Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North America
North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska 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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Aug 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: wales
Posts: 36
Smile visa waiver and general help!

hi, im looking to travel from the uk to california where I plan to buy a bike and travel south through central and south america.
can anyone tell me how tell me how I can be eligable for the visa waiver scheme when I will not have an onward ticket to show on entry, is there anyway around this.
Also is california a good place to buy a bike for such a trip?
can anyone tell me the best place to get bike insurance for 2 or 3 months for california and will I need insurance in mexico and further south.
many thanks to anyone who can answer these questions!
also any aditional info on this trip you think important would also be apreciated.

I would also like to hear from anyone planing a similar trip!

david.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
I can't help with info on the visa. Perhaps a call to the US Consulate would.

Some Kalifornia bikes have a few added pollution gadgets on them that bikes from other states do not have.

States have different sales and property tax rates.
Kalifornia isn't the cheapest state for vehicle registration and insurance.

Some states have vehicle registration that's greater than 1 year. For example, Louisiana is 4 yrs and someone from this board posted that Montana was permanent (one time) registration. This could be valuable.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Aug 2006
yuma simon's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona, USA
Posts: 548
The disadvantages of buying in Cal. is what Lone Rider mentioned.

The big advantage of buying there is the sheer number of bikes in that state--the law of supply and demand means you will (most likely) get a better deal on a bike than other states.

The only problem with registering in other states is that you have to physically go to the other state with your bike, and it sounds like you are landing in Calif., buying a bike, and riding southward.

You will need insurance in most any (I am pretty certain all 50) US state, but I know that Calif. for sure requires it. Mexico also requires it, and you must get a separate Mexican policy. I think the better bet for Mexico is to get a 6 months or longer policy as the cost is significantly lower than buying the "weekend" deals, even if you're only staying a month or two.

California has literally hundreds, if not thousands of places to buy an insurance policy. I would have no idea where to guide you as your particular circumstances are different from a resident, but I am sure dozens of people from other countries have done a similar situation, and can guide you where to go to buy a policy.

Perhaps you can find a bike in California here on the Hubb, or try these links


www.recycler.com and http://www.cycletrader.com/
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Aug 2006
BklynDakar's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: NY, USA
Posts: 356
Post

There is nothing to do for the visa waiver. The visa is waived so you just present your passport. However, things are changing so check with the US consulate in the UK or try the site I added below. It may depend if you have a new passport.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/vwp/

The topic of one way ticket has been discussed endlessly. Do a search, but don't expect any easy answers.
__________________
Prevously known as JSherm
My blog: http://www.motorcycleramblings.com/
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/sherman/ I will up date this soon, really Grant, I will....
"This is the story of America. Everybody's doing what they think they're supposed to do." J Kerouac
"Who's more foolish: the fool, or the fool who follows him" OW Kenobi
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Aug 2006
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
No probs

I've been questionned about why I didn't have a reservation for a rental car, who I was visting, and why, and whether I intended to be involved in criminal activities etc, but they never asked for an onward ticket when arriving in the US.

Thing they want to know is whether you want to work there, and they'll fire a zillion questions at you and make you feel guilty for something no one knows, and then they let you in.

;-)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Aug 2006
yuma simon's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona, USA
Posts: 548
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robbert
I've been questionned about why I didn't have a reservation for a rental car, who I was visting, and why, and whether I intended to be involved in criminal activities etc, but they never asked for an onward ticket when arriving in the US.

Thing they want to know is whether you want to work there, and they'll fire a zillion questions at you and make you feel guilty for something no one knows, and then they let you in.

;-)
The questioning is probably more to do with our so-called "Homeland Security" issues than working. Somehow, these questions will see if you have bad intentions while you are here, and if you have a Middle Eastern surname, you will get extra hassling.

We have an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants, so the working questions probably have to do with whether or not you are there to take one of the illegal's jobs away from them.(C'mon, someone has to look out for the illegal aliens' interests!)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Aug 2006
yuma simon's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona, USA
Posts: 548
Here are some companies I found randomly by putting in 'Mexican auto insurance' in the Yahoo search engine.

http://www.drivemex.com/

http://www.bajabound.com/

http://www.mexadventure.com/

https://www.mexicaninsurance.com/quoteMIQ.asp
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 6 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
www.mexonline.com/legal.htm also has a big list.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 Aug 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: wales
Posts: 36
thanks for all the replies, from what Ive discovered it seems that an onward ticket is a requirement for the visa waiver and there is no way around it, although some people on this site say they were not asked for it when entering, entery can be refused without it. therefore I will most likely buy a return ticket (Im told its usualy cheaper anyway).

L.A. seems to be the most convinient state to buy a bike but registering the bike once only seems to be very apealing.

any thoughs on what would be the most apropriate bike?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 9 Aug 2006
yuma simon's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Yuma, Arizona, USA
Posts: 548
As far as dual-sports/enduros, we won't have as wide a selection as Europe. A Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki in the 650 range should suffice, and these bikes are fairly plentiful in the states, and should be easy to find in the L.A. area. Look a few posts up at the links to recycler.com and cycletrader.com I should have added to use a zip code of 91325 (one of the many zip codes in the Los Angeles area) when it asks what zip code to use. One problem I can forsee in your search is the vast area that makes up the greater L.A. area. If you are staying with friends/relatives it should be easier to get to a bike to look at. Otherwise, it might be a logistical nightmare due to the immense size of what will come up in your search area. Not to discourage you, but try to find someone from here (Horizons) in that area to help you out if you don't have anyone there already.
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 10:41.