Indian Customs on Gold

Travelers are allowed to bring 10 kilograms of gold into India.

Gold is a precious metal that signifies wealth. However, in India, gold is valued for much more than wealth. In fact, gold's roots in the country span many millennia, and today it remains a large part of Indian culture, both as a religious symbol and as a form of currency. Those who would bring gold into India must meet certain criteria.

Significance of Gold in India

According to an article on the gold website Gold-Eagle, gold is inextricable from Indian religious belief. People of the Hindu faith believe that the god Brahma was born from a cosmic egg of gold. Additionally, in Hindu mythology, many gods and goddesses are described as golden-hued, which is considered to be the ultimate beauty. Indians also see gold as a symbol of purity, prosperity and good fortune.

Customs Rules

Both non-resident Indians and travelers of Indian origin are allowed to bring gold into the country. Restrictions apply. According to the website India Customs Baggage Rules, travelers are allowed to bring up to 10 kilograms of gold with them into the country. The gold may be in any form (including jewelry, coins, stones and ornaments) as long as it meets the weight restrictions.

Restrictions

Travelers may bring gold into the country only if they are visiting India or re-entering the country after being away for more than six months. According to the immigration website Immihelp, this restriction doesn't include short visits, typically of 30 days or less. For example, if an Indian citizen is studying abroad, he can come back for holidays or short visits and the visit will not count as part of the six-month stipulation.

Other Information

When bringing gold into India, the traveler doesn't necessarily need to have it in her luggage at the time of entry. Another option is to import it as unaccompanied baggage, which must be done within 15 days following a traveler's entry into the country. Travelers must pay an entrance fee based on the amount of gold they're importing. As of 2011, this rate was 250 rupees per 10 grams of gold.

References

• The Money Converter: Convert U.S. Dollar to Indian Rupee
• Immihelp: Travel to India
• India Baggage Rules; India Customs Baggage Rules; Import of Gold and Silver FAQ: January 2008
• Namasthe NRI: Imports of Gold by NRI
• Gold-Eagle; India's Love of Gold -- 1: The History of the Passion; Pinank Mehta: May 2002