To buy abroad or not to buy abroad???
 

I live in the U.S. and am trying to plan a trip to Africa, Europe, and India. I was planning on shipping a bike to Africa, but it seems really expensive. I was wondering if it made more sense to buy a new one in South Africa or maybe Spain, but I then wondered what problems that might present. Are there problems crossing international borders using a bike registered in a country that you're not from? I assume I'd have to have the carnet issued once I'm there in South Africa or Spain. Also, I suppose I'd have to have the bike returned to the country where it was purchased at the end of the trip otherwise I'd have to pay the duty in that final country where I might sell it.

I've never gone on a journey anything like this before and I'd really appreciate any advice or input from anyone out there who's been through this before. Thanks!

I will try and help but other may be able to elaborate some what.

Some of what I say is purely assumption but may well give you a basis on which to research.

1) get a VISA for your destination country E.g. UK
2) Go to a dealers or private seller and buy a bike
3) Provide an address when purchasing the bike for registration purposes
4) Ensure the bike has a 12 month MOT
5) Ensure the bike has 12 month Road fund licence (Must have insurance and MOT to do this)
6) Insure the bike (You will need an address and I guess an exchange of your US to an EU licence) This is a guess though so something for you to look up


Once all the above is sorted you will be free to travel europe as you please so long as you have the relevant VISA as required for a US national.

As for the freedom of movement around Africa. Carnet etc I can not comment. All I have provided is what you would need should you purchase a bike in the UK. I cant see this being any different for Spain, France, Germany etc.

To add to what Tommo has said:

You need an MoT and Tax for a UK registered machine used in the UK, but once in mainland Europe that no longer applies (so save your money from the robbing bastards!), so unless you particularly want to buy the bike in the UK (and ride it there), you might be better off buying it elsewhere...

However, for the sake of a few quid, it is easy enough to buy a bike in the UK (as most of the dealers speak English x) - and as Tommo says, you'll need an address to register the machine (and get insurance) in whichever country you decide to buy in.

While a UK insurance policy is valid throughout EU countries, UK insurance companies will only insure UK registered machines, and they may not insure you unless you are a UK resident. However, you can insure a foreign machine through Arisa (search this forum, there are a number of threads) for third party insurance which will cover you throughout Europe including the UK, specifically for non-residents and/or foreign machines.

Hope that helps...

xxx

Once all the above is sorted you will be free to travel

Perhaps you should start from the UK?
 

Hi :mchappy:

The UK is a great starting place for such a tour, as you can leave in the summer, enjoy the weather through Europe and stay warm as you head south. I can help you out, as I have done for a few others and you are welcome to e mail or phone me to discuss an alternative bike option.

Regards

Chris
01295 722272
chris@welovebikes.co.uk

if you want to ride in Africa, I dont believe there is any benefit in buying a bike in the UK. Buy in South Africa instead.

I understand that you need to be a Spanish resident to register a bike there, so that makes it a bit difficult.

New and second hand bike prices are expensive in South Africa, but may still work out cheaper than buying and shipping from the US. In 2004 it was not necessary to be a South African resident to register a bike (doubt it has changed).

If you are exporting the vehicle from SA permanently, you can probably also get the VAT (sales tax) on a new bike refunded at the border crossing when you leave. I bought my bike second hand in SA, so paid no VAT, but was able to get a VAT refund for all my kit and spare parts.

You can get a South African carnet as a foreigner without too much difficulty from the AASA. There are a number of posts on this in the sub-saharan section. It is however difficult (but possible) to post the necessary bond / bank guarantee for the carnet as a non-resident. As soon as you get to Europe (where a carnet is unnecessary), send the carnet back to the AASA and they will refund your carnet deposit.

cheers

You can also buy a new bike 'for export' without the VAT. If, for example, you wanted to buy a BMW you would deal through BMW Park Lane.

Tim