Can I bring gold coins from outside India? If yes what is the limit for a couple?

[User_e59d0c45]

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User_e59d0c45
PARTICIPANT
March 15, 2025 at 4:22 am

I was doing this calculation to optimise my trips to southeast Asian countries by buying gold while travelling. If anyone has done something similar would really like the experience.

Gold prices in south east Asian countries are cheaper by 8-13K per 10g depending on location. Considering a couple travel in my case we are allowed to bring back approx 20g gold legally. Which if I sell on returning will fetch me approximately 20K.

These days one way flights from Chennai or similar South Indian locations are in the range of 6-10K per person.

As per my calculations I can breakeven one way trip cost by this method. I am not very experienced with tax refund rules but if they are applicable on gold as well then that’s additional few bucks.

Finally as I try to optimise most of my spends with credit cards, I should be able to fetch another ~5% return on the gold purchase.

Looking forward to find some insight from pros in this group. TIA.

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[Luckybear8410]

L

Luckybear8410
PARTICIPANT
March 15, 2025 at 4:28 am

20 gms for males without duty.

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[User_65cd98df]

U

User_65cd98df
PARTICIPANT
March 15, 2025 at 7:11 am

The max amount cap is Rs 50,000 and in that u can’t even buy 10gm gold. Also this limit applies only if u are residing abroad for more than 6 months and buying jewellery (no coins). So not applicable to tourists.

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[Vikramrider800]

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Vikramrider800
PARTICIPANT
March 15, 2025 at 4:29 am

Contact Ranya Rao or only gold for personal use can be brought by you which doesn’t cover coins or new gold purchased that being said if you wear a small chain or earring and come they won’t ask but you will be paying making charges.

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[User_e59d0c45]

U

User_e59d0c45
OP
March 15, 2025 at 4:32 am

Yes, the idea was to stay within legal limit of 1.5L for a couple. Wasn’t aware of the fact that coins can’t be carried, thanks for the insight.

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[Vikramrider800]

V

Vikramrider800
PARTICIPANT
March 15, 2025 at 4:35 am

Gold doesn’t fall under that limit if you buy gold coins bars or your gold is shiny enough for them to know it is new they will stop you.

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[User_65cd98df]

U

User_65cd98df
PARTICIPANT
March 15, 2025 at 7:06 am

That limit doesn’t include gold. Gold have separate limit but that doesn’t apply to tourists. Only a person residing abroad for more than 1 year can bring some gold jewellery in India. Also no amount of coins is allowed only jewellery is allowed.

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[Aravhero991]

A

Aravhero991
PARTICIPANT
March 15, 2025 at 4:44 am

Try finding out from local jeweler first how much he will pay you before assuming they pay printed market rate.

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[Surajowl716]

S

Surajowl716
PARTICIPANT
March 15, 2025 at 5:15 am

https://www.businesstoday.in/personal-finance/news/story/customs-rules-in-india-how-much-gold-cash-are-you-allowed-to-carry-on-domestic-foreign-flights-467009-2025-03-06

First figure out where you can sell that gold and what rate they will pay you.

Your assumption is that you’ll be able to sell that gold at market rates. But they might not give those rates to you.

For example – no legal channel in India will buy dollars at exchange rates. Not for small amounts. They will give you 2-3% less.

Then do the maths. You can certainly make profits by bringing gold up to 20g per trip.

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