2Likes
 |

28 Jun 2017
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 896
|
|
hassle?
Its not a hassle if you pay a little to the right *tramitador* to do it ... and it can be done in hours (for a new bike). But of course you can do it the complicated way as well, and this will add to your adventure and experience. And dont forget any list on how to do it yourself will change by the month, the city you are in and last but not least by the person doing it.
mika
|

30 Jun 2017
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 14
|
|
I can hardly imagine how this process should work in hours and it would be interesting how much you paid for that. The way I did it, was the way locals do it as well. In my opinion one should avoid paying any kind of bribes as it builds or at least keeps running corrupt systems. Saying that, I have to admit, that I payed extra fees as well, as I was not willing to wait the 2-3 weeks like locals do
As mika said, doing it the legal way is an experience and gives you an insight in bolivian culture
|

8 Aug 2017
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,680
|
|
So !!
Is it a simple process to buy a bike in Bolivia and cross borders and travel around ??
What about buying bikes from other travellers ????
Or is it better to buy from a dealer ??
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|

8 Aug 2017
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,364
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
So !!
Is it a simple process to buy a bike in Bolivia and cross borders and travel around ??
What about buying bikes from other travellers ????
Or is it better to buy from a dealer ??
|
Ted
When I'm back in the UK, I can fill you in on the finer points to answer your second question. Send me a text or FB message if you need clarification.
Mika is a good mate of mine and lives in Bolivia. He has the local knowledge. Again send me a message, if your questions are based on more than a pipe dream.
|

20 Aug 2017
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 14
|
|
I crossed the border to Peru some weeks ago and it was really straightforward. I went from Copacabana to Puno. The bolivian officer was really friendly and told me that I have to bring back the bike to the Bolivia theoretically but he didn't seem to care if I won't. You have to buy peruvian insurance once you want to enter the country.
All with bolivian papers in my name.
Regards
|

15 Sep 2017
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 10
|
|
Planning the same
I'm planning basically the same thing, but starting in LA Paz.
Do I understand correctly that you do not need a local address. Further the insurance in case of an accident comes right with it, also when you cross the boarder to other countries you purchase it right away?
@mika How do you find a tramitador and how much would you pay him?
@rabhauke which bike did you get? Do you recommend it? I'm tall (189cm) and thinking about getting a Chinese 250cc.
|

15 Sep 2017
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 10
|
|
Tourist visa
Also, is the tourist visa you require for buying the bike basically just the stamp I get or do I get it automatically at the airport as a german citizen? Not sure since Germans don't need a visa in Bolivia.
|

26 Sep 2019
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 1
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mika
Its not a hassle if you pay a little to the right *tramitador* to do it ... and it can be done in hours (for a new bike). But of course you can do it the complicated way as well, and this will add to your adventure and experience. And dont forget any list on how to do it yourself will change by the month, the city you are in and last but not least by the person doing it.
mika 
|
Hi Mika, I have just moved to La Paz from the UK and I'm in the process of applying for residency. I have in the UK waiting to be shipped over my 2 year old Africa Twin registered in the UK. could you recommend a Tramitador so I can register the bike here in La Paz please?
|

26 Sep 2019
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 896
|
|
Importing into Bolivia
Quote:
Hi Mika, I have just moved to La Paz from the UK and I'm in the process of applying for residency. I have in the UK waiting to be shipped over my 2 year old Africa Twin registered in the UK. could you recommend a Tramitador so I can register the bike here in La Paz please?
|
Hi Steve,
welcome to Bolivia. I am on the other side of the country, in Samaipata, near Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
First do your residency process before you ship the bike. Only when you got your carnet (Bolivian Id card) think about importing your bike. Then you will need a custom agent ... this will be very costly and also time consuming. When you get the import documents you can in the end hire a tramitador to register your bike.
Its all gonna be an expensive a long process. I would recommend you to leave your bike in the UK and buy a new bike here ... I have seen the AT at the Honda shop here in Scz.
And sorry I can not recommend a tramitador in La Paz. Send me a pm, than we can talk over whatsapp if you want.
Saludos
mika
|

7 May 2022
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 55
|
|
Hi fellow travellers,
Up on this subject.
I am thinking about going early june in Bolivia to join my girlfriend (who is currently in Patagonia with her motorbike) and travel with her for one month. (the other alternative I see, described in another post, is renting a bike in Argentina to travel in the north-west).
No way to rent a motorbike in Bolivia, I have tried several companies...
So I plan to buy a cheap (but correct) chinese bike. That's the advice I got several times.
Just wondering what is the accelerated *tramitador* way  @mika, can you detail ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by mika
Its not a hassle if you pay a little to the right *tramitador* to do it ... and it can be done in hours (for a new bike).
|
By the way, any advice to buy a bike (type 200cc Pegasus mentionned before) near Sant Cruz ?
Another option, buying an used bike helps to avoid too much paperwork ?
Thanks !
|

13 Oct 2022
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2022
Posts: 1
|
|
Hi everyone,
jumping in on this thread and would appreciate some insights into current situations re buying, riding and selling bike in SA.
In more detail a friend and I are planning a trip to Bolivia in February/March. Plan is to fly to Santa Cruz and ride via Trinidad, La Paz, Cusco, Nazca to Lima.
Anyone having recommendation how to arrange buying a bike in Santa Curz? Ist it easy, how much time should we allow in advance?
Also, I ready road conditions can be difficult during that time of the year especially Ruta 3. Is it rebuild with asphalt already, any recent experience about this route in February?
Also, there’s lots of information for border crossing in Desaguadero from Peru to Bolivia, but less about the other way coming from Bolivia and going into Peru. IS it easy? What should we be aware of?
And lastly, is it possible (legally easy) to sell a bike in Peru?
Any help will be highly appreciateed. Thanks a lot for shedding some light on our question.
Best,
J
|

14 Oct 2022
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 896
|
|
Bolivia
Hi J_B,
good plan.
Calculate about a week, maybe a bit more, to buy new bikes and get them into your name at any of the Chinese bike shops in Santa Cruz. Maybe to save a little bit of money, go to Montero. But I am not really sure, if you can still register it on a tourist visa, it was doable when this threat was started a few years ago, but also here rules and regulations change all the time and not for the better.
Feb./March is the wet season, so depending on the rain you could have muddy roads and wet gear.
Border crossing should be easy if your papers are in order.
I cant tell you if its easy to sell the bikes in Lima.
Send me a pm if you have any more questions.
Saludos mika
|

17 Apr 2023
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2023
Posts: 3
|
|
Question about bike insurance - Bolivia
Hi Mika,
a few of us are hiring some dr650s in peru and riding the back way to Santa Cruz / Uyini (Bolivia) and back up to Cusco in Nov/Dec23. The bike insurance is fine in Peru (with the hire company Eric Adv) but i need to get some full cover in Bolivia, any suggestions would be appreciated. The hire company only has insurance for Peru.
Kind Regards
Mike / Australia
|

17 Apr 2023
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 896
|
|
Hi Mike,
sorry I cant recommend any insurance company in Bolivia that would cover a bike registered in Peru.
Enjoy your ride. Maybe see you in Samaipata.
mika
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Coles
Hi Mika,
a few of us are hiring some dr650s in peru and riding the back way to Santa Cruz / Uyini (Bolivia) and back up to Cusco in Nov/Dec23. The bike insurance is fine in Peru (with the hire company Eric Adv) but i need to get some full cover in Bolivia, any suggestions would be appreciated. The hire company only has insurance for Peru.
Kind Regards
Mike / Australia
|
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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)

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
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.
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.
|
|
|