I know some people who largely do exist off grid, but in any case, for asylum claims it’s common to claim asylum after having already crossed the border of the target country without going through the checks. My friends who are asylum seekers have done that. I imagine in general you’d have less chance of being deported if you’re already living in the country vs trying to cross the border.

From the phrasing “fleeing a country” I imagine they want to circumvent border checks/wouldn’t be able to pass a border legally anyway?

Gold is still the preferred way of storing wealth in many parts of the world. You can just take gold bars with you which should have value anywhere.