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.
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
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.