Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Middle East
Middle East Topics specific to the Middle East countries, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman and the Emirates
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 May 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Riyadh
Posts: 6
Leaving Saudi on 2 wheels?

Hallo All,

Firstly, I want to congratulate HU. This is a superb site and quite a goldmine of info.

Thank you for keeping it running!

I want to leaving Saudi Arabia and want to use this opporunity to tour the rest of the year on my bike.

The bike is registered in Saudi and I will have to get export plates before I can leave the country.

I'm South African and will eventually have to ship the bike (1100GS) there.

If this prooves too much of a mission, I have 2 alternatives.

1) Ship the GS to SA and ship my R1100S to my starting country.

2) Ship the GS to SA and buy a bike in my starting country, do the tour and sell it when I leave.

At the moment I have no preconceived ideas of what to do and are open to advice.

The only thing to take into account is that my final destination might have to be London, if I get the job...

Any suggestions/advice/help?

Thanks

Paul Burger
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 May 2003
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
paul
assuming you can get the exit plates and wish to drive away then you have a couple of choices:

1. drive north to jordan and syria and turkey... then turn left to europe or right to iran and pakistan/ india etc.

or

2. drive to yemen, ship the bike and yourself to djibouti and ethiopia, then north to sudan and egypt etc or south to kenya and eventually rsa.

if you want to ship somewhere else... well... where do you want to go?

cheers
chris
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 May 2003
Stephano's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 887
Hi, Paul,
Good to see a new post in the Middle East section - it was looking a bit sad.

It is currently extremely difficult for UAE bikers to get the necessary 3-day transit visa across Saudi to get into Jordan & Syria (and then onto Turkey and Europe).

Since you're in the fortunate position of already being in Saudi, why not ride straight out into Jordan and then to wherever takes your fancy. Then you don't have to spend money on shipping, at least not until you want to get the bike back 'home'.

Iran is also worth visiting.

Also worth considering... the delights of the UAE, followed by a ferry to Iran and then northwards. NB Iranian carnet deposit can be offputting!

Regards,
Stephano
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 May 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Riyadh
Posts: 6
Hi Stephano/Chris,

I think my first problem is whether I will be able to ride the bike for almost a year on export plates and then if I do need carnet who will issue it as the bike will not theoretically registered anywhere.

Once I get this solved I can start planning. Do you know where I can find out about this. Do you know of anyone that has exported their vehicles from here before?

Thanks

Paul
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 May 2003
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
paul
interesting dilemma useful comments i can contribute are:

*as the bike was built in germany, it requires no payment of import tax to enter the european union. whereever you might wish to register it, value added tax (and other e.g. luxury taxes may be due??!!)

*you don't need a carnet for jordan and turkey. you *should* still be able to get through syria without a carnet (pls check!!??)

*to get a carnet in germany, you must be resident in germany. search the hubb regarding this purpose. i recall spain might be possible??

*why not remotely register it in rsa and get your carnet there?

HTH

ChrisB
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 May 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Riyadh
Posts: 6
Hi Chris,

Thanks for the info.

It looks that I'll have to spend the next week in the Diplomatic Quarter to get to the bottom of all the paperwork (carnet/etc). The SA Embassy was not of much use but hopefully they'll be bale to help with the remote registration.

If everything works out I would love to ride through Romania and Hungary too.

As it would be my first long-term bike tour I' prefer to do it in Europe. I have a lot of friends in a lot of countries where I can regroup for a few days, whereas, if I choose south America it might be too big a bite to swollow.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Cheers

Paul
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 May 2003
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
paul
IMVVHO, south america is the best place on the planet, especially for biking. even better you don't need a carnet on any of the LAND borders (nor in central or north america, if you're a brit like me)... lots of people ship into buenos aires, where you might need a carnet (airport only????.... pls search the hubb for the latest info). you can definitely get it into valpariso docks, near santiago de chile without a carnet.

it would be great fun giving a latino customs man an saudi document written in arabic better would be to manufacture your own south african or british vehicle reg doc. as they are so laid back and don't know what the real one looked like... no probs. it never took more than 20 minutes to get a temporary import doc.

when i was there, i exclusively submitted colour photocopies (of original docs...), so no probs. i would however have to deny it, if accused of knowing how to use picture/text manipulation packages i bought a bike in ushuaia and finding a decent colour printer on a saturday evening can be a problem though

why am i writing this in the middle east forum?

good luck
ChrisB
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Helsinki/Finland - Riyadh/Saudi Arabia
Posts: 21

I'm trying to exit Saudi on a bike also but I have been told that you cannot get export plates for a motorcycle. Did you eventually manage to get the export plates and if yes, how?


