Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Buying bike in foreign country Buying bike in foreign country
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Feb 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NY, NY USA
Posts: 5
Buying bike in foreign country
Hi,
My friend and I are planning to buy our bikes in Santiago, Chile and ride them to Rio de Janeiro. What kind of paperwork are we going to need to get through the borders without any hassel. I really appreciate any advise you can give. Thanks in advance.

Eddie
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Feb 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
Basically you need proof of ownership and the registration document that has the bikes serial numbers and licence plate number on it.

Of course you need a motorcycle drivers licence, an international drivers licence is recommended, and a passport.

that should do it!

Have a good browse through these pages and use "search" to get the fastest answers.

Have a great trip! and of course let us know how you go so others can share in the info.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Feb 2002
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
Eddie might come under closer scrutiny by customs officers than usual, because he lives in one country, has bought his bike in a second country, and is planning to enter a third country.

To a customs official, Eddie would appear to have more reason than normal to sell his bike in the third country, because he did not go to the trouble of shipping the vehicle from his country of residence. Thus, the customs dudes might want some assurance that he will export the bike from the 3rd country - and this leads us down the path to Carnets, which we all know and love.

He could make the situation look less unusual by having an address in the 2nd country, where the bike is purchased and registered, and having a driver's licence from the 2nd country. At least this would make it look like he has some residential ties there, and is likely to return to the 2nd country with the motorcycle.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Feb 2002
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Almeria, Andalucia
Posts: 185
I bought a bike in Brazil (Oct 2002) and travelled through Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Paraguay without a carnet - it was never mentioned once.

I *did* need proof of residency in Brazil to get the registration documents. All I needed for that was to get a friend to make me the named person on his domestic water bill... with that I could get a CEP (taxpayers number) and the rest was plain sailing ;-)

Yes it took a while to get all the paperwork, but then border crossings were quick and cheap and no hassle at all.

--Mike
__________________
www.BesideTheSeaside.eu
---I'm back. Now what?---
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Mar 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Stewart(S-Central) Minnesota USA
Posts: 105
Eddi:
I did the same thing you are planning. Bought a bike in Santiago and traveld Argnetina, Bolivia, Peru. I'm from USA. Never a problem at borders. You need a RUT (equivilent of USA Social Security Number) and then you can register bike in your name. Customs guys at borders didn't question anything. They were professional and helpful.
Give me a shout and I'll give you phone number of a guy who will help you through getting the RUT and other paperwork.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Feb 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 147
europe?
any tips for doing this sort of thing in europe? i'm a canadian "planning" a trip from europe to iran this fall. my budget is tight. i'd like to pick up a cheap bike, insure and register it and make some miles! i have contacts in croatia, which might help, might not (regarding purchase of bike, registration, etc...) i'm told that i can get a carnet from the canadian automobile assotiation even when purchasing abroad. help?

Jeremy Kroeker. Writer. Wanderer.
__________________
Jeremy Kroeker
www.MotorcycleTherapy.com
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

 
 

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 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

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 travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

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!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



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 16:09.

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