Carrying cash from New Zealand to United States
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 United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires a declaration above USD 10,000. The two rules are independent: satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
Travelling as a family or group?
The threshold applies to your combined total, not per person. A family of four each carrying a little under the limit is still over it, and splitting cash between travellers to stay under does not make it legal.
The two legs
| Leg | Limit | Form | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving New Zealand | NZD 10,000 | Border Cash Report (NZCS 337) | New Zealand Customs Service |
| Entering United States | USD 10,000 | FinCEN Form 105 (CMIR) | U.S. Customs and Border Protection |
The same report is required on the way out. It can be filed online or on paper.
There is no limit on how much you may carry; amounts over USD 10,000 must be reported.
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.
United States: Seizure of the currency and possible civil and criminal penalties.
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; United States uses USD.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.