I know people out there who have invested a lot in gold under the belief that in the event of like complete societal collapse or hyperinflation, they could use it for purchasing.
I have the hunch it’s a scam, but I haven’t learned enough monetary theory, business, or economics to understand why.
In fairness, if the US dollar collapses, say, but the euro is fine and you find a way to get to Europe, you’re much better off with a few chunks of gold that will be worth relatively what you bought them for than with wheelbarrows full of hundred dollar bills which are now worth less than paper.
I doubt you get far checking in a suitcase full of gold after the dollar collapses in such a colossal way
You don’t need (and can’t afford) a suitcase full of gold unless you’re obscenely wealthy and can probably just charter a plane anyway. There are hundreds of accounts of e.g. Jews fleeing Nazi persecution (and Nazis fleeing the allies post-war) carrying wealth for bribes or starting over or what-have-you in the form of gold jewelry worn on the person or gold coins.
I doubt you’d get far even trying to carry a suitcase full of gold.
Start eatin’ yer spinach