What are the rules when carrying gold into a foreign country? This post is a complete guide on the ins and outs of gold transport. Read on to discover:
Table of Contents
- Is Carrying Gold into A Foreign Country Illegal?
- What is a Legal Tender Gold Coin?
- When Carrying Gold into a Foreign Country, Do You Have to Declare Legal Tender Gold Coins Face Value or Metal Value?
- Before You Try Carrying Gold into a Foreign Country
- What is Safest Course of Action When Carrying Gold into a Foreign Country?
- An Alternative To Carrying Gold Into A Foreign Country
- Bonus Tip on Carrying Gold to Foreign Countries:
- FAQs on Carrying Gold into a Foreign Country
Estimated reading time: 17 minutes
Now that borders are once agin open, there are more people travelling and migrating to other countries as well.
We regularly get questions from people who have family members arriving in New Zealand and want to know about the best way to bring their gold into the country. So it is timely to look at this issue in some detail…
Is Carrying Gold into A Foreign Country Illegal?
A common misconception is that carrying gold into a foreign country is illegal.
There may be the odd jurisdiction where this is the case. However, for the vast majority of countries it is perfectly legal to bring gold into the country with you. Generally even without paying any import duties.
From the US customs website:
“There is no duty on gold coins, medals or bullion but these items must be declared to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer.”
However a reader posed a slightly different question on carrying gold into a foreign country.
“Let’s say I’m traveling internationally. For the sake of example, let’s say I’m traveling between NZ and US, with more than $10k cash; I’d be required to declare it. Same thing if I’m traveling with more than $10k in gold bullion, I’d have to declare it. But what if I’m traveling with ten “legal tender” gold coins, with a face value of $50. Am I traveling with “only” $500 “cash” (legal tender!) which does not have to be declared? Or am I traveling with $20k(US)/$33k(NZ) worth of gold, which does have to be declared?”
What is a Legal Tender Gold Coin?
First up to clarify, just what is a legal tender gold coin?
These are simply coins usually (but not always) issued by government mints. They have a face value on them such as $5 for a silver coin or maybe $50 for a gold coin.
They are also known as legal tender coins. Although more correctly they should be called non-circulating legal tender coins.
What is a Non-Circulating Legal Tender Coin?
A non-circulating legal tender coin is a coin where, in its country of issue, it is able to be used to buy goods and services, like a standard government issue banknote or coin. But they are designed more to be collected (or hoarded!).
However holders of these coins would have to be horribly uninformed to try and use one at its face value in a transaction. As the coins actual metal content value is significantly higher than the face value they are legal tender for.
(See this article for more on Legal Tender gold and silver coins. Including if they have any advantages or not: Should I Buy Legal Tender (Face Value) Gold and Silver Coins?)
Now back to our reader’s question…
When Carrying Gold into a Foreign Country, Do You Have to Declare Legal Tender Gold Coins Face Value or Metal Value?
Carrying Gold into The USA
In our readers example we are entering the USA with 10 x 1 oz gold legal tender coins with a face value to $50 each. Let’s say they are American Eagle 1 oz Gold Coins.
Can we avoid declaring them on the customs entry form as they are “only” US$500 legal tender value?
Or do we have to declare them as per their metal content value? Currently around US$20,500 in total, so above the US$10,000 limit?
Let’s go to the US Customs site and see what we can decipher from there:
There is no duty on gold coins, medals or bullion but these items must be declared to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer. Please note a FinCEN 105 form must be completed at the time of entry for monetary instruments over $10,000. This includes currency, ie. gold coins, valued over $10,000. The FINCEN definition of currency: The coin and paper money of the United States or any other country that is (1) designated as legal tender and that (2) circulates and (3) is customarily accepted as a medium of exchange in the country of issuance.
Source.
Interestingly the US Customs and Border Protection website specifically mentions “gold coins, valued over $10,000”.
So clearly gold legal tender coins then have to be declared if they are valued over $10,000.
Now the Question is, Does “Value” Refer to Face Value, or Metal Value of the Gold Legal Tender Coins?
We’d say that the first line of the paragraph from the US Customs and Border Protection website is key (emphasis added is ours):
“There is no duty on gold coins, medals or bullion but these items must be declared to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer.”
That would infer that even gold bars would still need to be declared regardless of their value.
So we’d say it’s best to declare any gold or silver bullion being carried or imported into any country.
