Gadgets and Borders
 

I've read in a couple of places that the border authorities can get iffy about GPS's / Satellite Phone. Does anyone know in which countries these are likely to be a problem? We could do with knowing where to put gadgets into hiding.

Cheers.

I try to keep gadgets out of sight. I usually un-mount my GPS unit before reaching a border post and put it out of sight (in jacket pocket or backpack). Just in case. ;)

My pockets and small backpack have not been usually checked.

We kept our gadgets out of sight at all borders - some countries are worse than others but just easier to avoid the problem. Saves hassle and next to no time to tuck a gps and a sat phone away (assuming sat phone isn't permanently car mounted). Never had any in depth search, most I've every had is being asked to take out a few boxes out of the back and open the lids so easy to tuck away and steer clear if asked to show anything.

Rebaseonu and Toby2: this begs the question: (if on bike) how did you have your GPS (in may case) mounted?
I only ask because as much as i hate to say it i am thinking of buying a Touratech GPS mount.. so dont the guards get curious about the big empty metal thing? Did you take that off too or am i missing something?

I have so far used RAM mount:

http://www.rebaseonu.net/uploads/mototrip/p1010923.jpg

Quite easy to remove GPS, however the mount itself is not very robust for bad roads (I had rubber ball to fracture in heat and top hook of plastic holder also fractured (common problem) so I had to use rubber strap to fix the GPS). I'm thinking about Touratech non-locking one but that also mounts using rubber ball from RAM mount? My current thinking is that I don't want locking one as I will remove GPS anyway when leaving bike to avoid any vandalism on it (if it is locked someone may still try to get it and ruin it).

Hey Rebaseonu,
Thanks for that.. I am currently using the same mount as you, but as you i am also thinking about going TT (but locking one.. I'll get to that in a second). So with the Ram you had no border control guys wonder/question what that is?

As for locking or not locking TT.. I too never intend to leave the GPS on the bike. But I know me.. I will go locking because i am afraid of the snatch and grab.. I also see my self forgeting when i am just poping into a shop (say paying for petrol or such) and comming back to no-GPS.. I figure the lock just makes it harder for the snatcher but will never "depend" on it.. (after all it is made by TT)..