Travel Alert: New Cash Carry Regulations Coming Into Effect – Mandatory Country-Specific Limits to Check Before Departure

Carrying an amount of New Taiwan Dollar cash that exceeds the limit when entering or exiting Taiwan airports? Beware of confiscation by the state treasury. To combat money laundering, Taiwan airports will tighten penalties on travelers carrying cash and other valuables through customs. Starting June 28, carrying over NT$100,000 in cash, or equivalent to over US$10,000 in gold or loose diamonds, without declaration will not only result in the cash being returned, but also confiscated.

In the past, passengers entering or exiting Taiwan airports who carried undeclared excess cash would have it temporarily held in the controlled area; however, according to the amended Money Laundering Control Act announced by the Customs Administration, starting June 28, any cash exceeding NT$100,000 that is not declared will be forfeited to the state treasury. For false declarations, the excess amount will either be held at customs or confiscated depending on the declaration details.

● Country-Specific Limits on Valuables That Must Be Declared When Entering or Exiting

Taiwan: Gold worth more than US$20,000, over US$10,000, over NT$100,000, RMB 20,000, or securities.

Japan: A combined total of over 1 million Japanese Yen in cash, checks, or other securities.

South Korea: Payment instruments valued over US$10,000 (excluding promissory notes, drafts, and letters of credit), domestic currency (Korean Won), and traveler’s checks denominated in Korean Won.

Thailand: No limit on cash amount upon entry (those on visa on arrival must show proof of funds of 10,000 Thai Baht); cash exceeding the amount brought in upon entry must be declared upon exit.

Singapore: Carrying over 30,000 Singapore Dollars or equivalent foreign currency.

United States: Over US$10,000 in cash, traveler’s checks, or other equivalent foreign currency in cash or securities.

European Union: Carrying 10,000 Euros (or more) in cash or other equivalent currency.

Mainland China: Over 20,000 RMB in cash, or foreign currency cash equivalent to over 5,000 US Dollars.