Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 May 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 3
Vladivostok Customs IMPORTANT!!!!

Hello HU Community,

We recently arrived in Vladivostok for our trans-Russia leg. We just cleared customs and, as I have received a few e-mails asking me to report how it went, here is the low-down. Please note that this is MY experience and may not represent what others' have experienced, or for that matter, what may actually be normal.

First off.......so that it is properly emphasized, anyone traveling to Vladivostok who needs assistance with customs should DEFINITELY contact Yuri Melnikov at Links, Ltd. Contact information is:

89 Svetlanskaya str., office 34,
690078, Vladivostok, Russia
.
Tel/fax: (4232)
22-08-87
Tel: (4232) 22-15-78

Intl Tel: 7 9025 243 447
e-mail:
ymelnik {AATT} links-ltd {DOTT} com

Yuri speaks near-perfect English.

Okay.....here is the story:

We shipped the truck and trailer from Christchurch on March 28. Transit time is around 5 weeks. The vessel arrived on May 2nd. Our freight forwarder on the Russia side was Estiw. Estiw said they received documents from Maersk on May 7th. I contacted them and they said they were working with customs and processing the documents. May 9th was a holiday. On May 10th they said they were working with customs and, because Russia does NOT recognize ATA Carnets, it looked like we would need to pay duties on the value of the vehicles as well as our declared personal effects. This was absurd, since even most countries that don't accept carnets do not levy duties on vehicles, etc. that are imported into the county temporarily.

I immediately began checking with various sources (internet, Carnet issuer, e-mailed local U.S. Embassy) and found that all travel-related websites confirmed my logic. I called Estiw back and e-mailed a couple of websites that stated my findings to Estiw and to our intrepreter, so that she could explain them to Estiw personally. The next day, Estiw said that we may not have to pay duties, but probably taxes or processing fees. Again, this was ludicrus. At this point, it was already Monday, May 14th. I was more than a bit pissed.

On Tuesday, my intrepreter called the customs office and arranged a meeting with the head of Vladivostok Customs. And I mean the “big cheese.” He listened to my story, made a couple of phone calls and found that Estiw had just filed documents with customs on THAT day, May 15th. The vessel arrived on May 2nd, they received docs on May 7th and only JUST filed docs with customs on May 15th!!!! This was becoming a total joke.

Right after the meeting, Uri (Uri was referred to me by an American I met who works for Catepillar) met us and took us down to the customs office at the Port. He went to 2 people and acquired the proper forms. I then forced (and I mean FORCED) Estiw to complete the documents and file them with the correct officials. One hour later we had an inspection appointment the next day at 9 a.m. With Uri’s help, we accomplished in 2 hours what Estiw was unable to do in 6 business days. The next day we passed inspection (they just checked the VIN’s and registration/licensing without taking the vehicles out of the container). The final paperwork was started at 1 p.m. that day and was finalized at 2 p.m. the following day. We finally drove out of the port at 4 p.m. on May 17th.

As I left out some of the details of our battle with Estiw, I may not have completely expressed my fury. For instance, I NEVER received a call from them. Ever. As they kept stating that we had to pay duties, then taxes and finally “processing fees,” my guess is that they were trying to draw out the process until I would finally give in and pay the money, then they would just pocket it. That or they are just completely incompetent.

After we left the port, Uri even met us and reviewed our documents, just to make sure everything was signed/stamped/correct. Without his help, we would have been stuck here for another 2 weeks (at least!).

In addition, we received invaluable help from Darya (interpreter and overall smart cookie) and Kliment (director) at the Primorsky Travel Club. Their contact info is:

Darya: guseva {AATT} primclub {DDOOTT} ru
Kliment: kim {AATT} primclub {DDOOTT} ru[/EMAIL]

They can arrange airport pick-ups, interpreters and drivers and all other travel services. Without their assistance, we would have been hopelessly lost. Darya worked tirelessly to help us contact and communicate with the right people.

My apologies if this was a bit drawn out, but I hope it will be helpful to fellow travelers who visit Vladivostok (plus, I think typing it all out has had a theraputic effect!). If anyone would like to follow our adventures and mis-adventures, please visit www.flyfishingtheglobe.net. Sign the guestbook too! Best of luck to everyone. Happy trails!

Last edited by Chris in Tokyo; 23 Dec 2009 at 10:23. Reason: Email addresses in posts attracts spam. Don't do it.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Dec 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: London
Posts: 24
really good info - thanks Dan (if you're still around)!

david
__________________
Reality is something you rise above. - Liza Minnelli (1946 - )
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Vladivostok Russia
Posts: 15
He he...
It's sounds like true!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Getting bikes out of Vlad - how KenButler Northern and Central Asia 6 23 Aug 2006 13:39
Needs comments to cross Russia Vladivostok to Germany LKK Northern and Central Asia 5 11 May 2005 08:48
Customs Clearing Procedures at Tilbury Docks UK? Geoff van de Merwe Trip Transport 1 10 Dec 2003 11:38
traveling to Australia by own bike from other country. Ryan Kim Australia / New Zealand 4 15 Oct 2002 13:06
Chile customs Werner Zwick Trip Paperwork 1 11 Aug 2000 10:00

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:24.