Hi, just read Nixa's entry and there seems a lot to consider? I'm planning on entering China from Kazakhstan. Getting a visa doesn't seem to be a problem but what about the bike?

Did a search (top right of page - under toratech add)

on 'china motorcycle' in forum 'sourthern asia' .. lots of info there ..

happy reading...

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Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S

Thanks for that Frank... managed to get some info.


A: Getting a tourist visa is not a problem for UK citizens.
B: Chinese embassy said I will need to have a guide booked through an agency or you won't get in. The agency will organize your driving license, number plates and other documentation.

Found a few agencies, well one that can do what I want, but the guide will be in a car? Not found out a price but they have suggested finding a few people to help with the costs?? I'm going through China so something will have to be booked (any angencies you know of, please, let me know). When I do this I'll let one and all know and look for buddies?

I've read threads from people about travelling through China but they all seem to be from 2006? Recent... as in anything post May 2007 would be good, the more info the better.

Dave.

Dave,

look through the Northern Asia forum on the HUBB... LOADS of stuff there after May 07

John

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Nostradamus Ate My Hamster

Dave I've had a quote back which really wasn't what I'd asked for at all, and it was priced per person - which makes sharing a bit odd.

It's on the China-Guide Sharing thread.

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Hi Alex, saw that thread and spoke to the guys... mulling it over!

Well found out some more info. Found a site where you can buy a chinese Driving license (sent an email just to make sure what I was reading, so will wait to see what they say?) and if this is the case then half the hassle of entering the country is covered... might not need a guide?
Here's the site

Service for Expats/Foreigner - You are here >>> China Driver License

Even with a licence .. 'they' say you need a guide ..
When I got my licence .. it came with a complete medical check up. Just so you know.

__________________
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Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S

On that site though there's the following list of papers required before you apply (my highlighting)

The documents needed to apply a China Driver License for Foreigners.

1. 1 Copy of the Passport Page
2. 1 Copy of the valid Chinese Visa
3. 1 Copy of the latest Entry Stamp in your Passport
4. 1 Copy of both Sides of Oversea Driving License
5. 8 one-inch color Pictures with white background (full Face,no profile,remove Spectacles if worn)
6. Your chinese Name
7. Height
8. Deposit: 2000 RMB

It's the latest Entry Stamp, that might be the killer as it implies you have to be in country before you can use these people. Also their processing time is 15-21 days, which is a lot of time sat twiddling your headnuts at the border. Still it might be worth a shot.

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Hi, I sent an email asking about this point, waiting to hear back. Will let you know how it goes.
Dave.

I had this from Lisa (hope it's Ok to post it here):

Please access my website and then you will know what you need ready to apply the license.(any visa is ok to apply the license) The license is used to drive car not motorcyle.
www.china-driving-license.com



The total fee is 4200RMB if you come to written test.

You can scan all of your documents to me by email and then take a photo with digital camera with white wall background and then download it to me.


After I get all documents, I check all documents are ok, I will send you my bank datas. and then you can send the deposit to me by bank. Then I will start paper works in the notary department and police department. and we can wait for the written test date. Once I get the written test date, I will inform you by phone.



Can you come to Guangzhou for written test? But our translator will pass the test for you, you only need be there to sign your chinese name, No more things to do. After you finish test, you will get it after 10 -15 days.

Also if you can not come to test, The price will be 5500rmb,We can replace you to pass the test too, But The time will be longer,It will take about 35-40 working days to get it because not everyday we have the chance to replace you for the test.


if you need it, please send all to me ASAP.
Yes, you need be in China to apply the license with entry stamp.

If you have more questions, please contact us for details.


13902874789

Regards,
Lisa

So, not a lot of good for bikers, and no use if you're not in country, but I guess it could be an option for some.

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This is what she sent me.


The below message is the whole procedure for your Ref and my answer is under you questions, please check it.

Please access my website and then you will know what you need ready to apply the license.(any visa is ok to apply the license) The license is used to drive car not motorcyle.
www.china-driving-license.com



The total fee is 4200RMB if you come to written test.

You can scan all of your documents to me by email and then take a photo with digital camera with white wall background and then download it to me.


After I get all documents, I check all documents are ok, I will send you my bank datas. and then you can send the deposit to me by bank. Then I will start paper works in the notary department and police department. and we can wait for the written test date. Once I get the written test date, I will inform you by phone.



Can you come to guangzhou for written test? But our translator will pass the test for you, you only need be there to sign your chinese name, No more things to do. After you finish test, you will get it after 10 -15 days.

Also if you can not come to test, The price will be 5500rmb,We can replace you to pass the test too, But The time will be longer,It will take about 35-40 working days to get it because not everyday we have the chance to replace you for the test.


if you need it, please send all to me ASAP.


If you have more questions, please contact us for details.


13902874789

Regards,
Lisa


David Findlater <drfindlater@yahoo.co.uk> дµÀ£º

Hi, I plan on visiting China later this year and I've a few questions about the driving license. How long is the license valid for? My name is David Findlater, so what would my Chinese name be? And what does "a copy of last entry stamp" mean, I've a new passport with no stamps!
Many thanks David Findlater.

The license valid is for 6 years. And you can select one Chinese name for you, I will confirm the name with your passport and oversea driver license in the notary department.then the name is legal.

The last entry stamp means when you enter into China, The police make a stamp on your passport. you can scan the stamp from your old passport to me.

Regards,
Lisa

Now if you can not go to test to get the china driver license, The total fee is 4900RMB. one month ago the price was adjusted down. if you need it, please contact us.

Lisareckleben@hotmail.com
Chinese Driving License Service for Expats/Foreigner
13902874789

Lisa

Don't worry about any of the paperwork. Your tour agency will take care of it. We got temporary licences and plates for our trip.

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Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10

And who, out of interest is your tour agency?

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