Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Trouble in Honduras now? Trouble in Honduras now?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: calgary canada
Posts: 126
This is just normal for Honduras do not let it bother you!!
I crossed twice last year like scrabble biker only in reverse of her route.
Went through 5 check points and never stopped once, At El Amatillo i hired a helper and agreed on $5.00 before hand, the crossing took 1 hour. I liked the interaction with the helper and treated him with respect and he treated me fine. Unlike other moto travellers who get all wound up about the helpers I feel they are real people, you just have to pick the one you like, and you need to speak a little Spanish.
The sit down protest is also my way of dealing with bogus tickets and has worked 90% of the time in all of Latin America. I do not understand spending $140.00 at a border crossing that should only be $35.00 dont let it happen.
Feliz Viaje!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Dec 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 54
Quote:
Originally Posted by Calvin View Post
This is just normal for Honduras do not let it bother you!!
+1

The corrupt bureaucracy problem is especially bad in Honduras, and an order of magnitude worse on the short stretch of Panamerican between El Salvador and Nicaragua.

Dealing with the border crossing is different than dealing with the cops pulling you over:

At the border, a little Spanish goes a long ways as does knowing what to expect. When the "helper" tries to scam you, give them some This Is Not Acceptable attitude - friendly but firm.

When getting pulled over, you can freely speak no spanish whatsoever. When they start harassing you, laugh and joke and just say ok give me a ticket. Be prepared to sit it out. In less than 10 minutes you'll be on your way. If you appear scared or actually consider paying the mortida it *will* take longer.

It's a shame that law enforcement in these countries is a joke, but if you actually treat it like a joke you'll get through just fine. Corrupt cops smell fear and use it to their advantage, but it's not personal. Just don't make it worth their time.

BTW the other hotspot for corrupt cops is the long stretch of the Panamerican through Panama.

Jeff
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Dec 2010
BlackBeast's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ontario, CANADA
Posts: 313
We crossed over with 2 bikes mid November and we did the El Salvador/Honduras/Nicaragua borders in a day. I didn't use helpers and knew that the fee was $35 and that's what I paid. Also went thru' about 8 checkpoints on the short stretch out; however was pulled over 3 times and asked for paperwork twice. Each time, I would get off the bike, take helmet and gloves off and always be patient, smile and didn't speak any Spanish to them. They got the hint that I was going to wait them out and let us go.
Patience is the name of the game with them.
Daryll
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Dec 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: seattle
Posts: 8
Ok my crash course in Spanish is crashing. So I will focus on certain areas, directions, and border crossings. Any help on what I should be able to understand or converse about at the borders. Sounds stupid I know...but any help would be great.

thanks k
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 Dec 2010
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
Quote:
Originally Posted by GR8ADV View Post
Ok my crash course in Spanish is crashing. So I will focus on certain areas, directions, and border crossings. Any help on what I should be able to understand or converse about at the borders. Sounds stupid I know...but any help would be great.

thanks k
Well if you want to avoid helpers a simple 'no, gracias' should work fine! 'Me puede dar una factura por favor' would be a good one, anything you buy should have a receipt, if it doesn't then they are probably charging you for something you don't need.

Although I have never been to the Honduras here in South America they give receipts with absolutely everything.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,070
Much good solid advice here already. Just know what is required and stand your ground.
All central American borders run by the same set of steps which you should follow for a relatively smooth crossing without helpers . The Four Steps are 1MIGRACION - tourist card issue and passport stamps and inspection 2 TRANSITO inspection of your bike papers and issuing of a TVIP ,stamped into passport.
3 SEPA aka OIRSA or Fumigacion where they spray some malathion solution on your bike to kill bugs, not at every crossing. 4 ADUANA- final check of all your papers and passport stamps and then you are free to go if all is stamped and signed in the right spots.
Follow these steps in this order and you need no helpers.Pay only the fee that the official asks for and demand and keep a receipt for each payment.Retain all papers and receipts in the same folder or envelope so that you can retrieve them easily at the next border crossing when leaving the country.
, As you finish one step just ask the official to point you to the wicket where the following step is done.
__________________
http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
I just came through Honduras last week. ABSOLUTELY no problems what so ever. Whenever I was stopped by Police (which was only a few times) they either saluted me or shook my hand. All they wanted was to see that I had the correct papers. NO hint of bribery at all.

WHY? Well I crossed from Guatemala at Copan and left Honduras at El Pariso. In other words NOT ON THE PAN AMERICANA.

It seems that lots of people have trouble with Honduras and do there best to avoid it and thus take the shortest route. BUT this leads to problems as this is exactly where the trouble is. Take your time to explore Honduras. Go to Copan and you will find Honduras to be much like any other central America place. The corrupt police/ border guards are ONLY on the pan americana.
__________________
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
GS 500 in trouble! gobikergirl Suzuki Tech 4 5 Nov 2008 02:54
k75 trouble J. Maus BMW Tech 13 19 Aug 2008 06:00
Am I getting myself in to trouble? assafdv TRAVEL Hints and Tips 11 14 Sep 2007 03:13
3AJ + 2KF = trouble? POB/London Yamaha Tech 10 24 Jan 2003 21:54

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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!

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 05:22.

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