Also we reckon it’s definitely advisable to declare the current metal value of the gold coins rather than just the face value. Even though the excerpt above is not clear as to what value means when it says “gold coins, valued over $10,000”.
You may well be able to argue your case for the value being the face value.
But given there is no duty to import or carry gold into the US, it would be safer to just declare the gold coins at market value. As there is really nothing to be gained by “sneaking” them into the USA.
This is generally the best bet in most countries. Canada, Australia and New Zealand all have a $10,000 local currency or equivalent requirement to declare when entering.
Again it could be debatable whether gold bars or non legal tender gold coins are a monetary instrument or not, as far as these customs declarations are concerned. But again it is still safer to declare, rather than not to and be caught out.
Do Legal Tender Gold Coins Have to be Declared When Coming in to New Zealand?
What about the reverse journey? How about if you were bringing 10 legal tender gold coins into New Zealand? Would those need to be declared?
Let’s say you were bring in 10 Canadian Gold Maple coins which have a face value of CAD$50 each. (Note: As explained further below, there is a reason we are not bringing the American Gold Eagle coins into New Zealand. Because their purity means they will attract GST). Their total face value would be only CAD$500, but their metal value would be more like NZD$35,000. So do we have to declare these coins to New Zealand customs at the border?
Customs Rules for New Zealand
The rules for New Zealand are very similar to the USA. That being, cash, or cash equivalent of NZD$10,000 or more needs to be declared. From the NZ Customs website:
You must complete a NZCS 337: Border Cash Report (DOC 332 KB) if you carry NZ$10,000 (or foreign equivalent) or more cash or equivalent into or out of New Zealand.
Cash means:
– physical currency
Source.
– travellers’ cheques
– cheques
– money orders, postal orders, or similar
– bearer bonds
– a bill of exchange
– promissory notes
– any instrument prescribed by regulations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009.
NZ Customs Intrepretation of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act
Interestingly, (unlike the USA rules), there is no specific mention of gold coins. However the last item is key which mentions the regulations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML and CFT Act 2009).
Back as of 2021, when importing gold and silver, customs have required a Border Cash Report (BCR) to be completed only where the face value of legal tender gold and silver coins is above NZ$10,000. This was not required previously for any amount of gold or silver. NZ Customs rationale for requiring this is as follows:
In Section 5 of the AML/CFT 2009
cash means—
(a) physical currency:
(b) bearer-negotiable instruments
physical currency means the coin and printed money (whether of New Zealand or of a foreign country) that—
(a) is designated as legal tender; and
(b) circulates as, and is customarily used and accepted as, a medium of exchange in the country of issue
For example, 2000 x 1 oz silver maple coins with a face value of CAD$5 each, totalling CAD$10,000. NZ Customs would argue:
The shipping documents indicate that the shipment contains cash in the form of physical currency, being coins that are designated as legal tender (for example silver coins minted at CA$5.00) and are used and accepted as a medium of exchange in Canada.
The sum total of the face value of the coins exceeds NZ$10000 which is where the requirement for a BCR comes in (the BCR itself explains how this ties in with the legislation). There are no exemptions for reporting investment grade bullion when it meets this criteria.
NZ Customs Interpretation May Seem Incorrect
The Act says:
and (b) circulates as, and is customarily used and accepted as, a medium of exchange in the country of issue.
To our way of thinking customs interpretation seems incorrect. As these may be legal tender coins that are accepted as a medium of exchange. BUT they are not customarily used as a medium of exchange. No one in Canada is going to use a coin with a face value of CAD$5 to buy goods and services when its metal value is north of CAD$40!
However, what we think makes sense is of no consequence! NZ customs requires a BCR completed for gold and silver coins with a face value total of greater than NZ$10,000.
Note: Now in 2023 NZ customs no longer seems to be asking for these BCR’s. So they seem to have swung around to our interpretation of the legislation.
Does This NZ Customs Interpretation Mean Gold and Silver Coins With a Face Value Less Than NZ$10,000 Don’t Need to be Declared?
So NZ customs only require a BCR if the face value of the gold or silver coins is over NZ$10,000. Therefore do we not need to declare when carrying gold or silver coins into New Zealand that have a face value of less this?
We think you could make a good argument now for that. However as we explain below, apart from filling in a form, there is no cost to you in declaring. So if there is some doubt, it is likely safer to err on the side of caution and just declare the gold or silver.
