Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Transport
Trip Transport Shipping the vehicle and yourself.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Jan 2024
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 4
From Canada to Europe (customs nightmare in Spain - help).

Hi guys! I'm just finished my long trip from Ushuaia (ARG) to Anchorage (AK - USA). I'd like to send my motorcycle back (Yamaha Teneré 700 '22 ,license plates: Andorra (Europe)) by air-freighting from Canada to Europe.
Which country do you recommend sending it - prefer less custom paper issues
Andorra don't have any international airports, so when motorcycle arrives at destination I'd like to ride it back to Andorra (actually I live there).
I'd try to avoid Spain (sometimes don't accept CPD, or ATA, or force you to pay 22% taxes) cause my motorcycle don't have European plates (I think the same situation as switzerlands could have) and they have a terrible customs service.

TL;DR:
I had a terrible experience in Spain. Almost nobody wants to work importing/exporting motorcycles (Madrid and Barcelona airports) Few agents are offering that service but don't have idea of working with vehicles without a spanish/european license plate and reject it by default. Once I sent it from Senegal to Madrid and spanish customs asked me for the ATA Carnet or pay around 22% taxes of total price as a new motorcycle. Lucky I had the CPD (Carnet de Passage) and after a few days dealing with a 20 different custom agents they let me take it out, obviously stamping in and out the CPD in Spanish borders. In another occasion (Spain to Argentina) customs in Spain asked to stamp CPD in Andorra before crossing the spanish boarding (obviously, andorran custom reject it).

For that reason I'd like to send it anywhere in Europe which don't have that customs nightmare and obviously have experience
with foreign customers/motorcycles (if I have to reacquire a new CPD, I'll do it).

Thanks a lot!!

Chris.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Jan 2024
Turbofurball's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Catalunya
Posts: 338
Given how many Andorran plated vehicles spend most of their time this side of the border I'm surprised they're that picky ... do you have any friends from home who have brought vehicles into France?

I suspect a carnet might be necessary either way
__________________
FreeBSD fan since before it was cool ...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Jan 2024
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 4
Barcelona and Madrid (international airports) customs consider motorcycles as goods, not vehicles. Therefore, they require as minimum ATA carnet or payment of 22% taxes over the price of the vehicle or the CPD. However, the CPD is difficult to be accepted by authorities. Due to this reason, I would like to send my motorcycle from Calgary (Canada) to a less-customs-problematic country in Europe which accepts CPD without any problems. Thanks

P.S: my country only emits CPD. ATA carnet only for racing teams/events.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Jan 2024
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
Frankfurt, Munich, London, Amsterdam, all do motorcycles all the time, should be no hassle. Fly out of Vancouver, Calgary or Toronto, which ever works for you. Check the Westjet thread shipping Canada to Europe, some good deals possible.

Best of luck, and let us know how it goes.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Jan 2024
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,523
I shipped (flew with Air Canada) from Calgary to Frankfurt atuumn 2019 - norwegian plated bike. No issues whatsoever…
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
700 GS in Nova Scotia, Canada for Europe larrysimpson Bike Swap or Rent 0 8 Mar 2023 21:10
Motorcycle Wanderings - My RTW Adventure Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 44 23 Feb 2017 16:36
Cartagena, Colombia to Europe (Portugal, Spain, Germany) teizms Trip Transport 0 27 Oct 2016 04:24
Japan, Narita, uncrate the bike? thomaslehmen Northern and Central Asia 15 20 Jan 2014 07:27
Canada Customs do i need an agent? Van2london Trip Paperwork 2 8 Jun 2012 14:36

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:03.