Egypt Carnet now possible from South Africa!
 

I wish i could have made this post when i was stuck in Aswan trying to get my bike into Egypt, but at least theres good news now for those who are still to go...

I spoke to the AA in Cape Town and it is now possible to get a SA issued carnet validated for Egypt. This comes at a price of course- 200% of the value of the bike. And im told that foreigners can get their carnets issued here too, which is good because if youre planning to miss Egypt you can get a carnet for a mere $100.00 that is valid for the rest of Africa and most of Europe.

Jim,

I can confirm this is the case. I obtained a carnet from the AA a couple of weeks ago for my KTM 640. And yes, it does cost 200% for everyone and it is no problem for people outside SA (I am an Aussie). Although you will need to budget a month in sorting out the paperwork if you want a foreign bank to provide a guarantee to a SAfrican bank for the AA).

The contact in the AA in Joburg is Abigail Molan(think she is recently married, so the surname may have changed). A very good contact for a local SA bank for guarantees is Wayne Davids from First National in Joburg. (email is wayne.davids@fnbib.co.za)

However, important to note, you actually get to self assess the value of your bike. Without going into specifics, you can bet that the value of the bike on my carnet is less than what I had to pay second hand in Cape Town. A good 15,000 rand (US$2,500) less!

Currently in Swaziland heading to Mozambique for New years Eve if anyone is around and wants to have a beer.

cheers

Hi Jim, how sure are you about this, we tried all we can, even with 400% deposit of bike's value was not possible. That was in June 2004. Why would they change now?

Hi JC,

I know it sounds dodgy, but i spoke to a woman at the AA in Strand st and she swears this is now the case. I guess possibly SA / Egypt trade regulations may have changed or possibly the AA now feeel they can trust the Egyptians who riped them off in the past causing the situation we have come to know..
When i was stuck in Aswan in August i offered the AA any deposit they wanted and they still said no... times change and hopefully African relations are improving.
Call me if you need any more info.
082 6859288