Carrying cash from Thailand to New Zealand
Two separate rules apply to any cash journey: one where you leave, one where you arrive.
Do you need to declare?
Part of this route is a hard limit, not paperwork. Leaving Thailand, Bank of Thailand (exchange control) caps what you may carry at THB 50,000, a prohibition, not a form. Entering New Zealand, New Zealand Customs Service requires a declaration above NZD 10,000. The two rules are independent: satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
The two legs
| Leg | Limit | Form | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Thailand | max THB 50,000 | no form | Bank of Thailand (exchange control) |
| Entering New Zealand | NZD 10,000 | Border Cash Report (NZCS 337) | New Zealand Customs Service |
Thai baht banknotes may be taken out up to THB 50,000 per person, rising to THB 2,000,000 for travel to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam and the Yunnan province of China. Foreign currency banknotes may be taken out only up to the amount bought from an authorised bank or money changer. A customs declaration is required above THB 450,000 or USD 15,000 equivalent.
Required for NZ$10,000 or more in cash, or the foreign equivalent, carried into New Zealand. You must also speak to a Customs officer on arrival.
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
Thailand uses THB; New Zealand uses NZD.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.