Travelling with coins

Hi,

I am travelling to America and South America at the end of the year. Given the ridiculous exchange rate given by banks and currency changers here in Australia compared to better exchange rates else where. I was wondering buying some gold coins worth below $5k and use it convert to USD once I get there. I am not sure which coins are better accepted world wide either. Has anyone done that before and does anyone think it's a viable option?
I believe i don't need to declare those coins considering it will be less than $10K.
Appreciate if you someone could give me direction on this.

Thanks

Sujit

 

Just spent a month in Sth America. It is a total shithole. You'll get shot trying to change gold. Just take US dollars and change it at the local money changers, not the airport.

Its a great place to visit, but no governance, sanitation or decent telecommunications.

 

You will be flushing money down the toilet if you don't take USD in cash with you

 

For over $1,000 the best currency changer I've found in Melb is:

KVB Kunlun Pty Limited
Level 38,
120 Collins Street,
Melbourne
[email protected]
Ph: 396601888