Advice for a new traveller
 

Hi all,

I just had a few questions about traveling through south america and maybe into central america/mexico/US.

Can i buy a bike in Quito, Ecuador that is under US$700 and will run reasonably well?

Do I need to purchase insurance ahead of time? i was looking in the forums and it seems like i can just buy insurance as i cross into each country, assuming those countries actually require insurance. how much does insurance at a border crossing normally cost?

I dont have a motorcycle drivers license and i'm currently living in Quito. Can i get an international drivers license here in quito that will be valid all the way through south and north america?

Any other tips for a new traveller? And I should note that i have very limited motorcycle experience but figure i can pick it all up on the road. Also, i'm a student trying to do this on a shoestring, so any advice as to keeping costs down would be greatly appreciated (specifically with regards to motorcycles). Thanks

spencer

Probably .. this will depend on the bike you chose to buy.

No. The 'international drivers license' is actually an international drivers permit (IDP).. and is a copy of your local licence .. you don't have that so you won't be able to get a IDP anywhere (well not a real one anyways).

Get your bike licence first. Then get your bike .. is there a local culb/HU community near you? Join .. or at least meet them .. you should get a whole lot of answers from them.. local conditions ..

Motorcycle School in Quito
 

Hi Spencer, I was thinking maybe getting in touch with the motoescuela in Quito (aemoto) would be a good idea with regards to the motorcycle permit since I understand you have to go through them first before getting one and then you can sort out your international driving licence.

Also they might give you good guidance for your trip and maybe your motorcycle. Check their site and also check mercado libre Ecuador for a motorcycle.

I hope you will find some information from those sources if you haven't tried them yet.

Marco

thanks
 

thanks for the advice. I've joined the Hubb Club here in Quito, and tomorrow I'll be paying a visit to aemoto, and i'll post how it goes afterwards. thanks again,
spencer

Scrap
 

The only bike you,ll be getting in Quito for $700 will be a scrap China bike not fit to go around the next corner.I think the new Chinese bikes run around $1200 but the ones that cheap are grim to say the least! Go to mercadolibre.com or try patiodemotos.com

Best of luck
Al theturtleshead