Thanks very much for the responses guys, it certainly has given me food for thought. I certainly hadn't thought of re-sale over there Peko and it would help overcome some of the potential customs snags coming back home that Wally69 pointed out. Thanks too Goldpick - very useful insight and advice - very different to gold prospecting.
And mud. Didn't really think of that, but I guess chuck-away gumboots is the go.
As luck would have it, I read xcvtor's post recommending Deus XT, googled the machine and black and white coils etc, then went for a fish down the beach and met a guy down there who was using a Deus with a black coil, so I got to see it in the flesh for the first time. Surprised by how tiny the control box was, and the battery is in the coil, that's a concept for me... also means the coil would have to be in hand luggage with the Li battery inside!? But overall there is nothing to it size and weight wise so good for travelling.
I will let you know how I go if I end up making it over there. How did you go over there Peko?
Cheers
Stingray