Carrying gold via public transportation can be tricky. And if you’re planning to transport gold, you might wonder whether you can carry gold on an international flight. The answer is, yes, you can.
Overview of Flying Internationally With Gold
Thousands of investors see gold as the safest way to store value and maintain financial stability, no matter which country they live in. Given that, occasions arise when they find it necessary to transport gold across national borders.While you can carry gold when flying internationally, safety and security are high priorities when doing so. You’ll then want to know everything you can to protect your precious metals, including:
- Gold coins
- Gold medals
- Gold jewelry
- Gold bullion
Where Should You Keep Your Gold During International Flights?
You might think it’s better to keep precious metals in your checked-in baggage, but we strongly recommend not doing this. For one thing, you risk losing your checked bags, and for another, you could lose your gold or silver jewelry if anything should happen to the luggage.Storing your gold in a secure carry-on bag is the best way. You can keep it close to you while flying and never worry about who might be handling it or where it is. Just ensure that your bag’s maximum weight capacity can hold the gold.
How Should You Handle Security Checkpoints?
It’s usually not a problem to bring gold into other countries, but don’t assume everything will go smoothly. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) must keep travelers safe and may stop you to double-check for suspicious materials or counterfeit coins. This could cause delays, missed flights, ruined schedules, and concerns about losing your precious metal.Don’t try to sneak your precious metals through security checkpoints to avoid this fiasco. The recommended method is to declare your gold to TSA agents or the appropriate customs authorities beforehand and maintain complete transparency. If you declare your gold upfront, it makes you automatically less suspicious.
Does the Airline Need to Know That You’re Transporting Gold?
Informing the airline about your gold transportation isn’t a requirement. However, it could help your flight go more smoothly and prevent complications with customs. Airlines might be able to accommodate you better when carrying gold if they know how much gold you’re carrying and what form it’s in (gold bars, coins, jewelry, etc.).Airlines can sometimes offer advice on how to transport your silver or gold items. Female travelers often carry silver or gold earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry and may worry about getting robbed. Letting the airline know about this can provide peace of mind.
What to Do If a TSA Agent Wants to Inspect Your Baggage
Importing gold coins, cash, and other currencies to the United States or any other country can be nerve-racking. You may feel targeted and constantly concerned that someone will try to steal your luggage. The situation might become even more stressful when a TSA agent feels they must inspect your bags.If you get stopped for inspection, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do:
- Be polite. Complaining or refusing to open your bags will only draw more attention to yourself and potentially lead to a fine.
- Explain yourself. If you didn’t declare your gold, now is the time to do it. Please explain what you’re transporting, its value, and its purpose (for example, a gift).
- Request a private screening. Inspecting your bags in a private room can ensure other travelers don’t learn you’re carrying gold.
How Much Gold Can You Carry on International Flights?
The amount of gold allowed on international flights depends on several factors. These may include the customs duty of the country you’re leaving, the customs duty of the government you’re flying to, and the airline or airline alliance. You’ll want to do some independent research to learn about things such as the following:- Import duty on gold coins
- Duty-free allowance
- Gold transportation fines
- Past performance of the airline
US Customs and Border Protection
When traveling to and from the United States, you must adhere to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines. Here are some critical CBP rules and restrictions regarding precious metals importation and exportation:- You may import copies of gold coins only if properly marked.
- You don’t have to worry about customs duty on gold medals, coins, or bullion declared to a customs official.
- You must complete a FinCEN 105 form to transport monetary instruments (cash, coin, or other currency) exceeding $10,000. (FinCEN stands for Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, regarding currency or monetary instruments.)
How to Avoid Legal Problems When Traveling Internationally With Gold Coins
If you’re traveling abroad with a suitcase full of gold coins, the last thing you want is to risk violating rules and restrictions. Before you leave for the airport, confirm that you have all the proper documentation for yourself and your baggage. In addition to a valid passport and visa, you’ll want to bring other documents to help cover your gold.Bringing along a gold sales receipt or invoice can prevent major setbacks if customs officials decide to check your baggage. A receipt can quickly prove that the gold belongs to you as well as corroborating its value.
Keeping Track of Your Gold While Traveling Internationally
Even with the gold in a personal bag, it can be challenging to pay attention to it. You won’t always have it slung over your shoulder or rolling behind you. Here are some typical times when you might lose track of your gold-carrying luggage:- When your bag passes through a security checkpoint;
- When you stop for a bite to eat at the airport;
- While you wait in an airport lounge or at the gate;
- When you use the restroom in the airport or on the airplane; or
- After you place your bag in an overhead compartment.
The Oxford Gold Group helps investors protect and grow their wealth by purchasing physical gold and silver for their IRAs and for home delivery as effortlessly and securely as buying bonds or stocks. That’s why investors have turned to the security of gold and silver and the Oxford Gold Group. Call 833-600-GOLD or visit OxfordGoldGroup.com to receive a complimentary copy of “Your Precious Metals Investment Guide.”
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