While there’s no limit on how much money you can take to Europe – which is good to know if you need to carry a larger-than-normal amount – there are rules around declaring specific amounts of cash. Ignoring these rules could leave you facing a fine or even having your money seized, so it’s important to understand them. 

The rules for Europe cash limits can be confusing as they vary depending on where you’re heading to, where you’re arriving from, and whether your destination is part of the EU. If you’re entering or leaving the EU – for example flying from the UK to France – you can take up to €10,000 or the equivalent in your local currency before you’ll need to declare it to customs. That would apply if, for example, you were taking a generous cash gift to a family wedding abroad, or carrying enough funds to get you through a cross-country backpacking trip.

But if you’re travelling between EU countries, or heading to a non-EU country in Europe, the rules around carrying cash are different – so it’s not a case of one size fits all. We’ve covered some key information around taking cash to Europe to get you started, but always check the rules based on your own itinerary before you go.

How much cash can I take to Europe from the UK?

How much cash you can travel with from the UK will depend on whether or not your destination is in the EU. While there’s no set limit on how much cash you can take to the EU from the UK, cash totalling €10,000 or more must be declared, or £10,000 if you’re carrying British pounds. The same applies if you’re heading to the UK from the EU.

For countries that are in Europe but aren’t EU member states, the limits are country-specific. If you’re travelling to Norway, for example, cash above 25,000 Norwegian krone must be declared. Also bear in mind that wherever you’re travelling to, if you’re travelling with large amounts of cash – even if you’re below the threshold – you may still be questioned by customs officials about the source and purpose of the funds.

Example cash limits in Europe:

Travelling to any EU country and most non-EU countries – cash above €10,000, or the equivalent in another currency, must be declared

Travelling to Norway – cash totalling 25,000 Norwegian krone or more, or the equivalent in another currency, must be declared

Travelling to Georgia – cash totalling 30,000 Georgian lari or more, or the equivalent in another currency, must be declared

Travelling to Turkey – no limits on taking cash into the country, but there are specific limits on how much you can take out

How much cash can I take to Europe from other countries?

When it comes to bringing cash into Europe from countries outside the UK, the limits vary depending on where you’re travelling from. The €10,000 upper limit applies if you’re travelling within EU member states, so you’ll need to declare any cash upwards of this amount.

The same limit often applies if you’re travelling to an EU member state from further afield – if you’re flying from the US to the EU, for example, you’ll also need to declare anything above €10,000. This isn’t the case for all countries though, so always check before you travel.

Who does the cash limit apply to?

According to the Customs and Taxation Union, the EU cash limit of carrying up to €10 000 before needing to declare it applies to every individual traveller, including minors. But rules vary by country outside of the EU. If you’re travelling into or out of the UK as a family or group with a combined total of £10,000 or more, for example – even if individuals within your group are carrying less than the threshold – you will need to declare it.

What qualifies as ‘cash’ in Europe?

It’s important to bear in mind that ‘cash’ doesn’t only mean physical money, and the definition is based on a financial or monetary instrument being transferrable anonymously from one person to another. EU rules define cash as:

• Banknotes and coins, including currency that isn’t in circulation any more, but is accepted for exchange by banks
• Traveller's cheques and cheques, promissory notes or money orders signed but without a named beneficiary – referred to as ‘bearer negotiable instruments’
• Coins with a gold content of at least 90%
• Bullion like bars and nuggets with a gold content of at least 99.5%

While not considered cash, things like precious metals and valuable stones are also subject to customs rules and need to be declared – one to keep in mind if you’re travelling with antiques or jewellery. 

And while bank cards aren’t considered cash, customs officials are likely to want to know more about your trip if you’re carrying a significant number of them – particularly if you also have a large amount of cash.

How much cash will I need in Europe?

Working out your holiday budget will depend where you’re off to. At the time of writing, the cost of living in up-and-coming Georgia, for example, is 45.8% lower than it is in Italy, an established tourist destination. So your Georgian lari (GEL) may go further when you’re exploring Tsibilisi’s fairytale streets than your euros (EUR) will when filling up on espressos and gelatos in Rome. 

Costs in Switzerland, meanwhile – one of the most expensive countries in Europe – are generally higher than both destinations. Take a look at some average costs as a comparison – we’ve converted them to pounds to give you an idea. Our guide to travelling with cash also includes lots more helpful info on this topic.

Average costs in Georgia vs Italy vs Switzerland in GBP*

Where can I buy Travel Money from?

You can check today’s exchange rates and buy Euros as well as more than 50 other currencies from M&S Travel Money – with no hidden fees and no commission. T&Cs apply.