Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Like Tree6Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 20 Apr 2012
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 93
Crossing Summary

I made a summary table for all the border crossing we did on our Latin America trip in 2010/2011. It can be found on my blog (in my sig) and you are welcome to contact me personally about specific experiences
naomi.j.tweddle (at) gmail.com

Happy Travels
__________________
Canada to Argentina 2010:http://nomi-beto-adventures.blogspot.com/

Website:www.MotoLara.com
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 22 Apr 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Medellín, Colombia
Posts: 8
Some title questions

Hi, everyone! I'm doing a trip from SF to TdF soon. My questions:

My motorcycle has an electronic title. What do I do? Has anyone crossed a Central/South American border while having one of these?

If I were to get a paper title, should I bring the original, or is it sufficient to have copies?

Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 23 Apr 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Utila Honduras
Posts: 95
Only paper title will work and a few copies would be handy, but you always end up making copies from papers you can only do @ the borders such as tourists cards or stamps from the country to prove you entered, so you make as well all copies on the borders and have less paperwork to carry around and the copies are not that expensive and usually the people what make the copies, know exactly what you need!
__________________
Ronald Janssen
http://utilamoto.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 18 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 108
WikiOverland, the encyclopedia of Overland travel contains everything you're going to need to know about border crossings in Central America. It's updated regularly by people traveling through Go through each country (i.e. Overland Guatemala Travel - WikiOverland ) to see the process at the border, fees, gas prices, safety, maps, etc. etc. etc.

-Dan
__________________
Around Africa: The Road Chose Me
WikiOverland.org - Travel Overland across a country, continent or the world.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 19 Jul 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Medellín, Colombia
Posts: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grecy View Post
WikiOverland, the encyclopedia of Overland travel contains everything you're going to need to know about border crossings in Central America. It's updated regularly by people traveling through Go through each country (i.e. Overland Guatemala Travel - WikiOverland ) to see the process at the border, fees, gas prices, safety, maps, etc. etc. etc.

-Dan
I tried to create an account but it would not let me without creating a handle from my actual name. Since I'm not comfortable using my actual name publicly, I did not register with the site. Please alter this so that I may begin contributing. I'm currently in Guatemala doing the Pan American via moto.
__________________
SF to TdF via KLR! http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=784921
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 13 Sep 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1
Customs for Bike in Panama

We are crossing from Cartagena to Carti in November and understand that the customs clearance for the bikes must be done in Panama City.
Does anybody have any experience , tips for the process?
J
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 14 Sep 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Kallmerode, Germany
Posts: 32
hi

you come over with the stahlratte?? than you get all the informations from ludwig - no worries.

when not: ride to the airport Aduana

GPS
Nord 9*04.680 West 79*22.224


from there to the "main office" - a small shelter on the right.

N 09*05.072 W 79*22.318

inside are two nice ladies, there know how it works - easy job! you dont need insurence or copys there!!

easy and fast!

cheers from costa rica,

bernd
__________________
2011 Go East...and beyond
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 14 Sep 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,898
The aduana office for imports and exports is near Albrook airport in P.C. Taxi drivers can find it for you--hire one to lead you there. Accomplishing anything involves the usual run of inexplicable bits of paper taken from one office to the next for stamps and signatures. We eventually found the Big Man who could make things happen, and he snarled at a few underlings who then did all the running around on our behalf. All in all, not too bad in Central American terms.

I've also used the airport office, but only when I was flying the bike out. When I was there even the office staff in their little shack were confused about whether any documentation was necessary. I had to insist, and I'm glad I did because when I returned the office in P.C. tried, but failed, to find anything wrong with my papers. That office is definitely more convenient than the main office in town if they can give you what you need.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 21 Sep 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 37
Roameo have you started the ride? im leaving around October 1st from Oklahoma. You can cross wit me at the ferry at Eagle Pass, Texas. This is my first time also.

twowheelsthreeamericas
-Dale
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 30 Sep 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: London
Posts: 12
How I was taken for one at the Mex/Guatemala border....

