Claims in Mauritania
 

I'm about to start traveling by moto through Mali, Mauritania and Morocco. One part of border crossings that I am unfamiliar with is "claims". I have read that you must claim all of your money (and equipment?) at the border. I am unsure of why we are doing this, and when doing so, do we claim all money that we have (for example, the travelers checks stuffed and taped up under the moto seat). Also, if I'm claiming a few extra US bills that I have in my bag, are these border gaurds going to be enticed to start laying out fines because my shoelace is untied and take my cash?
Thank you in advance for any information on this subject.
Ted Lawrence

Ted

I have moved your query to the Sahara Forum, as it is not bike-specific, and Chris Scott and the other experts on this forum will be more likely to have a response for you.

Good luck!

------------------
Susan Johnson
Share the Dream at <A HREF="http://www.HorizonsUnlimited.com/index.shtml" TARGET=_blank>www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
</A>

I think you may mean 'declaring' your stuff which is normal at many borders RTW - my experience in this area was that you can talk your way out if it and/or give them a little cadeau if you like - its not as bad as what I've read of Central America, for example.
And anyway, most guards cant be bothered with bikes.

Chris S

------------------
Author of Sahara Overland and the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, among other things

http://www.sahara-overland.com