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Will a copy of a title get me and my bike into Guatamala? Will a copy of a title get me and my bike into Guatamala?
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  #1  
Old 3 Jul 2005
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Will a copy of a title get me and my bike into Guatamala?
Didn´t realize I needed to bring my title with me.... Will a copy do for the Guatamala and other central american crossings?

UPS or Fed ex don´t ship to southern mexico and I am already in Zacetecas... Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks Susan
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  #2  
Old 3 Jul 2005
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Hi,

We had colour photocopies of all our paperwork and sometimes used them at borders without realising. No-one else noticed or commented, our copies were pretty good and I'm not sure a b&w copy would have done.
Although there are lots of travellers crossing borders with bikes, there must be a high turnover of employees as in Central America it always felt like the guy behind the desk was doing it for the first time!
So its definitely worth a try, even if they dont accept your papers at one border, you can ride to another one.

Good luck,

Sian..
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  #3  
Old 4 Jul 2005
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Thanks Sian, Good news. I still may be able to get it sent.... Will keep trying.
Cheers
Susan
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  #4  
Old 4 Jul 2005
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7 days ago used a color copy to get into guatamala from belize with no problems. unfortantly that means i don't know where my real copy is. Probaly still on the customs desk getting into belize, crap.

Kyle
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  #5  
Old 4 Jul 2005
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Now there’s a $64,000 question! Every border will require a show of title. They’ll ask to see the original, and whether a copy is accepted will probably depend more on the mood and attention span of the border crossing official than anything else. I had good experiences with all border crossing officials and would bet you could swing it with copies if you don’t have the original.

If you do use a copy, definitely color. Make a bunch of copies as to enter Guatemala for instance you will need to provide copies.

DHL is probably your best shipping option anywhere in Latin America. They should have a list of MX offices at dhl.com. Buen suerte!
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  #6  
Old 4 Jul 2005
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Hi Susan,

try DHL, they have offices everywhere, f.i. in Puebla or San Cristobal and you can use the office address as well for sending and storing.

We did it with a package and it worked fine. DOnt use US Post, whatever they say, because in Mex they use local mailing servicve....there is a thread about that on HU as well from Huberto Moro

Have fun
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  #7  
Old 5 Jul 2005
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DHL works well, if you don´t have the time to wait than go to an Internet Cafe and make your own, sign it and you will be fine.
I travel with my papers what i made myself since two years and had not any problems. At the moment i travel with my brother and we made the same for his bike. Works perfect all over Latinamerica!

Good Luck, Appie!
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  #8  
Old 5 Jul 2005
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Thanks every one for replying. DHL does deliver to San Cristobal... so no real worries. I will ship it directly to the office as you say Martin.. Hope all is going well on your travels.
Ciao,
Susan
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  #9  
Old 6 Jul 2005
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i asked this question in the paperwork forum, but i'll repeat it here.

my bike is financed, therefore the bank holds the title.
i will be travelling US to TDF.
what should i do?

cheers
daniel
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  #10  
Old 7 Jul 2005
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Not that I am an expert on the title thing but I think you need to get a letter from the bank that states that they are holding the title. I read about that in Lonely Planets guide to Mexico about 2500 miles after I left Alaska and my title. Great planning on my part.....

Anyway I think it´s not too big of a problem.
Beuna Suerte,
Susan
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  #11  
Old 7 Jul 2005
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With the letter of the bank you will get troubles. And if you really want to try that letter it should be in spanish because no one at the boarder will speek english!

My advice, go to the bank and get a good colour copy of the title or make your own!
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Old 8 Jul 2005
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Two years ago I had the same problem--bike financed-they hold title. I had a little face to face with the loan officer. Bottom line --converted loan to personal loan , as opposed to vehicle. Ten mins later left with title in hand. Worked fo me YMMV

Bob
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  #13  
Old 8 Jul 2005
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I don't believe you will get into Guatemala without title in your name. Technically, with a letter from the bank you shouldn't get into Mexico either, especially southern mexico. I don't think this is the kind of problem you can rely on bribing/talking your way around.

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  #14  
Old 13 Jul 2005
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Guatemalan customs will ask for the original title. It is highly recommended that the title is in your name.
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