Thanks for the replies!

Bushman - was Bob Erion based in the US or in Vlad?

Tony P - We are certainly trying avoid another Carnet (in hindsight we could have avoided it all together now). I believe there's no requirement for South America.

The air to S. Korea and then ferry to Vlad/surrounds sounds good. When we start sending emails off to some shipping companies we will mention this.

Lots of research going into our Russian visa etc recently and we believe we capable of getting a 3 month double entry business (as we've never had a visa before we not entitled to a multi entry). We have to send our passports back to Australia - impossible to get outside of our country. So this would mean only a visit to Mongolia if I'm correct. As into Vlad would be 1st entry then returning back from Mongolia would be the 2nd?

Would we be unable to enter the EU eventually via Belarus/Ukraine from Russia? As we wouldn't be willing to get the carnet again for a single country (Iran).

Our arrival in Russia would be around late April. This is not the greatest time for sure but unfortunately to have gorgeous weather all our trip is just impossible with our timing. Cold is on the cards but we're keeping heated gloved fingers crossed that the roads will still be ok to cross the country. So far this seems to be doable people say - but just bloody cold. If this is suicide certainly let us know as currently we're looking forward to the challenge! Alas if its madness with a double entry 3 month Visa this would have to be looked at again.

Cheers!

Yep! But if you remain in Russia, not doing Kaz, a double entry visa will suffice - 90 days if it is a business visa.
I have heard of people getting a multi entry business visa as a 'first' visa - but I don't know how consistent Consulates are throughout the World. Check in your country.

Ukraine and Belarus each require a Visa for Australians but otherwise no problem.
You can enter EU directly at the Russian border with Latvia or Estonia.

Snow and ice could still be possibilities although by then not for prolonged periods.
Other than in some cities, roads are not treated. They rely on ploughs and traffic to keep main roads clear.

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Hi
Bob Erion lives in Seattle USA , the guy in Vladivostok is Yuri Melnikov
ymelnik@links-ltd.com

ph +7 4232 220 887

fax +7 4232 221 578

April sounds a bit cool , maybe ice and snow in shaded areas and loads of mud from the melt in other parts ,
The road can be long and boring, we enjoyed it by taking the time to go out of our way to meet the locals, very friendly ,curious and helpfull.
The road was mainly tarmac, but i believe the winter has taken its toll on the road and now badly potholed, could be a problem if hidden with snow and mud . The non tarmac sections if wet will be as slippery as a banana skin in ice , so take it easy and make your own route, the cars and trucks are not always the best route for a bike.

this is what the majority of the road looked like

the long roads in Siberia - YouTube

A village on the road to Ulan Ude - YouTube

and the odd bit of this





These were filmed in June 2011

Hope this all helps

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Cheers Mr Tony and Mr Bushman. Awesome information that is helping us really knuckle down the plan. Also thanks to the crazy Frenchman! (you know who you are, we will hopefully see you soon)

We're seriously considering (because its such a horrible idea!) of hanging around in south east asia until mid to late May/early June now. Its funny as soon as we rid our selves of the final carnet country idea (Japan) we can be now free until we decide to migrate to Russia. Within the scope of visa runs of course. We will save Japan for a holiday in the future. Huge thanks to all those that replied from the HU Japan community too.

Alas we would also be free of getting a second passport now as we have plenty of time to send it home by courier without worrying about needing it for flying/leaving Japan etc within the 40 days before entry to Russia.

Yeeeehaaaa.

Appreciate the replies to help break up the stale thoughts in my head. The future is clear as my 89 cent pineapple lassi that I'm enduring here in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

Tom yam, monsoons and singha for a little while longer!

Hello
Im am looking for a way to ship my bike from Bangkok to Vladivostok.
Has anyone done this recently?
Found lots of info the other way around.
I would like to ship in one try, not over Japan or Korea.
I have to send the bike on 20.February 2013 and start in Russia in April/May.
Thanks for any ideas
sushi

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Hello
I have a solution with shipping Bangkok to Japan and then the ferry.
Any advise on a port in Japan regarding cost and hassle?
sushi

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Hello

Here the shippment to Japan.
I will add the Ferry to Vladivostok once I'm there.
DBS Cruise Ferry

Shipment From:
Thailand, Bangkok
Shipment To:
Japan, Osaka
Shipper details
Contact person name: Nisarat
Company name: KPS-Nisarat
Company web page: KPS International Trade (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.
Contact person email: nisa...@kpsthailand.com
Contact details:
KPS-Nisarat Wisarut Phomchot (TOM) KPS International Trade (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.
36/1 Moo.3 Chiang Rak Noi Rd., Chiang Rak Noi Sam Khok,Pathum Thani 12160 Thailand
Tel : (+66)2-9798912
Fax : (+66)2-9798913
Mobile : 090-1066480
Skype : wissarut.kps MSN : tomt...@hotmail.com
Email : wiss...@kpsthailand.com
Website : Asia Trading Online- Thailand & Asia Trade directory from exports, trade,shipping,classifieds to travel
Website : KPS International Trade (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.
Website : KPS International Trade (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.
Shipping Method:
Sea
Shipping date:
March, 2013
Cost Paid at Start (US $): $ 600
Cost Paid at Destination (US $): $ 450
Blog post: Nord/Südamerika-Australien-Asien - YouTube
Comments:
Thailand, Bangkok to Japan, Osaka
This was the most ridiculous relation between freight and overall cost. $1050 overall and only $60 for the actual seafreight!!!!!!
Service by KPS was all done by email. Drop of the bike at a warehouse close to the airport. They made the crate there. They send often bikes so they know what they are doing.
needful info from Chris Lockwood:
Entering Japan with a Motorcycle | Japan on two wheels
At the port,Osaka, the custom wanted to x-ray the crate so it had to be transported to the customhouse, additional $120. The Japanese Custom was very serious but friendly, they assigned a english speaking officer to my assistance.
Cost Bangkok:
SEAFREIGHT DEPOSIT USD 15.00 3.810 CBM 1,743.08
B/L FEE THB 1,200.00 1.000 SET 1,200.00
COURIER FEE THB 1,200.00 1.000 SET 1,200.00
CUSTOMS FORMALITY THB 1,500.00 1.000 SHP 1,500.00
SHIPPING CHARGE THB 2,000.00 1.000 SHP 2,000.00
HANDLING FEE THB 1,500.00 1.000 SHP 1,500.00
PACKING WOODEN CASE THB 1,800.00 3.810 CBM 6,858.00
DELIVERY CASE TO SEA PORT THB 1,800.00 1.000 TRP 1,800.00
CUSTOMS SURCHARGE THB 200.00 1.000 SHP 200.00
CUSTOMS EXPORTER REGISTER THB 1,500.00 1.000 SHP 1,500.00
GATE ENTRY THB 380.00 1.000 TRP 380
Total 19500 Baht
Cost Osaka:
Yen 5100 Insurance for 2 month for the bike in Japan
Yen 3000 Translation of CDP and Driverlicence by the JAF
Yen 31000 Marin Star Agent in Osaka, only papers , no service.
Yen 1200 Warehouse
Yen 11000 Transport for Custominspection

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