Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > SOUTH AMERICA
SOUTH AMERICA Topics specific to South America 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 9 Jan 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 3
Motorcycle licence required in South America?

Hi there,
I am looking at doing a motorbike trip around SA starting Feb 2013.
This may sound like a stupid question but will I need a motorcycle licence while over there? Or will an international drivers licence (car) be sufficient to keep authorities happy (there isnt alot distinguishing vehicle classes i.e car/motorbike on international licences)?
I know how to ride but living rural means i've never had to worry about a licence for roads in New Zealand.
Any help would be much appreciated, just trying to save some $$$ involved in getting a licence here which i dont really need!
P.s. from going through previous posts Santiago, Chile appears to be the easiest place for a foreigner to purchase a bike? Has anybody got any up to date info on bike purchases in Buenos Aires? Would suit my itinerary alot better and also have a local friend there to help facilitate the process.
Thanks once again!
Ben.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Jan 2012
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 87
I rode from Reno, NV to Ushuaia this fall. No one asked to see my international license. But they did ask for my US one at about every border. Like many travelers I made a color copy of the actual license and plastic wrapped it. That is the one I showed them. Frankly I think the 15 bucks to get the international was not wasted. They also asked to see your moto's title and registration and they often ask you to give them copies of all these documents. I don't know if they would notice the lack of the motorcycle endorsement, but if they do, they might not let you into the country. So I would go out and get one.

Regarding bike purchases in Argentina I met a Swiss guy who did that. He was told he could not bring the bike out of Argentina and had to turn back and sell it in Rio Gallegos and take the bus. I know this does not make sense but that is what he said. It was something like he had to bring the bike in to get the Aduna to bring it out. Maybe you should contact an Argentine counsel. Dave
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Jan 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,898
cherckerdd's friend is correct. If you buy a bike legally in Argentina as a foreigner you can't leave the country with it.

If you buy another traveler's bike, registered outside Argentina, you can make it work.

A thorough search of this site will yield detailed instructions and confirmation of the above. Good luck.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 Jan 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 3
Thanks fullas!
Yeah I might aswell take this oppurtunity to finally get a bike licence….
And head to Santiago for a horse.
Much appreciated, safe travels!
Ben
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Jan 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 37
I just got my bike licence before I left. The police in Ecuador and Peru only asks for my internacional licence, they don´t know what to do with my Dutch one.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Dec 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 5
Dutch (european) driving license in Arg/Chi/Bol

Quote:
Originally Posted by kjiratsiekoedel View Post
I just got my bike licence before I left. The police in Ecuador and Peru only asks for my internacional licence, they don´t know what to do with my Dutch one.
Has anyone info/advice/recommendations on driving in Argentina/Chile/Bolivia with a Dutch driving license? I'm already in S.America so can't get a (Dutch) international driving license issued since that has to be done in person in the Netherlands itself..
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Dec 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Tilburg, Netherlands
Posts: 47
@ arnedeknegt
Was asked for it at route 14 Argentina and offered it today in Chile as they didn't know what to make of my Dutch license (just to speed things up).
__________________
If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Dec 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 5
hey kenny013.
tilburg?
you have experience buying a foreign owned bike in south america (chile, argentina) or did you ship your own bike to s.america?

i'm considering buying a bike in chile from a fellow traveler, but not entirely sure wheter that is hassle free or not...see quite some pro's and con's online.
would love to hear from your experiences and your trip. mail me on yellow_cosmic_warrior@yahoo.com

ps, mark (kjiratsiekoedel), thanx for ur quick response!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Dec 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 12
I spent a few weekes riding in Peru a couple of years ago, and from the info i got from the Peruvian embassy and from my insurer before i left, was if i was licensed to ride in Oz, that was ok for Peru, no need for international or local licenses, for the rest of SA, could not offer any advice,
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 31 Dec 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: England
Posts: 63
international is required. spent 1 hour with arg police