Before You Try Carrying Gold into a Foreign Country
1. Check before you fly.
The specifics differ country to country. So you should definitely check in advance.
Usually this can be found on the customs website of each country. Although they are not all as clear as the US regulations. If unsure phone them before you travel and ask for the specifics in writing.
2. Be sure to have the documentation to prove the purity of the gold or silver you are carrying.
Why? Because in some countries (like New Zealand and Australia), there is no GST on gold with a fineness of not less than 99.5%, silver with a fineness of not less than 99.9% and platinum with a fineness of not less than 99%. (See here for the NZ Inland Revenue Department specifics).
For more detail on GST on gold and silver see: GST on Gold and Silver Bullion: Might the NZ Government Start Adding GST to Gold and Silver Bullion?
3. Carry gold with your personal items not in checked baggage.
For security reasons obviously and also for ease of declaration.
What is Safest Course of Action When Carrying Gold into a Foreign Country?
A bit like when bringing home souvenirs made of wood or organic material. If in doubt declare it!
Bottom line is: It’s safer to declare whatever gold or silver bullion or coins you are carrying on you. The US Customs and Border Protection website also says the same thing:
“If you have doubt whether your gold/gold coin is considered a monetary instrument it is in your best interest to declare the item(s) with a CBP Officer, so you do not give a false declaration.”
We have no first hand experience, but have heard of others trying to get away with not declaring gold coins based upon their face value. They have had mixed success. It may well depend on the knowledge of the customs officer you strike.
But there is nothing to be gained either. With generally no duties payable on gold, there is little point in risking the possibility of a fine or even confiscation of your gold coins.
An Alternative To Carrying Gold Into A Foreign Country
As noted at the start of this article, there are not so many people crossing borders currently. But there are still many people repatriating, particularly back here to New Zealand.
However, when carrying gold into another country there are more than just the rules to consider. You also need to think about the risks. Particularly if carrying a large amount of gold with you. You will find it very difficult to insure a large amount of gold bullion while travelling.
So many people may instead prefer to have their bullion shipped from one country to another. As explained already, there is not likely to be any duties involved in doing this. Although, for the average person you will also find it very difficult to insure gold and silver that you ship yourself.
However, we are able to use our contacts within the industry to ship gold (and silver) across borders including insurance for relatively low cost. This is also generally cheaper than selling the bullion in the country you are leaving and buying again at your destination (although this may depend upon the amount of gold and/or silver you are wishing to transport).
If you, or a family member or friend, are looking at travelling with or sending gold (or silver) overseas, then get in contact for a quote to have it shipped fully insured.
Bonus Tip on Carrying Gold to Foreign Countries:
As we say in this article, having a 1 oz PAMP Gold bar or a Canadian Gold Maple 1 oz Coin is a very handy “travel insurance policy”. In case you lose your cash or credit cards when travelling, well known bars and coins such as the PAMP gold bar or Gold Maple Coin are readily exchangeable almost the world over.
So they can be a good source of emergency cash. Plus they take up very little space and can be easily hidden. (American Gold Eagles and South African Krugerrand’s are not 99.9% pure. So they will have GST added if bought in New Zealand, so are not recommended).
(You can watch the video version here: Choosing Between PAMP Suisse Gold & Silver vs Local NZ Gold & Silver Bars: Video).
Editors Note: Originally posted 19 September 2017. Updated 14 July 2021 with addition of “Coming in to New Zealand” and “Alternative to Carrying Gold into A Foreign Country “sections. Last updated 12 September 2023 to include a list of FAQs.
FAQs on Carrying Gold into a Foreign Country
A. There are many reasons why someone may want to carry gold into a foreign country, such as:
– To diversify their portfolio and hedge against inflation, currency devaluation, or economic crises
– To avoid bank fees, exchange rates, or wire transfers
– To have access to their gold in case of an emergency or opportunity
– To gift or sell their gold to someone in another country
– Because they are immigrating to another country
A. Carrying gold into a foreign country may involve some challenges or risks, such as:
– Dealing with different customs laws and regulations in different countries
– Paying taxes or fees on the value or weight of the gold
– Declaring the gold at the customs and providing proof of ownership, origin, or purity
– Protecting the gold from theft, damage, or loss during transportation or storage
A. The best way to find out the rules for carrying gold into a specific country is to check the official website of the customs authority of that country. You can also contact them by phone, email, or online chat if you have any questions or doubts. You can also use some online resources that provide some general information on gold import and export rules in different countries
A. The amount of gold that you can carry without declaring it depends on the country you are travelling to or from. Some countries have a limit on the value or weight of gold that you can bring in or out without declaration, while others require you to declare any amount of gold that you carry. For example, in New Zealand, you can carry up to NZ$10,000 worth of gold without declaring it, while in Australia, you have to declare any amount of gold that you carry. You should check the customs website of the country you are visiting for the specific rules and limits.
