🇵🇭 Philippines— Cash & Currency
Bureau of Customs (BOC)
2026-04-25
Declaration Threshold
US$10,000
PHP
You must declare to customs if you are carrying cash, traveler's cheques, money orders, or negotiable bearer instruments totaling above this amount when entering or leaving Philippines.
What Must Be Declared
| Instrument | Declaration Required |
|---|---|
| Physical currency (any currency) | Yes, if above threshold |
| Traveler's cheques | Yes, if above threshold |
| Bank drafts / money orders | Yes, if above threshold |
| Bearer bonds / negotiable instruments | Yes, if above threshold |
| Credit cards / debit cards | Generally no |
| Electronic payment apps | Generally no |
Failure to declare
Carrying undeclared cash above the threshold can result in seizure of funds, fines, and in some jurisdictions criminal prosecution. When in doubt, declare.
Additional Country Notes
- 01Balikbayan boxes are a significant feature — overseas Filipinos can send large tax-free packages home.
- 02The Philippines Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA, RA 10863) governs customs.
- 03VAT is 12% and applies to most imported goods.
- 04The Philippines is part of ASEAN and benefits from ATIGA rates.
- 05DHL, FedEx, and other couriers must file a formal entry for packages over PHP 10,000.
- 06Anti-Dummy Law restricts foreign nationals from importing certain goods for resale.