Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Big problem with customs in Lima - Help? Big problem with customs in Lima - Help?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Dec 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 65
Big problem with customs in Lima - Help?
Hello All,
My bike has been detained by customs in Lima for 4 months now. Whenever i ask about it i am told it will be ready "next week". This has been the line since August so i am rapidly losing faith.

The problem is that it overstayed it's temporary import permit so was seized by customs. This happened because i broke my leg (tib/fib exposed compound fracture in dirty water in the amazon) and needed several operations to make sure i didn't lose the leg. By the time all that had been done and i arranged shipping the permit was expired by a week.

It might be that the process is very slow with miles of red tape, but it might also be that someone wants to steal my bike, (it's a KTM 950).

If anyone out there has a good contact in customs in Lima who could make some enquiries on my behalf to find out what's going on, and then let me know, that would be really helpful.

cheers,
Dino Martinello.
Donkey and the Mule - Home
www.motodino.net
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Dec 2012
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Hi,

For me this sounds as if someone is waiting for some money...usuarly im also not a friend of bribing people but i think after waiting for so many months this is an emergency. I would not let them send me away but would try to find out who is the highest person in charge and than talk to him in his private office or so. Offer him a little christmas present US$50 for his wife if he can give you the bike and the extendet import permit now (par tu mujer).
In Peru its not possible to enter with a bike wich is not registered on your name but for 10 Dollars it was...

Good luck, Tobi

Motorcycle experience riding through Peru - Machu Picchu - part 3
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Dec 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: aachen
Posts: 127
custom agent
hola dino
why not go and ask a custom agent how much it would cost to get your bike out of customs.
they know excactly whom and how much to bribe.
if bribing is not acceptable for you,you have to go every day and try to keep friendly!! and get doctor certificates about the accident and pester them until they release your bike.
this is peru and in the end there is always a solution.
suerte hombre
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Dec 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 65
thanks
Hi guys,
thanks for the replies, yes i know a bribe can go a long way, but i'm in australia so giving someone some money and knowing it will help is impossible from over here.

I have an agent already working on it, but have lost faith in him as he doesnt respond to email and if he ever does it's always the same story "next week"

that's why i'm hoping for a contact in customs who can give me a no billshit appraisal of what's happening.

cheers,

Dean.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Dec 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: aachen
Posts: 127
what are you dreaming about
sorry mate
what do you think is going to happen with you being down under???
the agent will only ask for more money and not do nothing.
i lost a bike once in an accident in guinea.
see it this way you survived and the bike is lost.
what is money compared to your health???
all the best geri
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Dec 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 65
thanks but...
Thanks all the same, but I'm not a complete idiot. If you can help I'd love to hear from you, but if you're just going to tell me I'm dreaming please don't bother.

I do plan to return to Peru soon, and having crossed more than 50 borders on that motorcycle in the past 3 years, i do realise a bribe will of course help things along too.

cheers,

Dean.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Dec 2012
Gummikuh's Avatar
Which way??
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: In a Tent
Posts: 185
Hi Dean!

Sorry to hear about your crash...

We had problems with a DHL delivery in Peru. Not sure if this helps..
try to contact the BMW dealer in Lima they've been very nice and helpfull!
Maybe they can direct you somehow to the right office.

Hope you get the bike back! When are you coming back to SA??

Werner+Claudia from sunny Viedma
__________________
Just traveling
www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/longwayhome
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 6 Dec 2012
BruceP's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dean74 View Post
Thanks all the same, but I'm not a complete idiot. If you can help I'd love to hear from you, but if you're just going to tell me I'm dreaming please don't bother.

I do plan to return to Peru soon, and having crossed more than 50 borders on that motorcycle in the past 3 years, i do realise a bribe will of course help things along too.

cheers,

Dean.
Hi Dean,

This will be a long shot, but, I will be in Peru in about 3 weeks. When I was last there I stayed at an hospedajea on the shore of Lake Titicaca with someone who works in customs in Lima.

I have not got his email address, but will try and get it in passing the hospedajea (run by his mother).

PM me and I will keep in touch to see what can be done.

As I say a long shot, but better than no shot.
__________________
--

http://www.ytc1.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 6 Dec 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 65
Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceP View Post
Hi Dean,

This will be a long shot, but, I will be in Peru in about 3 weeks. When I was last there I stayed at an hospedajea on the shore of Lake Titicaca with someone who works in customs in Lima.

I have not got his email address, but will try and get it in passing the hospedajea (run by his mother).

PM me and I will keep in touch to see what can be done.

As I say a long shot, but better than no shot.
Thanks for getting in touch, I'll pm you now.
Dean
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 6 Dec 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 65
returning in Jan / Feb
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gummikuh View Post
Hi Dean!

Sorry to hear about your crash...

We had problems with a DHL delivery in Peru. Not sure if this helps..
try to contact the BMW dealer in Lima they've been very nice and helpfull!
Maybe they can direct you somehow to the right office.

Hope you get the bike back! When are you coming back to SA??

Werner+Claudia from sunny Viedma
Hi Werner+Claudia,
thanks for the suggestion, I'm trying to get back there at the end of Jan or start of feb. I got some good news last night, and have now located the bike so all is not lost.

Now i just need to work out how to get a temporary import re issued...

for those with a strong stomach, this is what happens when you break a leg in the Amazon... and the mended leg pinned again by surgeons back in Australia.



Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Mar 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 65
problem solved
have my bike back, via unconventional means.

anyone with the same problem pm me.

Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 16 Mar 2013
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 971
Congratulations!!!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 17 Mar 2013
monsieur's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: England
Posts: 115
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dean74 View Post
have my bike back, via unconventional means.
You didn't break in and liberate it, did you?
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 20 Mar 2013
mailking's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: travelling
Posts: 204
Such a message will make people curious.....
__________________
--------------------------------------------------
- On the road since 2003 in a vintage Land Cruiser
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Africa visas and customs with american passport and no carnet holyfcow Trip Paperwork 5 25 Sep 2013 20:03
Big Sur From the Top garnaro Ride Tales 5 18 May 2013 08:35
RTW on 100cc underbones - Underboning the World Underboning Ride Tales 300 4 Jan 2013 09:24
Bangkok airport customs scams Fern West and South Asia 0 22 Mar 2012 11:17

 
 

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.

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. 11-14
  • 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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 06:20.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top