Carnet in Laos?
 

Does anyone know if you need a Carnet for Laos?? Getting lots of different stories you see.

Thanks

Simon
Trek to Oz

Laos via Don Khon border with Cambodia
 

We entered from Cambodia in 2009 near 4,000 Islands a relatively new border and customs didn't really know what a Carnet was, so I had to insist saying I wanted it stamped, even if they don't (didn't) require a Carnet. This might have changed since.

In short we didn't need the Carnet but used it anyway.

Oh and the customs officer obliged a US$5 processing fee.

Try gtrider forum for more up-to-date info on this topic.

I entered Laos through the Chiang Rai border crossing in March 08 and exited via the Pakse one. No carnet was requested or offered.

Getting the carnet stamped is more of an issue if you are exiting from a country that requires it - obviously every entry stamp requires a corresponding exit one. Getting a carnet stamped on entry to a country that does not require it would, IMO, leave you exposed to the risk that you then also have to get a stamp on the way out of the country and might come across a customs post that refuses to stamp it or doesn't know what it is.

Friendship Bridge.
 

Crossed into laos about 2 months ago at the Friendship Bridge and used a carnet, but I was offered a Temporary Import Permit. I just asked for them to use the carnet and was through the border in about 55 minutes. Try to get to the border before 2pm as they seem to refuse bikes after this time. I went at 10am, no problems, a friend went at about 3.30 and was refused entry and had to ride to another border crossing.

Yeah, forgot to point out they also have some funny working hours at the crossings and will try and charge you overtime if you come in at what they consider to be the wrong time.

Another point of view
 

As ilesmark pointed out this is very true but worth keeping in mind that if they aren't a member country of the FIA then they don't have any recourse to claim your deposit for not exiting the country.

Also in the absence of any local documentation for temporary import the customs may like to use the Carnet. As this information is not always clear or certain we decided to get the Carnet stamped just in case on exit if at another border the customs officer obliged some form of documentation that was missing or not provided on entry (as friends of ours had) and they were forced to return to the border post where they entered to 'rectify' the anomaly by the issuing border guard. The risk in getting the Carnet stamped in and not out is small as you can usually always insist and persist long enough to get your own way and get an exit stamp.

Thanks for all the info... Just one more thing which is the Chiang Rai crossing, all the Ones I seem to of found only do a ferry crossing? Am I being stupid??

I do apologise - it was Chiang Kong (Huay Xai on the Laos side), not Chiang Rai. Too many Chiangs!

The crossing I used is this one - if the map works OK.

Chiang Rai - Google Maps

Yes it is a ferry crossing, and don't make the mistake I did which was to have a lie-in and turn up early in the afternoon, only to find I had to pay the entire cost of the ferry rather than share it because all the traffic that uses it does so early in the morning! Picasa Web Albums - Mark Iles - Thailand - Ba...

Thai temporary import certificate
 

It's worth noting that most freight forwarders in Thailand require a Thai temporary import certificate in addition to the Carnet (if used). So you should get the temporary import certificate from Thai customs when you arrive back in Thailand otherwise if you export your bike from Thailand with out it expect some running around.

I second Turbocharger's comment. This was issued to me both times when I entered Thailand with the car, including the second when I even got the shipping people on the phone to the Thai customs people at the Pakse border crossing to check it was what was needed for when I shipped the car out of Thailand a couple of days later.

Thanks Guys, As always you have answered all my questions! Have the Thai Import papers already actually had to extend them as they only now give you a month at the border!

Will be up supper early to catch the ferry!!!!!!!!


Simon
Trek to Oz

Just a little up date

We crossed at Chiang Khong on the Ferry at about 9am-ish. Last ones on so only paid 1500 baht, any later and we would have had to pay around $100. There is a customs house at the ferry crossing so no need to go into town and spend 30 mins looking for it as we did. You can also get car insurance at the Thai side for Laos cheaply (it is opposite the customs building).

Once on the other side we were shown where the Laos Customs office was. They wanted our Carnet and charged us 200 baht to get it stamped. Then it's a 5 min drive down the road to get your Visa for $36!

An expensive day.

simon
Trek to Oz

Laos Ferry Costs & Timing - Chiang Kong (Thailand) to Huay Xai (Laos)
 

Hi all, We've just crossed from Chiang Kong (Thailand) to Huay Xai (Laos),

We had a good chat with the ferry operator, the cost for a 4x4 is 1000 baht, anytime of the day, Bikes should be 250 - 500 Baht depending on their size.

There is no need to be there first thing in the morning as the ferry leaves every 30 - 60 mins ,once full. If they are not full within the hour, they will make the crossing never-the-less and not charge you any extra. If they suggest otherwise they're pulling a fast one!

Once on the other side, the customs office is just up the steps, office number 5, and immigration is down the road at the passenger ferry port.

Carnet was required, however no charge.

Martin & Nicole

Taking the pickup into Lao.
 

I want to do this next week crossing at Nong Kai - or any other crossing, which crossing is best???

I want to stay in Lao for about 2 nights as part of a week's round trip from Eastern Seaboard.

What docs do I need?
the vehicle is Thai reg, mine I have a Thai driving licence.....
I don't have a carnet - where can I get one? Are they readily available?