Responding to the OP's question: yes, you are issued a TIP (Temporary Import Permit) at each border. The process will feel familiar enough after you've done a few, with enough differences to keep you on your toes. When you find yourself leaving a country without canceling your old TIP or entering a new country without obtaining a fresh TIP, figure out what's going on and rectify the situation, since it is likely to cause you trouble down the line. Entering Panama from Colombia, for example, no one said anything about a TIP, so I found the appropriate office in Panama City and did what I needed to do. Another example--in Mexico there may not be someone at the border to tell you what paperwork you need to take care of, but failing to do so can have unpleasant consequences. Research in advance.
In case it's not obvious, merely asking general questions covering all of South and Central America on The HUBB won't necessarily get you the information you need. Doing some research on your own (guidebooks, blogs, older forum threads, etc.) and returning with specific questions will attract better results.
Hope that's helpful.
Mark
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