How much cash can you take into Australia?

While there’s no limit on how much cash you can take into Australia, you’ll need to declare your money at customs if the total amount is $10,000 Australian dollars (AUD) or more – or the equivalent in any other currency. 

The same limit applies to taking cash out of Australia when you leave, and the penalty for not declaring your cash could be severe – so it’s important to understand the rules before you travel.

We’ve covered everything you need to know about taking cash to Australia, from how to declare large amounts at customs to how much cash you’re likely to need while you’re there. When you’ve worked out your travel budget, don’t forget to buy your Australian dollars before you set off – so you can relax and make the most of your trip.

How much cash can I bring into Australia from the UK?

If you’re travelling from the UK, there’s no limit on the amount of cash you can bring into Australia – but you’ll need to declare any cash of $10,000 AUD or more. The same equivalent limit applies if you’re carrying any other foreign currency. Travelling from Australia back to the UK? Again, the same limits apply when it comes to declaring your cash. 

How do I declare cash over $10,000?

If you’re travelling with over $10,000 in Australian dollars or the equivalent in another currency, you’ll need to complete an online declaration form via the Australian government’s portal before you pass through customs – both on the way into Australia and on the way back. Make sure you save a copy of your submission receipt in case you’re asked to show it to an Australian Border Force or police officer.

What happens if I don’t declare that I’m carrying over $10,000 AUD in cash?

If you don’t declare your cash correctly, you could have it seized, be issued with a fine, or even face prison time in some scenarios.

It’s also illegal to make multiple trips into and out of Australia with amounts of cash less than $10,000 Australian dollars – or the equivalent in another currency – to avoid declaring it at customs.

Who does the cash limit apply to?

The cash limit applies to anyone travelling into or out of Australia, and that can be a child or adult. If you’re travelling as a family or group, that limit applies to your family or group as a whole – and it’s against the law to split cash amounts of AUD 10,000 or more across the members of your travel party in order to avoid declaring it. This practice is known as ‘structuring’.

Notes and coins are considered cash when it comes to customs limits. Bank cards are also considered a monetary instrument and subject to the same limits, as are the following Bearer Negotiable Instruments (BNIs):

What qualifies as cash when taking money into Australia?

• Bill of exchange
• Cheque
• Promissory note
• Bearer bond
• Traveller's cheque
• Money order, postal order or similar order
• Other negotiable instrument not covered above

Bear in mind that customs limits and regulations are subject to change, so always check before you travel. You can find more info on the official government website, AUSTRAC.

How much cash will I need in Australia?

The amount of cash you’ll need for your trip will depend on your travel plans and where you’re staying, but it’s always worth carrying cash as well as other payment methods when you’re travelling. 

While most businesses in Australia are all set up to accept card payments, for example, cash is preferred for things like tipping in restaurants. Likewise, most taxis in Australia accept both cash and card payments, but can add a surcharge of up to 5% if you’re paying by card.We’ve provided some example costs below to give you an idea of what you can expect to spend on things like meals and transport.

You’ll find more example costs, including UK cost comparisons, in our guide to Australian dollars. And for illustrative prices for flights and accommodation, take a look at our guide to how much it costs to visit Australia.

Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: AUD $25.00

Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant (three courses, without drinks): AUD $120.00

Soft drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 litre bottle): AUD $4.06

Bottled water (0.33 litre): AUD $3.34 

Taxi starting fare (standard tariff): $AUD 5.28 

Taxi per 1 km (standard tariff): AUD $2.50

While tipping isn’t mandatory in Australia, it’s appreciated, and around 10% of your bill is the norm.

*Example prices from Numbeo.com correct as at December 2025. All prices are illustrative.

Where can I buy travel money from?

While you can exchange your pounds for Australian dollars when you get to Australia, you’ll often get the best exchange rates if you do this before you go. Plus, you can get straight into a taxi at the airport, for example, without having to worry about finding cash first. 

Withdrawing cash from an ATM in Australia with your UK-issued bank card is also likely to incur fees, potentially from both the issuing bank in Australia and your bank back home. That’s why it’s a good idea to secure a good exchange rate and avoid added fees by buying your currency in the UK before you travel.

Buying Australian dollars with Marks & Spencer Travel Money

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