Gold is usually fine to take on a plane, even when traveling internationally. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does have some guidelines that apply to traveling with this type of precious metal. Here are some additional things to keep in mind when it comes to international travel with gold on a plane, brought to you by the experienced professionals from First National Bullion and Coin. Carlsbad residents can rely on us for expert advice about every aspect of owning precious metals.

Don’t Put Your Gold in Checked Bags

While lost luggage is less common today than it was in years past, it’s still a risk not worth taking with gold. Plus, there’s the possibility the gold could end up missing from the bag even if the bag itself isn’t taken. Instead, put the gold in one of your carry-on bags. Unless you’re transporting a huge amount of gold, you should be able to conveniently carry what you have this way on a plane.

Be Honest with the Airline

Don’t assume you can stash your gold in your carry-on and not let the airline know this fact. For one thing, it will likely be discovered when you go through a security checkpoint anyway. Secondly, if your gold is discovered later by a TSA agent or an official at the other end of your flight, you could have some serious explaining to do, at the very least.

Contact the Airline Ahead of Time

As long as we’re on the topic of honesty, it can also be helpful to contact the airline ahead of time to let them know about your international travel plans involving gold. Doing so allows the airline to make a notation in their system or make other appropriate arrangements. The airline may handle things at the other end for you as well so you won’t have any issues when you get off your international flight.

Keep Rules about Value & Fine Risks in Mind

When taking gold from one state to another, it must be assessed with a value less than $1 million. It’s important to know this in case your international flight will involve a stopover or two in the U.S. on your way to your destination country. Also, according to CoinWeek, you may face a fine of $10,000 or more if you fly to another country without declaring your gold.

Ask for a Private Screening

Even if you’ve been a diligent traveler and informed the airline about your gold ahead of time, a TSA agent or an official in your destination country may ask to inspect your bag. For instance, this could happen if your carry-on is X-rayed and it’s not clear what the object is. If this is the case, request a private screening so you don’t alert others around you that you’re traveling with gold.

Travel with Proper Documentation

Lastly, bring key documentation specific to your gold with you. This typically includes a receipt or other documents showing you own the gold and what its value is. Having proper documentation reduces your risk of having unexpected issues at some point during the process of getting to your international destination.

For information on any aspect of buying, selling, and owning precious metals, call on the experts at First National Bullion and Coin. If you’re interested in buying Carlsbad gold and bullion, you can trust our reputable dealers. We’re a boutique precious metals firm with experienced professionals, so if you’re looking to add gold or other precious metals to your assets, call us today at 760-253-8072.

The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious metals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion.