Anyone wanting to buy a new or used bike in Argentina might be interested to know that it is possible for a foreign tourist to buy new or used in Argentina and then tour other countries. Keep reading for a 100% workable plan.

I have just completed additional research regarding foreign tourists purchasing a bike in Argentina and crossing into another country. Alone, it is possible to cross into Chile, with luck and not 100% every time, Bolivia is impossible to enter as a foreign tourist riding a bike purchased in Argentina, BouqueBus (the ferry), to Uruguay has really tightened up on allowing a foreign tourist on a bike purchased in Argentina to board for Uruguay. Brazil and Paraguay are very difficult also.

Meanwhile, once out of Argentina, crossing other borders is no problem, if the foreign tourist has the "green card" for the bike with an Argentine address listed on it.
A WORKABLE PLAN
I have discovered a way. and this works 100% of the time, but is hard work, or not. If a guy or gal wants to buy in Argentina, he/she finds an Argentine "friend," an amigovia will do, willing to have the bike also put in his/her name as 50% owner and then request two "green cards," one for the Argentine "friend" the other for the foreign tourist. Then, the "friend" must ride to the border, even to Bolivia, Brazil, or Paraguay and cross the bike with the foreign tourist. Once across the border, the "friend" may return to Argentina, leaving the foreign tourist with his/her green card in hand and easy border crossings throughout South America. There will be no problem crossing the bike back into Argentina, as it will be legally registered in Argentina, although border officials may look a bit surprised when they discover the foreign tourist is not a resident of Argentina with DNI.

This plan has been proven to work. After entering Chile and Uruguay with our Argentine bikes with no problems, Elisa and I recently crossed again into Uruguay on BouqueBus (the ferry), we have two bikes, both purchased new in Argentina and each has two "green cards" one in Elisa's name and the other in my name. I am a US foreign resident of Argentina, Elisa is Spanish and still in the process of becoming a foreign resident. The Customs official, a very determined woman, tried to stop Elisa from boarding with her bike, although BouqueBus (the ferry) had already sold us tickets for both bikes. I presented the "green card" indicating that I, a foreign resident of Argentina also owned Elisa's bike. The customs woman called her boss on her little radio, and after a short wait, he examined the "green card" for Elisa's bike in my name and my residency papers and sort of admonished the customs woman, smiled and allowed us to board.

Anyone with questions is welcome to contact me via private message Happy New Year & Buenas Rutas, Edouardo George

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Discover how to legally Buy, Tour and Sell a motorcycle in Argentina

have you ever thought that maybe there's a reason for not letting foreing citizens buy a vehicle...?

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Mario T. - southing

Yes, actually an excellent question...Mario, there is a reason and a law for not allowing foreign tourists to by a new or used bike in Argentina and then ride the bike out of Argentina.

There is no reason or Argentine law preventing a foreign tourist from buying a new or used bike in Argentina, as long as he/she has established a "domocillio" and takes the "certificado de Domocilio" to an AFIP office, and requests a CDI (tax number) for foreigners. This, plus a passport, is all that is legally required for a foreign tourist to purchase a new or used bike in Argentina, and with the title of the bike, the bike can then be registered and 2 "green cards" can be legally issued one in the Argentine or Argentine resident's name and the other in the name and "Domocilio" of the foreign tourist.

It is the part about the foreign tourist taking the bike out of Argenina that is prohibited by Argentine law. I have a copy of this law, and even with this law in my hand, 2 out of 3 custom officials (AT THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS) said that it is OK for a foreign tourist to take an Argentine registered bike out of Argentina, as long as the foreign tourist has the "green card" for the bike.

Be that as it may, 2 out of 3 ain't bad, but there does exist this law, and I believe I know why the law was passed. This law was passed as a reciprocal agreement with limitrofos (neighboring countries) to protect the Argentine motorcycle market by preventing less expensive bikes from entering Argentina or the reverse and being sold, and untaxed Argentine bikes from leaving Argentina and being sold in neighboring countries.

My research indicates that Chile does permit (not 100%) and depending on border... foreign tourists in with Argentine purchased bikes and therefore, Argentine border officials allow foreign tourists out of Argentina riding their Argentine purchased bikes at certain border crossings into chile. On the other hand, Bolivia does not allow foreign tourists riding their Argentine bikes into Bolivia. Uruguay had no such restrictions until about 2 years ago and Paraguay is sort of a "no man's land" where anything might happen. Brazil is difficult, especially for North Americans...border officials might and then again they might not permit foreign tourists riding argentine purchased bikes.

But, and this is the key.....Once across the Argentine border into another country, a foreign tourist riding a bike purchased and registered in Argentina has no problems crossing any other border. This of course is dependent upon him/her having the Argentine "green card" for the bike.

The plan described at the beginning of this thread, assures the Argentine authorities, that the bike will return to Argentina for resale, because it is half owned by an Argentine or established Argentine resident. Although, certified paperwork can be legally and simply arranged right after registration of the bike that would permit the foreign tourist to sell the bike, the idea is not to defeat any Argentine law, but to help the economy of Argentina by increasing the sales and re sale of motorcycles in Argentina through the in flow of foreign capital provided by over landers wanting to buy in Argentina, tour South America, and then return to Argentina to sell their bike. this is a good plan because many fly in and out of Buenos Aires.

Of course, and I believe this will become a favored option, the foreign tourist may store/park his/her bike in Argentina forever, because it is a bike registered in Argentina. the advantage here is that the foreign tourist has his/her bike waiting in Argentina for the next tour of South America. Or the foreign tourist may sell the bike to another foreign tourist and that foreign tourist can half own with an Argentine or established resident of Argentina, willing to escort the bike to Uruguay or any other border of Argentina, and then the second foreign tourist may also legally tour all of South America.

I am hereby calling this the "In & Out Border Crossing" plan. If any other potential In and Outers have questions please post here and know I will answer to the best of my ability. Thanks Mario. xfiltrate

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Discover how to legally Buy, Tour and Sell a motorcycle in Argentina

Not wanting to be misleading, a foreign tourist can legally purchase a bike in Argentina, without the help of an Argentine or Argentine resident, tour Argentina and then legally sell the bike in Argentina.

But, there is a need to have an Argentine or Argentine resident accompany the foreign tourist, or at least take the bike out of Argentina, and to do so, the Argentine or Argentine resident must also have a "green card" for the bike.

Those foreign tourists want to buy new or used in Argentina can, have and are now legally purchasing and registering the bikes in Argentina, touring Argentina and then legally selling or storing/parking the bikes in Argentina for as long as they want, without the assistance of any Argentine or resident of Argentina.

Hope this is easier to understand, it took me two years. xfiltrate

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Discover how to legally Buy, Tour and Sell a motorcycle in Argentina

In our continuing effort to bring the very latest and most accurate information to you regarding a foreign tourist buying and then selling a motorcycle/auto in Argentina and legally crossing the Argentine border for the purpose of touring other south American countries, we owe a great debt to Mariano of Motocare.com. (please see my other posts on this thread) Mariano sells and rents new and used motorcycles from his showroom/shop at LIBERTADOR 6588, BUENOS AIRES. Motocare

IN A FEW MINUTES, Elisa, Jeff of Globebusters, and I are off to look at a used car and TO VERIFY THE OWNER HAS THE DOCUMENTS needed to go to the "REGISTRO" in the morning and legally transfer the car's title to Jeff and my name.

Here is the list of documents we will be requesting from the owner of the used car.

1. Título de propiedad original. Title

2. Cédula verde original. Green card (registration)

3. Formulario 08 o Contrato de Transferencia, firmado por el vendedor y, si es que el titular figura como casado en el titulo, entonces tambien por el cónyuge. Esta/s firmas certificadas por el Registro de Motovehiculos (aquel donde esta el legajo de la moto) o escribano publico. No traslation for this but he will know...it is a form to be signed.

4. Verificacion Policial. Police check up for possible theft charges.

5. Informe de Dominio, To check that the seller can sell....

6. Estado de Deuda de Patentes, o libre deuda de Patentes. Taxes up to date.
8. Libre deuda de Infracciones del Tránsito. . No tickets

We will not leave a deposit "reserva" for the car unless we have a physical copy of each of these documents in hand , or are absolutely convinced missing documents will be provided by the "Registro" in the morning.

We will have the owner sign an agreement to legally sell the car to Jeff within the next week or return his deposit. The deposit will be no more than $20.00 US dollars.

As I have indicated on other threads, a foreign tourist can legally buy and sell a new or used moto or auto in Argentina, but can be very risky.

We are doing our best to eliminate any risk involved.

Our goal is to mark the path for those foreign tourists who want to fly to Buenos Aires, buy a new or used moto or auto, register it legally, buy appropriate insurance, tour other South America countries and then return to Argentina to sell or store the moto or auto. And, to do this as legally and as economically as possible.

We are testing the system today and tomorrow or the next day you will have a follow up report. Please post questions, comments and personal experiences on this thread. your ace reporters in Buenos Aires...... Xfiltrate, Desert Rose, and Jeff

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Discover how to legally Buy, Tour and Sell a motorcycle in Argentina

Thank you for tuning in once again. We are indeed Trailblazing to the New Horizon of buying and selling new or used motor vehicles in Argentina by foreign tourists, and presenting a 100% legal and workable plan to leave Argentina with the motor vehicle, tour south America, and then return to Argentina to sell or store it.

Elisa, Jeff and I inspected a 1968 2cv citroen for the pupose of buying it. The citroen had been in storage for 20 years, exterior exceptionally good, and after a test drive, a manifold leak was the only apparent mechanical flaw. Jeff is an experienced mechanic and was ready to do bearings, breaks and to remove the top end of the motor for a rebuild (no problem). Parts are available for this model throughout Argentina. The little 2cv citroen has a 440 cc engine with only two cylinders...oh and the carb needed some attention too.

And it has a wall to wall sun roof, removable doors (all four) plus removable back window, and the back and passenger seats are removable.... WOW it is very cool and Jeff said he saw more than one crossing the Sahara Desert. Two men can easily lift the front end, and another two the rear.

Problem One: the title was not in the name of X (the person selling the citroen) but in the name of Y (his cousin).

Problem Two: In 1990 all Argentine license plates were to have been exchanged for new license plates. The 1968 citroen still had the (old style) prior to 1990 license plate.

Problem Three: the citroen had no insurance, we barefooted it for the test drive (around the block).

Problem Four: The citroen did not have the proper inspection papers issued by the police indicating that the vehicle identification numbers, motor and chassis, were the same as those listed on the title and green card that were presented to us by the seller. This is required to transfer a title...We did not bother to check, feeling confident they were the same and if not the police would confiscate the car immediately, while still "belonging" to the seller.

Considering the complications of buying a citroen with the older style license plates, and although the seller indicated that he has a "permission to sell" document from his cousin and that all other documents would be provided by the Registro (the official government office controlling the transfer of title of motor vehicles) we decided to advise the seller we were going to employ the services of a GESTOR, (one who does title transfers of motor vehicles as a business).

Good thing we did. Immediately upon explaining the circumstances of the citroen to a GESTOR recommended by my ESCRIBANO, (one who does land title transfers as a business), we discovered that contrary to what the seller had told us regarding "antiques" like the Citroen, a police verification of vehicle identification numbers was required.

We set up a meet at the registro for this Thrusday. The seller was to bring the Citroen and we were to bring the money and our GESTOR to do the paperwork with the Registro before we paid the seller for the Citroen.

Meanwhile I called around and discovered that most insurance agencies in Argentina do not insure motor vehicles older than 1980. A few do, but the insurance is expensive and hard to find, especially insurance that would insurance the vehicle in the "limitrofos" neighboring countries. This is not to say buying isurance for an Argentine registered vehicle manufacturer prior to 1980 is not possible, just possibly more expensive than insuring a vehicle manufactured after 1980. We are talking civil liability insurance only (that required by Argentine law), not comprehesive, nor theft insurance.

And, we decided to visit my buddies at ACA, Argentine Motor Club to check out the rumor that the old license would have to be turned in and the new ones not issued for 3 to 5 working days. On the other hand, if the vehicle had the newer style license plates, those would be left in place and simply transferred to the name of the new owner, and a permission to drive would have been issued by the Registro for a period of 5 days, while the title was in the process of being transferred.

So what does this mean, well we would have shown up with our GESTOR, who would have legally done all the title transfer paperwork and we would have paid the money to the seller, only to be left with a citroen with no license plates for 3- 5 "working days" weekends excluded. And, due to the fact that the older plates of the citroen had to be turned in, no permission to drive note issued by the Registro.

If we tried to drive the citroen from the province into the capital, we would have had to go three three police districts and the car would have been stopped, and immediately confiscated for not having license plates, title or green card, and no insurance unless we had managed to convince the insurance company to sell us insurance before the vehicle was transferred into our names. (Doubtful) My ACA contacts informed me that once a vehicle is confiscated a minimum of 6 weeks wait for processing, after the proper paperwork is produced and presented to the police, and a fine of 1000.00 pesos or more would be the penalty.

We came up with the bright idea to ask the seller drive the car to my parking garage, prior to initiating the title transfer, thinking Jeff could work on the citroen until the title transfer was processed. When we had our GESTOR call the seller and float this idea, he asked her to ask us if we thought he was crazy and to tell us there is no way he was going to drive a vehicle with expired license plates through the 3 police districts between his house and my parking garage. He expected us to do it, but he wouldn't. He must have thought we were dumb.

We are not dumb, and matter of fact we let him know that we have called off the deal unless he was willing to deposit the vehicle in my garage until the new license plate could be issued. After all, it was his fault, or his cousin's fault, that the plate was not exchanged as mandated by law in 1990.

So, I picked up today's Clarin (local daily newspaper) and we are looking for another citroen 2cv or something comparable, but with a license plate issued after 1990 for starters. THE GESTOR IS EXCELLENT, WRITE FOR DETAILS IF YOU WANT TO USE HER SERVICES.

Please stay tuned for our next adventure and Jeff is fine, he really enjoyed the permanent antique car exhibit at the Argentine Motor Club, we even found a couple of 1976 Gilera motorcycles, (or something close to that) We are having fun Trailblazing to New Horizons who knows what we will experience around the next bend .... xfiltrate, Elisa and Jeff

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Discover how to legally Buy, Tour and Sell a motorcycle in Argentina

Hi,
You seem pretty knowledgeable so I will run this by you. My TIP expired over two years ago. I was forced to leave it in BA and fly home because of Covid. I tried to deal with the legalities back in California, but the Argentina government agencies were not answering their phones - like many agencies, shut down because of Covid. I did get ahold of Dakarmotos in BA. They said don’t worry about it, the border agents will let it slide because of Covid. So now I finally return to ride the bike only to be informed by Dakarmotos that I took too long and the authorities will most likely confiscate my bike, unless I pay thousands of dollars. They suggested maybe making a run for the border and explaining Covid. Ant suggestions?

I was recommended this thread in a Facebook expat group. I noticed you mentioned this:

"2 out of 3 custom officials (AT THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS) said that it is OK for a foreign tourist to take an Argentine registered bike out of Argentina, as long as the foreign tourist has the "green card" for the bike."

If I were to attempt crossing into Chile with my car as a tourist by myself, and for whatever reason they said I couldn't go, what's the worst that can happen, do you know? Would they just turn me around?

Also, seeing as how this thread is quite old, I'd assume you've encountered people that have attempted to cross alone. Are they mostly successful or unsuccessful?

Thanks for the writeup and willingness to help others. It's refreshing to see.

Thank you for your excellent question. As noted, you are referring to a post I made in January of 2008, 16 years ago. At that time in Buenos Aires as tourists, Elisa and I each purchased a Honda motorcycle, she XR250 Tornado Honda and me, NX400 Falcon Honda and we were able to cross out of Argentina into Chile. In 2008, Paso de Jama was a cold and lonely mountain border pass with bored and distracted border officials and in retrospect *we illegally exited our Hondas from Argentina.
In 2008, I was quite prolific with my unwashed commentary and advice and for good reason I was sanctioned by HU. Today, I lean conservatively toward rules and regulations. The regulation is that as a tourist visiting Argentina on a 3 or 8 month tourist visa , the tourist can legally purchase and sell in Argentina a vehicle or motorcycle. The regulation prohibits tourists from exiting their legally purchased Argentine registered vehicle or motorcycle from Argentina.
Experience dictates that today the vast majority of official Argentina border posts are equipped with computers and well trained officials that know how to determine, by passport or VIN examination the status of the "tourist" and the registration information of Argentine registered vehicles and motorcycles.
Argentine registered Vehicles and motorcycles purchased by tourists will be stopped and prohibited from leaving Argentina. Argentine registered motorcycles are permitted to be in Argentina indefinitely, so I suspect the tourist might be permitted to leave Argentina, but the legally owned vehicle or motorcycle will remain in Argentina.
When Elisa and I surveyed customs officials in 2008, we did find that most custom officials lacked the training to know the regulations regarding this issue. As a tourist, I would not attempt to exit my legally purchased vehicle or motorcycle from Argentina. I am now a permanent foreign resident of Argentina and have legally exited my NX400 Honda from Argentina many times.
There exists a local Honda agency that sells new Hondas to tourists and will buy back the Honda anytime during the three year warranty period.
I hope this has not only been my mea culpa but provided useful information to tourists wishing to buy and sell a motorcycle in Argentina.
*Please, as a tourist, do not attempt to leave Argentina with your Argentine registered vehicle or motorcycle.

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Discover how to legally Buy, Tour and Sell a motorcycle in Argentina

Hi all, I've been reading the thread and found it full of really useful ideas. I carry a full UK driving licence but have not taken a CBT or full motorcycle test. I live and work in Buenos Aires and am desparate to see more of the country by motorbike. Does anyone know what training is required to ride a touring bike here in Argentina? Can I do the necessary training here and if so who should I contact. My plan would be to get trained and buy a bike to use for long weekend trips as long as I'm here (1-2 years). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I think there is no "training" needed.Except to look at every crossing to avoid being run over cars or trucks.You have probably noticed there is allmost no respect to the actual law.So surviving is the word!.
Why don´t you visit our HU bunker here at DAKARMOTOS.I am a regular there so we could talk a bit more.
What kind of bike are you looking at? Local imported ones are very expensive.Maybe purchasing from a traveller would be a good idea.
Ok
CU
KH

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http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!

Today I've been reading this thread. Very interesting indeed. As two of my French friends bought a small motor in Salta and crossed into Boliva and Brazil with it. I don't know the exact procedures they went trough, but it took them more than a week, as the papers were not in order. They bought a motorcycle for 500 euro's and for 100 euro's more made a small trailer. When they came back in Argentina, sold the bike for 500 euro's. My understanding of French, let alone reading it is very poor, so I don't know if they have described their buying actions in their blog.... Maybe someone will find this useful as well?

I would like to note, that we did not have our car stamped into our passports in: Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia or Chili, and all have 3 months temporary import documents. We did however extend our 3 months with another 3 months in Brazil, making it upto 6 months total.

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- On the road since 2003 in a vintage Land Cruiser

Just an update and comments regarding recent posts.

