SE Asia relocation
 

Hey all. I know this might belong in a couple different sections, but I can't find the answers I am looking for. I live in the USA and will be moving to SE Asia, probably Vietnam at first, to teach English. I actually hope to leave the USA permanently, but am wide open as to what country I actually settle in long-term. My bike is a Victory Jackpot, and they do have a Victory dealer in Bangkok, and I think one in Malaysia, but they have no advice on shipping. My questions are: Should I even try to bring my bike over? I have heard that import duties in Thailand are huge, but read a thread here where they guy didn't mention them. Can I bring it into one country and then just ride it to the others? Will the gas they sell there even work in my bike? (at least 91 octane, R+M) Are there places to store it if I leave there for a few months at a time? Thanks for the help and advice. This has all come about rather quickly, and I am not sure what to do.

Hi e_mashek and welcome,
You are right in thinking that import duties are high and I have no idea about registering it locally which could be difficult and might need to be done each time you change country. To temporarily import it to some of these countries you will need a carnet de passage which can also be expensive and only allows for 180 days in the 12 month validity of that document which will also have to be renewed , full details in the trip paperwork of this forum. Foreign vehicles are not allowed in Vietnam at all.
Petrol quality is improving but I doubt any mechanic will have experience of Victorys, there are a few Harleys there in big cities so those dealers might be able to help.
Just about everyone in SE Asia rides a 125cc scooter which are quite simply the best way to get around, poor condition, overcrowded roads make a large bike redundant and I would suggest heading out there with nothing more than a good quality crash helmet, something that is difficult to find and buy a local bike saving yourself a lot of money and trouble.
If after sometime there you still feel you want your Victory have it sent out to you, there is a lot of shipping information in the shipping your vehicle section.

Have a look at Ride Asia Motorcycle Forum its a good site and very expat orientated, you will probably get up-todate answers on there. There are threads on Insurance, registering bikes, buying bike, Licences Etc
Oh and loads of info on where to ride in SE Asia


Wayne