Yes, spelling counts with user names. You were lucky I just happen to spot this topic.

Yes, my wife is Thai and rode her bike to NZ. It is possible, but requires a little work and it is illegal. That is because when a Thai vehicle leaves Thailand it requires a - wait for it - Temporary Export Permit, valid for max. 30 days. However, since you are not going back you don't need to worry about that one.

Thailand, Laos and Cambodia haven't signed the convention governing carnets, so they can neither issue nor accept them. (That doesn't stop some customs people who don't know what they doing from stamping them, but Thai customs can't claim against them.)

Step 1: once your bike is legally reg'd ask the Transport Dept. where you can obtain a translation of your Green Book. If your bike is reg'd in Central Provinces you will probably have to go to Bkk. Su is not sure about this, as her bike is reg'd in Bkk. This is just a white A4 page showing all the usual vehicle details. You will have to show your passport and original GB.

Step 2: get a carnet from the RAC. Do this close to the departure date, as it can only be post-dated 1 month and expires after 1 year. All countries you cross until Oz require the carnet. For the Americas you don't need it. You can also try to get a carnet from the Malaysian AA. Try emailing erly {at} aam.org.my

You are now good to go. You keep the Thai plate, but it will be translated into Roman letters in step 1 and that is what (more or less) appears on the carnet.

When entering Malaysia you must:

• get your carnet stamped
• buy insurance
• get a romanised licence plate sticker from the insurance office, which you stick on the front of your bike (h/l cowling or mud guard)
• obtain a Road Transport Permit (free for bikes), showing all the above

For crossing to Indonesia see previous posts (search for "Cakra Shipping"). On Java give all main highways and big cities a wide berth. Stick to the South coast as much as possible for an enjoyable ride.

Enjoy your trip!

__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10

I really appreciate the advice, thanks everyone.

T

Oops, sorry Peter!

__________________
Mike


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