Carrying cash from Malaysia to Japan
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 Japan, Japan Customs requires a declaration above JPY 1,000,000. 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 Japan | JPY 1,000,000 | Declaration of Carrying of Means of Payment | Japan Customs |
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.
Required when the total exceeds ¥1,000,000 or its equivalent. The threshold falls to ¥100,000 if you are travelling to or from North Korea.
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.
Japan: Penalties under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.
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; Japan uses JPY.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.