International CCW/Gun Ownership

[nova83tx]

In the next few months I will be moving on from the great state of Texas and will be residing in several different parts of the world over the next few years. This site along with a few others has been a great resource for the rules and regulations for each of the states here in the U.S., but I have become stuck in my research.

I was hoping that someone knew of a site with some vague or general rules of particular countries, or that had links to the proper government offices that would have the regulations available.

Thailand and Australia are going to be the two I am most interested in, because they will be home for about the next 18 months. If anybody has lived, traveled, or has friends/family in these areas, I would appreciate any advice or information that you could give me.

I understand that being able to legally carry concealed is probably a long shot in almost any developed areas, but I would of course even feel better if I could have some defense when I am at the house.

Also, I would be interested in information, if anyone has it, about not only rules about Firearms, but also any other self-defense weapons such as OC, Knives, ASP Batons, etc.

Any information is greatly appreciated . . .

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[havegunjoe]

I have never heard of anyone being allowed to bring their gun into a foreign country unless for hunting purposes or as part of a security force. Remember, you are not in America anymore. No Second Amendment rights or anything else you may find in our constitution. Good luck!

[AirForceShooter]

Call their Counsel's office or the Mission in Washington, D.C.

AFS

[archer51]

Thailand and Australia are going to be the two I am most interested in, because they will be home for about the next 18 months.

Don't know about Thailand, but Australia is going to be a no go. Their gun laws are as bad as the UK.

[Pro2A]

In the next few months I will be moving on from the great state of Texas and will be residing in several different parts of the world over the next few years. This site along with a few others has been a great resource for the rules and regulations for each of the states here in the U.S., but I have become stuck in my research.

I was hoping that someone knew of a site with some vague or general rules of particular countries, or that had links to the proper government offices that would have the regulations available.

Thailand and Australia are going to be the two I am most interested in, because they will be home for about the next 18 months. If anybody has lived, traveled, or has friends/family in these areas, I would appreciate any advice or information that you could give me.

I understand that being able to legally carry concealed is probably a long shot in almost any developed areas, but I would of course even feel better if I could have some defense when I am at the house.

Also, I would be interested in information, if anyone has it, about not only rules about Firearms, but also any other self-defense weapons such as OC, Knives, ASP Batons, etc.

Any information is greatly appreciated . . .

We lived in Singapore when my dad was in the Air Force, and we have been to both Thailand and Australia. IIRC they are both toward guns. To be honest, I think you are going to be SOL on carrying so much as a bag of rocks anywhere over there. I think Thailand allows teachers to carry guns, but thats about it. I know some of those nations are rather strict. New Zealand on the other hand is rather good on gun ownership. Not sure about CCW, but I know for sure you can have them there.

[Natureboypkr]

Don't know about Thailand, but Australia is going to be a no go. Their gun laws are as bad as the UK.

Ditto , hopefuly this link gives you more info

Gun Control Australia

[Janq]

You can most definitely forget about AUS.
That is as well known an anti gun site as the UK (including England, Scotland, and Ireland).

- Janq

[cdwolf]

I would at least walk with a limp and look into some self-defence canes, you may be able to get awy with that where ever you go. Remember to limp.

[franktait]

Last year, I found out the hard way that locking blade knives are illegal in the central business district of Melbourne Victoria Australia.

I was there visiting the Department of Justice for work. I declared my Kershaw 1660 it and checked it before entering the courthouse for a tour - At the end of the tour I had a long conversation with the Captain of the Court officers who confiscated the knife and told me about the law. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, but I appreciated the Captain's discretion in not arresting me.

Apparently there is no preemption and you can run afoul of local laws quite easily.

I had no issues with the knife in Brisbane Queensland.

Next trip - no locking blade.....

On the good side - they had no issues with my Surefire L2.

[stang46gt]

I have not been to Australia but I have been to a majority of the Asian countries. "legal" guns are not allowed in all that I have travelled/lived. I do carry a couple of knives that I put in my checked baggage.
Not sure of your ethnicity but being an American Caucasian I have had people in my face. We seem to have a target on our backs. In major cities the police keep the peace very well. In remote locations it's best to mind your manors. being a caucasian American, I stay away from known Muslim locals unless I am with locals. Not being racial, I am married to an Asian and my best friend is a muslim but that's just the way it is outside of the good ole' USA. Americans are not liked in most of the world.
I have only had a few close calls but never had a major problem. Just remember you are a visiter. If you have a sponser ask them a lot of questions and let them know your concerns. Though I have had minor problem......I still travel and enjoy the world.

[Puppy]

Been to both Australia and Thailand several times. I can't add any thing to the advice others have given except to say that both countries are probably more crime free than the U.S. However, I have not been there since Islamic extremists flared up so I can't even be sure of that. Just be careful in the boonies of Thailand.

Finally, you will have a great time. Thai people are great and so are Aussies.

ps. If your wife is with you stay away from Pat Pong 1 and 2 in Bangkok.

[Speardivertampa]

I am in a similar situation...getting ready to move down to Guatemala on business. Anyone have any info on carry laws there? I have been told carrying is a must but was curious of the legality.
-Chris

[skippythenurse]

In Mexico, you must have a signed permit from the Consulate of Mexico and it can't be a "military caliber" which can mean "no bigger than 9mm" or "non-issued military caliber", depending on the person questioning your firearm. However, you're better off with some pepper spray and a cheap pocket knife because sometimes, depending on the officer/deputy, they will still arrest and give you a hard time and not care about a piece of paper.

I thought about doing it so I could carry my Beretta 85, but after hearing the stories from local buddies at the Consulate in Houston, I figured I shouldn't bother with it and risk going to jail in Mexico where there is no such thing as "Due Process" or "Quick and speedy trial". Just my .02

SIDE NOTE: I have a friend that goes to Thailand yearly for vacation. The only thing you have to worry about are the cab drivers. That is his only warning.

As far as Mexico, most banks, grocery stores, hotels, or high tourist areas are secured with well armed police officers/guards. Like automatic assault rifles and tactical vests. You'll get used to seeing Dodge Ram trucks packed with officers and M-16's or M-4 carbine. I think 1911's is the standard side arm for Guadalajara PD.

[nova83tx]

ps. If your wife is with you stay away from Pat Pong 1 and 2 in Bangkok.

It is even worse than that Puppy, I am going to be in Pattaya for about 9 months, and I am sure that you have been to or heard about what that city has to offer . . .

Thankfully, single as they come at the moment. So as long as I come back alive, I plan on having some fun while over there.

[Agave]

I am in a similar situation...getting ready to move down to Guatemala on business. Anyone have any info on carry laws there? I have been told carrying is a must but was curious of the legality.
-Chris

I <3 Guatemala. Being Ashkenazi, I only went out at night in la Capital one time while I was there. That just happened to be on the night of the U.S v. Guatemala soccer game in Birmingham. I just happened to be in a sports bar. U.S. just happened to win. So I just happened to get the hell back to the house quick.

The rural areas are incredibly safe, but if you are going to be in la Capital, I suggest carrying. It is technically illegal, but guns are not uncommon. Make sure you keep a nice crisp Benjamin to go along with it and you would likely have no problem. I can't tell you where it is possible to obtain a weapon.