Check your cash before you leave Aus and when you come back or you could be in trouble!
With the holidays approaching, AUSTRAC (the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre), Australia ‘ s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulator and specialist financial intelligence unit, is working with Australian Customs to ensure travellers are aware of the new rules relating to the cross-border movement of funds.
Under new legislation, travellers entering or leaving Australia must, if asked by a Customs or police officer, report whether they are carrying bearer negotiable instruments (BNIs) such as travellers cheques, money orders, postal orders or promissory notes.
The separate requirement for travellers to declare if they are carrying $10,000 cash or more (or the foreign currency equivalent) still applies.
If a traveller is asked to report their bearer negotiable instruments, they may be asked to fill out a Cross-Border Movement – Bearer Negotiable Instrument form, which will be given to them by a Customs or police officer. This usually occurs at the Customs examination area.
A traveller may also be asked to complete the form when a Customs or police officer conducts an examination or search and finds a bearer negotiable instrument which a person has with them.
AUSTRAC Chief Executive Officer Neil Jensen says, “The legislation was introduced in December 2006 and will play a key role in deterring money laundering and terrorism financing.” “ Money laundering is a serious issue; a recent report estimated it costs the Australian community $4.5 billion each year.”
Information on the new laws is available at airports through signage, and brochures available from Customs officers.
In addition travellers can visit the AUSTRAC website or call the AUSTRAC Help Desk for more information.
A Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season