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South African bureaucracy - to buy there or not???? South African bureaucracy - to buy there or not????
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Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
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  #1  
Old 7 Sep 2010
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South African bureaucracy - to buy there or not????
:confused1:I am an American living in the USA. I am planning to buy a used motorcycle in South Africa (probably the Johannesburg area), register it in South Africa under my name, arrange for a Carnet de Passage up the eastern coast of Africa through Egypt and on into the EU. I plan to begin my trip in Johannesburg in March or April of 2011 and will be accompanied by a fellow traveler and HU member from Quebec, Canada on his own motorcycle.

I have been told that I will need a passport, a certificate of value from a motorcycle dealer (even though I am purchasing the bike from a private party?), evidence of a SA residence (I have a friend with whom I will be staying before and hopefully after this adventure who lives in Fourways, SA), and some money to get the motorcycle registration transferred into my name and a proper license plate.

Only then, I’ve been told, I can begin to arrange (make application) for a Carnet for the trip north.

It all sounds doable except that I've been told it may take "more than two months" to get a Carnet from the Automobile Association of SA and, although that can all be done online, one can only start the Carnet process after I have the bike registered in my name.

Furthermore, and most importantly, (I’ve been told by fellow bikers) “There is no way for me to get a bike I might purchase properly registered in my name without me actually being in SA.”

If that is true, it would mean that I have to go to SA and wait a day (to register the bike) and then "more than two months" (to get the Carnet) before I could go off on my trip north.

I have lots of time (about 6 months) before I plan to start on this journey to get everything arranged, IF it can be somehow done without me being in South Africa.

Questions:

1. Do I have the correct understandings about the procedures in SA, so far? Or, is there a process whereby I can register a motorcycle in my name in SA before I actually get myself to SA?
2. Is there a requirement for liability insurance in the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) which I believe includes Namibia and Botswana as well as South Africa? If so, how does one go about obtaining the appropriate insurance?
3. Are there any other hurtles – for example, a bike safety inspection or a South African driver’s license for me – I have my American license and an International Driver’s License - that I would need to jump in order to get my “new” South African registered motorcycle appropriately documented under South African regulations/laws?

I've been shopping for a bike and have a nice slightly used dual sport picked out (I’ve not made a deal yet), but I am reluctant to buy any motorcycle before I have resolved all legalities of registration/licensing and obtaining a Carnet that would then ensue.

Oh, one other question: Would it be possible for me to ride a motorcycle within the SACU (South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana) without first obtaining a Carnet?

Any guidance on these matters will be greatly appreciated.
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Old 7 Sep 2010
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Here is a link to the AA in RSA who issues the carnet. The might be able to answer your questions. There's an insurance section too on the link

Explore Southern Africa by Road - The AA of South Africa
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Old 8 Sep 2010
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AASA - very helpful, but ....
Hi Pumbaa,

I've been there. The people there responded within minutes to my questions about the Carnet - very quick, very precise, very helpful.

But, they didn't know about the foreigner out of the country registration issue.

They also have a great website with lots of useful information and services. I'd recommend them for planning or other information.

Thanks, Tom

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Originally Posted by Pumbaa View Post
Here is a link to the AA in RSA who issues the carnet. The might be able to answer your questions. There's an insurance section too on the link

Explore Southern Africa by Road - The AA of South Africa
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Old 22 Sep 2010
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Im planning the same.

end of april beginning of may 2011 I plan to go to SA and buy a bike.
I'm not going for a Carnet, because it should be doable to go to Tanzania and back without one.

I'm just a bit concerned about getting a TRN number. Some say its done in a whiffy, others say it can take months.
Some say they were able to register just giving the address of their accomodation, others said they needed proof of residence

I think I might try another office, if one gives me too much trouble getting a TRN...

Any additional info you might find, I would be happy to hear from!
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