A. The forms of gold that are allowed or prohibited for carrying also vary by country. Some countries allow you to carry gold coins, bars, jewellery, or bullion, while others prohibit or restrict certain forms of gold. For example, India allows you to carry up to 20 grams of gold jewellery duty-free, but bans you from carrying gold coins or bars. You should check the customs website of the country you are visiting for the specific rules and restrictions.
A. The taxes or fees that you have to pay for carrying gold depend on the value or weight of your gold and the tax rate or duty rate of the country you are visiting. Whether there is any duty might also depend upon the purity of the gold. Some countries charge a percentage of the value of your gold, while others charge a fixed amount per gram or ounce of your gold. For example, Australia charges 10% GST on the value of your gold, while China charges 17% VAT and 1% consumption tax on the value of your gold. You should check the customs website of the country you are visiting for the specific rates and calculations.
A. To declare your gold at the customs, you need to fill out a declaration form and present it along with your passport, boarding pass, and any receipts or invoices for your gold. You also need to show your gold to the customs officer and answer any questions they may have. You may also need to provide proof of ownership, origin, or purity of your gold if requested.
A. If you do not declare your gold at the customs, you may face serious risks or consequences, such as:
– Confiscation or seizure of your gold by the customs authorities
– Fines or penalties for violating the customs laws
– Criminal charges or prosecution for smuggling or money laundering
– Loss of insurance coverage or legal protection for your gold
– Difficulty in selling or storing your gold in the foreign country
A. To protect your gold from theft, damage, or loss while carrying it, you need to take some precautions, such as:
– Keeping your gold in a secure and discreet container or bag
– Using a reliable and insured courier or shipping service
– Avoiding public or crowded places where you may attract attention or suspicion
– Having a backup plan or contact in case of an emergency or problem
– Insuring your gold against any potential risks or hazards
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Excellent article and thanks
What is the duty if any on high value gold jewellery into NZ
It depends on what the purity is. Below .995 pure gold will attract 15% GST. There may also be some one off importation charges and a charge for assessing and collecting the GST. See this for more on purity and GST https://goldsurvivalguide.co.nz/gold-purity-silver-purity/
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Someone i know traveling from accra to usa have papers from Ghana but when arrival in Amsterdam was detained till pay for more papers
Now in London airport again detained now mis flight Herthrow officials holding gold till ? Fee tax is paid
What going to happen when arrival in USA .
WAS TOLD THAT PAPPERS AQUIRRED IN ACCRA WOULD BE ALL THAT WAS NEEDED THAT HAS SINCE BEEN NOT TRUE
Carrying US silver eagles into Canada. How can I find out what regulations apply both leaving US and entering Canada?
Best to contact the customs departments of both countries. Then if you can also get something in writing from them to take with you across the broder.
I want to bring 200 bars of gold from Singapore,how will that happen and what do we have to do and the cost
〃Let’s go to the US Customs site and see what we can decipher from there: […] (2) circulates and (3) is customarily accepted as a medium of exchange in the country of issuance.〃
Based on 2 & 3, it seems like “non-circulating legal tender [gold, but not silver?] coins” which are not “customarily accepted as a medium of exchange” may (or may not?) not be considered currency at face value. Clear as mud. At least when travelling into the US. But also, “there is no duty on gold [what about silver?] coins, medals or bullion but these items must be declared”, and “a FinCEN 105 form must be completed at the time of entry for monetary instruments over $10,000”. So, gold (but not silver?) coins, medals or bullion must be declared, but since legal tender gold (and silver?) coins are neither circulated nor customarily accepted as a medium of exchange, this leaves the issue of valuation still ambiguous.
