Hi

This is my first contribution to the Bullentin Board. I plan to start my first long ride in the end of this year(South-, central-, and North America).

I have some thoughts and would appreciate your opinions.

1) Some embassasies I have been i contact with recommend me to translate my ownership papers into spanish, another embassy recommend english and the third want the papers in their original language (swedish).

At one embassy they told me to leglize the papers at all the spanish speaking countries
consulate, for those countries that I will pass.

A translation to spanish and/or english could be alright but do I really have to legalize them at all these consulates?

2) My idea was to buy a one way airline ticket and go home whenever and from whereever I want. Or maybe ship the bike somewhere else.
But the Canadian embassy wrote as follows to me: ".... Visitors must also have sufficent documentary evidence to prove that they will be able to go home(a valid return airline ticket or evidence of onward transportation is recommended)".
Do you think I would have problems at the border if I just have a one way ticket? Any suggestions?

3)The Equadorian and Brazilian emabassies told me that I need a Carnet for their countries. This is confusing.

I have read here that Carnet is not necessary for a trip like this, except for if you fly to Equador. I guess I do not need any if I drive in and fly out. Right ?

I was told that I would have to leave a deposit at the Brazilian border if I arrived without a Carnet. Have someone left a deposit (if you have, what amount) or had any other major problems at the Brazilian border depending on that you don't have a Carnet?

I have a feeling that the embassies think I should have a lot of documents that's never asked for at the custom.

Anyway I have decided to trust you that have been there and done that.

/Mattias