I so wish I had done a bit of research on the HUBB before I made for Guatemala....Thank you one and all for the help here that will see great economies for this sucker...
Here is an an extract from my blog, www.vegibike.com.

"....I got done over like a good'un at the Talisman, Mexico / Guatemalan border. Basically I fell for one of the oldest tricks in the book and handed over US$160 to my “fixer" who was helping me through the rather vague import procedure. He asked for this money to buy the permit to drive in Central America. Although I questioned him vigorously, he persuaded me that it was essential to drive any further. Off he toddled to get the form, whilst I was kept occupied by his conniving pal for half an hour. When he got back he had all the paperwork and rushed me through the final gate saying it was about to close. Of course at this stage I was none the wiser, and thanked him profusely giving him a generous tip on top of his US$20 pre-agreed fee. Again it was at the end of the day, after 5 hours of steep mountain roads that I thought I better put all the paper work in the right folders etc. To my horror my more thorough look at the receipt showed that it was 160 Quetzales, about US$20. Of course I was livid, with myself as much as anything, and planned to head back the next day to confront the rascal. After a night's sleep I realise that there was very little proof and the chances of him being there for the next month was highly unlikely, as it amounted to several weeks pay...."

If anyone comes across a very short rotund 30ish year old 'fixer' at this border called Manuel (probably not actual), please say that there is an Englishman not wishing him as well as he would have liked to. And then don't use him...thanks..
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 9 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Guatemala
Posts: 45
Quote:
Originally Posted by airdale74451 View Post
Roameo have you started the ride? im leaving around October 1st from Oklahoma. You can cross wit me at the ferry at Eagle Pass, Texas. This is my first time also.

twowheelsthreeamericas
-Dale
airdale74451, Roameo is already in Nicargua. Drop me a PM when you are close to Guatemala. I am a local rider if you need any advice.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 10 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
Just crossed into Guatemala at Cuatehmoc Mexico/La Mesilla Guatemala today. Professional and friendly both sides, bike is only out of your sight for a few minutes. Tourist visa was free, bike permit Q160~=$20. I need to check my credit card account in a few days to make sure my Mexican deposit of $200 was refunded.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 10 Oct 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 35
visas for Euroean vs US citizens

Does anybody know if border crossings in Central and South America are the same for Europeans and US citizens in terms of purchasing my visas? Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 10 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: las vegas
Posts: 131
Quote:
Originally Posted by moto_girl View Post
Does anybody know if border crossings in Central and South America are the same for Europeans and US citizens in terms of purchasing my visas? Thanks!
zero visa cost on a UK passport
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 10 Oct 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,051
Perhaps it depends on which European country supplied your Euro passport.
There may well not be a charge for "a visa" but at most of the CA borders you actually do not need a VISA per se.
VISA means a specially stamped page in your passport which you get from their embassy or consulate before you even show up at a border crossing.
The CA countries and Mexico and even the USA (depending on where you now live) will accept your valid passport as adequate proof of citizenship and your good intent as a tourist and will readily issue ,after you complete the forms , a tourist card to let you into the country for a few months stay.
There will be fees associated with getting the tourist card and for temporarily importing your bike or car and for other services rendered at the border such as "fumigacion" ,municipal tourist tax etc. These at each country vary ,some add up to only a few dollars while some may come to a total of around $48 to $50 US DOLLARS at most before you are ready to step into the actual country.
Watch your receipts and the currency required for each payment and do not let yourself be confused by slick operating swindling so-called helpers.
Some borders demand all payment in moneda nacional, some will allow a mix of MN and US Dollars
__________________
http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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
Crossing In To Iraq From Small Border Iran maximondo West and South Asia 10 5 Nov 2014 13:35
Best way to travel central america? lelindaedwards Central America and Mexico 5 9 Jul 2012 20:02
Iran/Turkmenistan Border Crossing peter04 Northern and Central Asia 5 27 May 2012 13:51
Border crossing Armenia - Iran eljulian Europe 13 15 Feb 2012 08:14
Villazon, Bolivia Border crossing Mr Steam Turbine SOUTH AMERICA 8 30 Nov 2011 13:27

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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 19:14.