What happens if I do not declare cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments in Germany?

If the goods are found without being declared, an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments to Germany instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you is outside this allowance.

Does the Germany limit for cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Generalzolldirektion (German Customs Administration) states it in Anmelde- bzw. Anzeigepflicht bei Ein- oder Ausreise aus bzw. in Nicht-EU-Mitgliedstaat. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Mitführende, die mit Barmitteln im Gesamtwert von 10.000 Euro oder mehr nach Deutschland ein- bzw. aus Deutschland ausreisen, müssen diesen Betrag beim Zoll anmelden.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments can I bring into Germany?

Declare

You can bring Cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments into Germany, but you must declare it.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required

Limit 10000 currency amount

What you need to know

10000 currency amount
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Anmelde- bzw. Anzeigepflicht bei Ein- oder Ausreise aus bzw. in Nicht-EU-Mitgliedstaat German Customs (Zoll)

Questions about Cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments in Germany

How much cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments can I bring into Germany?: Germany allows cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments to be brought in, but it has to be declared once it reaches 10000. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments in Germany?: If the goods are found without being declared, an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments to Germany instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you is outside this allowance.
Can I take cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Generalzolldirektion (German Customs Administration) states it in Anmelde- bzw. Anzeigepflicht bei Ein- oder Ausreise aus bzw. in Nicht-EU-Mitgliedstaat. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Mitführende, die mit Barmitteln im Gesamtwert von 10.000 Euro oder mehr nach Deutschland ein- bzw. aus Deutschland ausreisen, müssen diesen Betrag beim Zoll anmelden.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit cash and foreign-exchange payment instruments, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Accompanied cash Cash and bearer negotiable instruments (all currencies) Cross-border movement of monetary instruments (cash and bearer negotiable instruments) Currency and monetary instruments (CAN$10,000 reporting) Currency and monetary instruments over $10,000 Foreign currency cash