Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > SOUTH AMERICA
Punta Arenas was not the buy/sell haven we had hoped for Punta Arenas was not the buy/sell haven we had hoped for
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
SOUTH AMERICA Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Helmut Koch, Vivid sky with Northern Lights, Yukon, Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Helmut Koch,
Camping under Northern Lights,
Yukon, Canada



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By granoturko

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Feb 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 22
Exclamation Punta Arenas was not the buy/sell haven we had hoped for
Me and a bike seller had read in the HUBB that Punta Arenas was a perfect place for foreigners to exchange foreign-plated bikes with one another; it was supposed to be a simple matter of making the sale and getting customs to transfer the TIP (import document) from the seller to the buyer. However, when the time had come to ask customs for help, we were disappointed to discover that customs was not going to help us at all. We talked to the boss, and then we talked to the boss' boss, and while the underlings at the customs office had previously assured us that what we wanted was indeed possible, the head of customs at Punta Arenas not only refused to help us, but even threatened to call the cops on us because it is supposedly illegal for foreigners in Chile to make sales of vehicles (or even gift vehicles) between each other. If anyone is thinking of buying/selling in Punta Arenas, i would encourage you to consider some alternatives.
Last edited by granoturko; 15 Feb 2019 at 20:02. Reason: Clarity
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Feb 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
Only thing I have ever read related to a sale between a foreigner and a resident of the free zone, and even that sounded a bit iffy and unlikely to be able to be pulled off ever again.

Similarly, there was a story about aduana at Santiago airport being willing to facilitate a foreigner to foreigner sale, but when I looked into it (because I was in the process of selling my vehicle) it was obvious that process wasn't going to fly either.
I think the problem is that some people fluke an official who doesn't know the law and who is happy to help, or they have the gift of the gab and sweet-talk through it.

My three successful buy/sell deals have relied on don't ask, don't tell aduana anything and use poders to get out of the country, preferably followed by the new owner getting the sale ratified back in the home country.
Not without risk and certainty stressful for all concerned, but seems to work pretty well
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Feb 2019
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,905
Interesting that what OP read here suggested a positive outcome. I've been following sell-your-bike-in-Chile posts for many years, and my takeaway was that some get lucky, but many definitely do not. I'm guessing there's some confirmation bias at work for both of us--I don't want to put effort into something pointless, so I tend to notice the negative posts and figure why even bother; someone else might be more optimistic in general, therefore pay more attention to positive descriptions and somehow not even notice the negative ones.

Seems worth keeping in mind, at least.

Mark
Last edited by markharf; 16 Feb 2019 at 22:21.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Mar 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 22
Agreed. I am happy to report that things did work out fine in the end and i am having a blast working my way up the continent. If anyone is thinking of buying a bike in South America, i would not want to dissuade them from doing so. There's always going to be obstacles on any adventure, but there's always ways around them too. In my case, i showed up with my helmet, jacket, riding pants, riding gloves, and riding boots, so there was no way i was going to give up and haul my gear around the continent as i took buses from city to city!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Mar 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 8
Thanks for this info, granoturko. We are actually planning on selling 2 bikes in Punta Arenas or Ushuaia in the next few weeks ourselves.

Hiw did you manage it in the end?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Mar 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 22
Katabatic, I would never, ever, ever do anything illegal, ever, but one solution involves switching out the titles at a border crossing. Seller and buyer drive the bike over the border, seller gives in his Chilean import document to Chilean customs, then the two of them walk over to the Argentina customs counter and gave them a different, updated title with the buyer's name on it and enter Argentina with the bike in the buyer's name. The next day the buyer and seller return to Chile and get a Chilean TIP in the buyer's name. All this work for a piece of paper that the customs office could have easily arranged for!

Also i can say for sure that i know of two people who have sold their bike in the way described by driving themselves and the buyer over the border between P. Arenas and Rio Gallegos.

Please note that to do this you will need two titles, one in the seller's name and one in your name. However you make this happen is up to you, but such an approach carries its risks, of course and there is no guarantee of success.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

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
Coolest, cheapest hostel for adventure riders in Punta Arenas, Chile! ironambre SOUTH AMERICA 0 12 Jan 2017 15:57

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 22:45.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top