysia uses MYR; Australia uses AUD.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.