Carrying cash from New Zealand to Thailand

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 New Zealand, New Zealand Customs Service requires a declaration above NZD 10,000. Entering Thailand, Bank of Thailand (exchange control) requires a declaration above THB 450,000. The two rules are independent: satisfying one does not satisfy the other.

The two legs

LegLimitFormAuthority
Leaving New Zealand NZD 10,000 Border Cash Report (NZCS 337) New Zealand Customs Service
Entering Thailand THB 450,000 no form Bank of Thailand (exchange control)

The same report is required on the way out. It can be filed online or on paper.

No limit applies to bringing baht or foreign currency into Thailand. A customs declaration is required above THB 450,000, or above USD 15,000 in foreign currency banknotes.

If you do not declare

New Zealand: Cash may be seized and penalties applied under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009.

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

New Zealand uses NZD; Thailand uses THB.

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