Shipping with Girag, a crash course

[Werner]

If you decide to ship Panama-Bogota this way, check the reports in the relevant section of the HUBB. No additional one needs to be added by me. Instead, a nuts-and-bolts approach.
Once in Panama City, ride out to Tocumen Airport. At turnoff to passenger terminal go straight and circle the whole airfield. Takes at least 30 minutes bec. of traffic. Present yourself with a clean bike at Girag, in Cargo section. But if you couldn't clean bike before, there is a water tap just in front of their hangar, and you can use an old coke bottle to do your ablutions. Drain gasoline, put bike on scale, and push into hangar. Meanwhile the ladies will type up your waybill. They will also take US$400 cash from you, no plastic. Take waybill out to the rotunda, where you came in (you have to hitchhike, it's quite far to walk), to get your stamp in the passport cancelled by aduana, otherwise they won't let you leave the country. You're home free now. Whole procedure shouldn't take longer than 2-3 hours depending on the speed of the typist. What next? You can hitch a ride (there are no taxis) to the airport passenger terminal and take the next flight out, or you can stay at a hotel, wherever, and leave later. Camping nearby not a good idea. Report of dengue fever. I left bike with Girag on Thursday afternoon. It is promised to be in Bogota for Saturday morning. Inshallah!

[Charlie Hehl]

Werner,

Thanks for the information. I plan to make the same shipment when I get to Panama in about a month.

I'd be interested in how th shipment turns out, please post something on Saturday.

Also, which airlines did you use for yourself and what did it cost? Where are staying in Bogota?

Although you are a month ahead of me, hope we can meet up sometime in SA.

[Grant Johnson]

Plelase see the Tripplan / Transport section "Shipments by Travellers" link on the left menu for lots of shipping details - and I'm sure Werner will post his detailed info there to - won't you Werner?

Grant

[Werner]

Hi Charlie,
Glad to be of help. Another hint, watch your timing. Best to do your shipping before Wednesday. Today, Saturday, I went out to Bogota Cargo, Girag, and was told that the bike had not arrived from Panama. Try again on Monday. I'm staying at the Aragon Hotel, which is dirt cheap, but a dump. It is on Cra 3, Calle 14. Just south of Cra 3, on Calle 14, is the Dann Hotel, with secure parking, and much better, for US$40 or so. I stayed there back in 1997, but had forgotten. The taxi driver will find it for you. Ticket Panama-Bogota on Copa was US$217.
Bogota is not a bad city to spend a few days. But I was here many times before, and I'd rather be riding.

[Twintraveller]

Hi, we used Girag in May to Ecuador. Process was as easy as described. Bike was 2 days late in Quito, but everything was totally ok. friendly service and help to get bike out. No bribes, no damage.

Martin

[Albert Hoermann]

I shipped with Girac from Panama to Bogota, no problem at all!
Cost's 312,50 US, normally US 350,-!
Also no problem to get the bike out of custom in Bogota!
But this was 14 month ago!