Quote:
Originally posted by TheBrain:
Hi Chris,

Thanks for the info.

It looks that I'll have to spend the next week in the Diplomatic Quarter to get to the bottom of all the paperwork (carnet/etc). The SA Embassy was not of much use but hopefully they'll be bale to help with the remote registration.

If everything works out I would love to ride through Romania and Hungary too.

As it would be my first long-term bike tour I' prefer to do it in Europe. I have a lot of friends in a lot of countries where I can regroup for a few days, whereas, if I choose south America it might be too big a bite to swollow.

I'll let you know what I find out.

Cheers

Paul
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 3 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Zurich
Posts: 47
Agree with Stephano, at last a new post!
Anyway, by all means try to include Syria on your route, it was my absolute favourite in the Middle East and I sincerely recommend you passing through. Don't miss Palmyra out in the desert. It's beautiful riding in rolling desert landscape with very friendly bedouins at the petrol stations. Then cut back to Aleppo and head for Europe through Turkey. I'd also recommend you to cruise the Alps in Austria and Switzerland, the scenary is stunning.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 4 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Helsinki/Finland - Riyadh/Saudi Arabia
Posts: 21
I've been going through Syria for trips to Europe and back four times now. I haven't been to Palmyra yet though, so I'll definitely try to do that this last time. Weather will be the deciding factor though, it was -5 between Damascus and Homs a couple of weeks ago. As long as there's not ice I'll be ok down to below zero with my Widder vest even on an exposed bike like a Blackbird.

I've always done the coastal route on my way up since it's always such a nice thing to see the mediterrean after being stuck in Riyad for months and riding through a couple of thousand kms of dry desert. Also there's nice things to see on that route, like Krak des Chevaliers and a few other castles. On the way back I've always been in too much of a hurry to do much sightseeing. I'm quite sure I'll skip Aleppo this time since Syria is always quite easily doable within a one-month vacation from Finland and I can't think of any must see things there. So far I've concentrated on doing places that are more difficult to do from Europe. For some of the pictures with finnish explanations check out <http://www.nixu.fi/~dagge/loma-2001/>. Those pics are from a trip back in 2001 when a colleague of mine masochistically anough joined me as a pillion and we went to Mada'in Saleh in Saudi, a bit of diving in Hurghada in Egypt, up through Jordan and Syria where we checked out Krak des Chevaliers and pretty much beelining from there to Germany to drop him off. In the end of the page there's a link to more pictures as 'Kaikki kuvat'.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 4 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Helsinki/Finland - Riyadh/Saudi Arabia
Posts: 21
Hm, the link didn't come through for some reason. Anyway, try http://www.nixu.com/~dagge/loma-2001/
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 4 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Zurich
Posts: 47
Hi Dagge,
nice pictures, how did you like the Petra-look-alike-place in saudi compared to Petra? I didn't have time to go there when I rode through Saudi but I wanted to. Anyway, defenitely take the eastern route over Palmyra. The road is dead boring up to Palmyra, it's when you head north it gets interesting. There is a place called Rusafa (I think) which LP described as a "stunning walled city". We decided that that would be a nice place to spend the night. Upon arrival we however realised that it was a deserted ancient city, so we had to press on to Palmyra. Rusafa was great because it is in the middle of nowhere, the ruins are magnificent, and you'll be virtually alone there.
On our trip we hooked up with some Kurdish students in Aleppo and hanging out with them in the kurdish quarters in Aleppo is on my highlight list for the middle east. Mail me if you want contact details to these kurdish guys I know!
Erik
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 4 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Helsinki/Finland - Riyadh/Saudi Arabia
Posts: 21
I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't been to Petra yet... Mada'in Saleh was sort of ok, but I believe Petra is much more impressive. The problem in getting to Mada'in Saleh is that you need a letter from the Ministry of Archaeology to be admitted to the area. That is if you are a foreigner, Saudis get in without papers and consequently there's all sorts of picnic trash all over the place and some of the tombs have been used as toilets. Not nice.

If I had been on a dirt bike or even a dual-sport I would have followed the base of the Hijaz railway to some trains blown up by one of the earliers bikers in the area, Arabia Lawrence, but I didn't think that would have been such a good idea on a fully loaded Blackbird 2-up. I wouldn't recommend Mada'in Saleh for a streetbike either, especially if you're unfamiliar with soft sand.

Anyhow, I think I'll have to skip Aleppo this time, and I'd like to leave something unvisited so I'll have an excuse to ride back down later.

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


 
 

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 19:39.