Argentina --- yes. international

it was a short conversation when they roll out the english speaking poliman

this euro license is correct but it is not recognised, you need the internatioal one. thankfully did have, unfirtunatly i was missing my seguru (insurance) but after lots of chatting and polite i promised to stop in the next town and buy it, with the directions he gave me. with awarming route 14 has lots of police checks because of the drug smuggling route.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2 Jan 2013
BruceP's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ben King View Post
Hi there,
I am looking at doing a motorbike trip around SA starting Feb 2013.
This may sound like a stupid question but will I need a motorcycle licence while over there? Or will an international drivers licence (car) be sufficient to keep authorities happy (there isnt alot distinguishing vehicle classes i.e car/motorbike on international licences)?
I know how to ride but living rural means i've never had to worry about a licence for roads in New Zealand.
Any help would be much appreciated, just trying to save some $$$ involved in getting a licence here which i dont really need!
P.s. from going through previous posts Santiago, Chile appears to be the easiest place for a foreigner to purchase a bike? Has anybody got any up to date info on bike purchases in Buenos Aires? Would suit my itinerary alot better and also have a local friend there to help facilitate the process.
Thanks once again!
Ben.
I can see others have offered advice, but the one key thing missing is that YES, you should have a bike licence. Without it any insurance will end up being void (you will be buying insurance won't you? )

Buying in Chile is dealt with well in this thread

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...santiago-45637

And this web page Guide to Buying a new motorcycle (or a car) in Chile for foreigners | Ondrej Jurik

However 2 things,

1) I hit an issue after buying privately, the RUT number will only work with a commercial dealer until you have the physical card. We then went north on notary letters, until Peru which would not allow us in (owner must be at border with bike on entry). As we did not need to go further north not 100% a major issue.

2) Bikes are more expensive in Chile
__________________
--

http://www.ytc1.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 3 Jan 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
In all countries in SA (apart from Chile which I did visit) I was only ever asked for UK license at the border NOT international. On the road I always showed international because that was the one I was will to lose if they wanted a bribe!
I'm quite sure you'll be OK with the Dutch one but make a good copy and get it laminated (I didn't and wish I had).
This info is current, well a month ago.

Cheers
Pete
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 3 Jan 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 5
Pete, Thanks for the info!
you travel with ur own UK bike it seems based on the pics on FB?
you have first hand knowledge of foreigners driving on another foreigner's bike with a power of attorney? seems like that's the easiest and most legal way for buyer and seller to transfer a bike from one to another?

would appreciate any type of feedback
thanks,
arne de knegt
Relocate
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 6 Jan 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 8
Hi,
We were also without driving licence and did it in Buenos Aires in October, legally in 3 working days (3hrs of examinations, 2*3hrs of theory classes and exam after) for about 120 pesos
We bought after 2 Yamahas YBR 125 in Santiago de Chile, registered them with TEMPORARY RUT without problems and are now in Bolivia. As compared our YBRs were 20% cheaper in Chile than in Argentina.
Important is that as a foreigner you can't go from Chile to Peru and Bolivia, you have to go through Argentina.
During our trip we were asked only 1 time for driving licences much more important were PADRON (certificate of ownership) and international insurance in Argentina.
In our opinion if you don't care for your health insurance in case of an accident you can easily photoshop your car driving licence. Because only that can be a problem. Till now we experienced, that police here cares much more about cars than motorbikes.
All the best with trip!
Rafal
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 14 Jan 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 4
Any ideas how long the driving license takes in Chile?

Hi,
I also don't have a motorcycle license, which wouldn't have bodered me, but my driving license from Canada is also expired after beeing in South America since over a year already! Does anybody know how long it takes to get one in Chile?
Buy the way how much dud you pay for yourYBR 125?
I'm also looking to buy a small engine motor bike!
Cheers,
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
Ongoing blogs in South America scooper SOUTH AMERICA 79 26 Aug 2013 14:18
South America Route and Timing Opinions Whynot Route Planning 5 18 May 2012 06:23
Uk registered Mercedes Sprinter in South America antoniofel Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 1 Feb 2012 14:52
Sharing container South America to South Africa. RSF Trip Transport 2 27 Nov 2011 18:36

 
 

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 16:09.