So, when bringing a $50 (CAD) Gold Maple into the US, it seems like it does need to be declared, “these items must be declared to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer.” What’s still not clear, is the value that it needs to be declared as: The $50 (CAD) face value? Or the (as of today) $1800 melt value? I don’t know, and I would expect that most customs agents wouldn’t know, either.
It also seems like gold jewellery does not need to be declared. Just sayin’.
As for travelling into NZ…
〃In Section 5 of the AML/CFT 2009 [NZ] – physical currency means […] (b) circulates as, *and* is customarily used and accepted as, a medium of exchange in the country of issue〃
Here, if the coins are “non-circulating legal tender coins” which are not “customarily accepted as a medium of exchange”, it would seem that gold/silver coins (above a given purity) would not need to be declared as cash or equivalent.
It may be that the NZ Customs is not interpreting the statute correctly, in their example and/or in practice. That would be an interesting court case, which I would want no part of.
And then, there are legal tender platinum coins, which seem to fall further between the legislative cracks. Austria Vienna Platinum Philharmonic, 9995 pure, €100 face value, 1ozt; American Platinum Eagle, 9995 pure, $100 USD face value, 1ozt; Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf, 9995 pure, $100 CAD face value, 1ozt; Australian Platinum Koala, 9995 pure, face values ranging from $5 AUD face value for 1/20ozt to $1000 AUD for 1kg; and the Isle of Man Platinum Noble coins, 9995 pure, “One Noble” face value and 1/10 Noble for 1/10 ozt.
In terms of cost per ounce, platinum tends to trade in the same ballpark as gold, but the statutes/regulations, as ambiguous and (perhaps?) incorrectly interpreted and applied as they are, seem to refer specifically to gold. So where does that leave platinum?
Of course, I’d expect that any self-respecting international super-villain would have much better ways to transfer wealth around the globe, than dragging around chunks of “barbarous relic” through airport customs. In the interest of contrasting outdated statutes with modern times, it’s also worth noting that the $10k reporting threshold was established in the early 1970s. Adjusted for inflation, that’s equivalent to more than $70k today, using official US-BLS inflation data, and more than $500k today, using ShadowStats inflation calculations.
So, inflation adjusted, that reporting limit would (should?) now be worth 8-9kg of gold. In 1975, gold opened the year at $175, and closed at $140. In round numbers, let’s say it was trading at $150; it would’ve been about 2kg of gold (about 67ozt), to reach that $10k reporting threshold. Today, we can reach that same reporting threshold with only 5-6ozt of gold. If inflation really takes off, we’ll soon all be travelling with more than $10k cash, just to buy a snack at the airport. And unless those forms are updated, we’ll all need to report our lunch-money at the border.
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Hi ASE, Agreed no guidance given on silver coins for the USA. Also it is likely that gold jewellery doesn’t need to be declared. We agree that NZ customs does seem to have a strange interpretation on the Act. But that is what we are faced with until someone choose to fight that in court. And given it only requires filling in a form, it is not a case that is likely to be taken in a hurry. Good point about how the $10,000 limit has not changed in a long time too. The trend does seems to be towards more and more reporting, so it’s unlikely this amount will be increased. Interestingly $10,000 is also the limit for buying gold and silver with cash and not requiring ID to do so. That is a recent rule so it’s unlikely they will increase the $10,000 limit for border reporting I’d say. Thanks very much for your well thought out points.
Hi there, looking to bring go to Dubai and buy jewellery to bring back. What are the custom laws regarding this in New Zealand?
It should come down to purity. Jewellery is often only 18 Karat or even less. In order to not have to pay GST at the border gold needs to be 99.5% pure. So you’d need to have proof of the purity of any jewellery you bring into NZ to avoid paying GST. Also if it was valued at over $10,000 you should also report it to customs.
You won’t need to declare Gold Jewellery as that is the point of having vs coins and bullion. Also note the significance buying Gold Jewellery in Dubai is 24krt like most places in the east. If the jewellery is for you personally, then I would wear it through customs. Also note, only Commonwealth countries pass junk 9krt / 14krt jewellery as gold jewellery which is a crime in itself.
Another factor when considering carrying metal items through airports is that they get picked up during security screening. This happened to me while travelling locally within New Zealand. I got stopped and my bag searched, and then the security officer had to capture details of the items for their records. Interestingly, they did not ask for my ID. However, this shows that, if in doubt, better to have the paperwork.