We are still in Flagstaff, Arizona at our ranch and all are welcome, please private message for GPS and tel numbers. We return to Buenos Aires last week in August. Motorcycle parking is currently available in our parking garage in Recoleta, private message me and I will make arrangements with the manager of the parking garage to admit your bike.

Having been in South America for the 14 months prior to our June return to the ranch, I have to say WE MISS SOUTH AMERICA. We have been fixing up the ranch, having an antique sale and interviewing potential renters.

Edven2r: Since you live and work in BA, perhaps it would be better to drop in on one of the several Driving Schools there. They are well promoted and from what I understand most, who actually work with proper credentials in Argentina, are required to have an Argentine driving permit. This may well be determined by the nature of your immigration status. If you are operating on a 3 month tourist permit and have a "full" valid UK driving permit, I would "guess" you would be legal to ride Argentina. But, please have a chat with a local driving instructor or administrator at a driving school in BA to verify. Thanks for the topic. I am sure it will be of interest to others.

As for buying a bike, DAKARMOTOS will be helpful and please read the opening posts on this thread. I suggest doing your homework before buying to avoid potential transfer of title problems etc.

BCK-973 Darkarmotos is the right HU bunker to visit n in BA. Please give our regards to Javier and e-mail if he or anyone needs anything, parts etc. from the States.

Mailking: great info, keep us posted on your travels and those of your French friends. thanks

Stagbeetle: Great to get the info about Uraguay. Keep posting here. Once it is all sorted out perhaps you could write an overview of the process, with potential problems to be aware of, and post here. thanks for your kind works and words. xfiltrate

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com
Discover how to legally Buy, Tour and Sell a motorcycle in Argentina

My experience in life has taught me that if you wish to succeed than you should first plan and then execute that plan in a proper manner.
After recently completing my bike trip south, I met an Argentinian who wished to purchase my bike.In our first few minutes of our meeting, he advised me of the possible restrictions placed by the ADUANA ( customs) concerning the sale and transfer of foreign registered bikes within the country.
After discussing the posiibilities and probabilities with various other locals, we were not satisfied that we were getting the accurate details on such a transaction.
To avoid making a decision on second hand information or interpretations offered from unofficial sources, I suggested to my friend that we make a visit to the head office of the ADUANA located in Plaza de Mayo.After speaking with high officials on several visits of about 30 minutes each, we came up with a proposal which was acceptable to the ADUANA , and was within the law.The result is that my Argentinian friend now owns an impressive bike.
I have read Eduardo's blogs , and I will say that for several reasons, I would be most reluctant in going down the route that he suggests.One is that I think it would be stupid to transfer even a portion of the title of your bike in anyone's name.
Second, following my discussions with the ADUANA, I am certain that such a maneouvre as Eddy suggests would be outside of the law.
The final reason is that Eddy is not an official or offers no credentials in this area , and therefore should not be offering advice on this matter.
In one of his blogs, Eddy stses that Mariano of Motorcare located on Avenida Liberator is supportive of his efforts, Actually, Mariano who runs an impressive line of both new and used bikes and servive centre, has serious doubts about any success with Eddy's scheme.

My advice to anyone wishing to enter into a transaction is that first you go to the ADUANA in Plaza de Mayo and fully explain your own situation. Do not be discouraged if you do not get the answer that you desire within the first meeting. Think about the information that has been conveyed to you, think about it, and go back again and again.Do not hesitate to offer different scenarios.They are very nice and understanding people, and, also, just as importantly, they are nobody's fool.

I am a U.S. national flying into Buenos Aires. I want to buy a bike in Argentina and ride back to the U.S.. It sounds like you're the expert and I was hoping you could answer a couple questions for me.

1. The plan you have described says once you have the green card it's no problem to travel throughout S. America, but what about through Central America and back into the USA?

2. Is it possible to buy a U.S. registered bike in Argentina and avoid a lot of the trouble associated with buying a bike registered in Argentina?

Thank you for the Help!

John Falkner