Australia in Jan. 2003
 

Hi,
I am planning on travelling to Australia next year and was wondering if it is better to ship a bike from the US or buy one there. If shipping the bike from the U.S., does anyone know what the costs are in Australia and also the requirements for legally riding in Australia?

I am hoping to get an extended stay visa as I would like to spend more than the 3 months that a basic tourist visa gives. Is this a very tough thing to get and if so, when should I start the application process.

Thanks in advance

Jay

Jay,

Buy the bike here.

Go to www.tradingpost.com.au or www.bikepoint.com.au for an idea on prices. Then roughly halve it, and that's your $US price. Then you can start comparing.

As for Visa's, maybe you should have started 2 years ago http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif

Cheers

Richard

Hi Jay
I don't think you should have any difficulties applying for an extended visa while still in the US but it is possible to travel to Australia on a 3 month visitor visa (Electronic Travel Authority - ETA) and then apply for an extension while you are there, if you want to stay longer.

Go to any immigration office in one of the major cities, with a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds, and ask to stay longer. As a US citizen you should have no problems. I did this on my last visit to Australia in 2000 and I think it cost me AU$70. The interview took about 10 minutes (standing in line a little longer http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif ) and I was given a 3 month extension.

I fly out to Oz again next month and will probably do the same thing if I decide to stay longer than planned.

Cheers
Paul

Jay
Visa info for Australia at http://www.immi.gov.au/eta/index.htm
Paul