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troubles at El Florido crossing into Honduras
I had trouble crossing into Honduras yesterday at El Florido...the folks on Honduras side said my bike registration is not an original document, which it definitely is. I think she wanted some bribe money which got my dander up. I asked to see her supervisor, she indicated she was where the buck stops. I asked for her name, she declined. I then took a picture of her and walked out saying this is not the end of the matter. The little Honduras guy tagging on to me as a wanna-be fixer might have been part of the problem as he glued himself to me even though I tried to ignore him and indicated I did not need his help...maybe subtle signals to Honduras lassie about cooperating on extracting cash. The registration/ownership document was accepted by Mexico and Guatemala...
Anyway I said screw Honduras and turned around. |
El Florido? Isn't that the crossing just down the road from Copan Ruinas? I had some of my best-on-record border experiences there a few months ago: complete absence of wannabe helpers; aduana flunkies running down the road in the heat to get photocopies made (for free); uniformed staff interrupting lunch break to process me through, etc. No one tried to overcharge me for anything, and all went speedily, if not exactly efficiently. To cap it off, when I didn't have correct change they refunded me some of what I genuinely owed (and had already been receipted for) and told me not to worry about it.
I'd suggest waiting for a shift change and trying again. All else aside, it's reportedly far more difficult at other crossings, and if you can't find your way into Honduras you're not going to South America, where borders are easier and the scenery more intense. enjoy, Mark |
yes I know I will have to face up to another attempt at a Hondurus crossing...just wasn`t in the mood yesterday. Things were great on Guatamala side, then went to hell on Honduras side. I kept my cool for the longest time. Hopefully things will go better crossing from El Salvador.
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Uniformed men come to your bike, speak english, get your papers and ten minutes later, you're good! Completely free in and out. On the Guat side there were no 'helpers' around and on the Hond side, he even helped me fend them off, and warned me about the scams at the Honduras entry! Kudos to El Salvador for making it easy and feel welcoming to be a tourist in their country. |
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Cheers Larry |
If and when you get to Nicuragua, drop in and say hi to Jimmy Three Fingers in Granada. He has a cheap hostel, has motorbikes, a bar, does nice food and is a top bloke. Just go to the main square and ask any kid on a pushbike, they all know him :)
Cheers TS |
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Cheers Larry |
It is called Hospeje Neustre Casa at his location
11.92993,-85.95716 - Google Maps Say G'day from TS for me |
I had the same experience as Markharf at El Florido.
Fifteen minutes and as easy as pie. Decent rate from the moneychangers too. It's just the luck of the draw whether you are the one they think they can get a bit of money from. I had a similar experience to you at the Ipiales,Colombia-Ecuador border. It was Sunday afternoon(bad timing) and I was trying to cross into Ecuador. The Colombian side was very professional and quick, but there was only one Aduana agent on the Ecuador side. He did not like my bike paperwork and was fishing for a bribe. I got mad and complained to the Ecuador Immigration guy who said he could do nothing(they were buddies). So it was stamp out of ecuador immigration and back into Colombia. The Colombian Immigration stamped me back in and just said it happens sometimes with "Those Ecuadorians". Colombian Aduana just laughed and said to try again in the morning when all the regular workers are there. They did not even stamp the bike back in to Colombia. I went back across in the Morning and it was no problem with all the regular Aduana agents there. I never used helpers and only paid one bribe on my trip from Canada to Ushuia and back. It was at the Costa Rica- Panama border. About 5 kms into Panama was a military checkpoint. The Jefe flagged me down. There were five soldiers surrounding the bike. It was really hot and I was already tired from doing the border crossing ritual. When I showed my willingness to spread all the contents of the panniers on the road for inspection the Jefe's quick buck scheme changed. I was escorted into a small office and surrounded by soldiers. The Jefe explained that they were all hot, thirsty and underpaid. I replied that a cold beer would be really nice right then and asked how much beer was in Panama. The surprised Jefe said beer was $.50. I pulled three dollars out of my pocket. I gave it to the Jefe and told him to buy each of his men a beer. He was trapped. His men all knew how much I had given him and what it was for. I laughed as I walked out, loaded up the bike, and left. P.S. El Amatillo crossing into Honduras is a bit of a gong show. Get there early, and have "Mucho" patience with lots of copies of passport,title,etc... Wish I was down there travelling with you. Suerte |
El Amatillo, Honduras crossing.
You are right about the El, Almatillo border crossing being a mess. I did it in Jan. 2009 on my trip to Ushhuaia. It was only my 3rd crossing after the US?Mex. crossing at Columbus, New Mexico & it turned into a learning experience. There were agressive so called helpers, fees & copy charges. I made the mistake of letting the helper hold my paper work & some advanced money & I just followed around like a puppy. Next thing I knew the helper wanted more money saying there was another fee to pay & some copies. I protested, but he had me. I probable got ripped off for $20US. After this incedent I only used helpers that could speak at least a little English & told them they would not hold any paper work or money, their job was only to take me to each station & talk to the Customs staff. They would protest at first, but I would say it's that way or I get someone else. They usually gave in. This crossing was also long. At one point the helper said I was done I could leave, but just a little way down the road at a check point I was sent back to a different building because something wasn't stamped. It was getting dark as I left & asked about a hotel, but was told there wasn't one & would need to go to the next town. I went about 5 miles down the road in the dark, not a good thing & almost hit a donkey & then a pig. I asked some people near a house about hotels ahead & they said I'd be better going back & that there was a hotel at the border. I went back & sure enough was lead to a hotel, but it was a real dump & they wanted $20. I took it any way as it was late. It was a bad looking town. I was able to cable lock my moto to the bars on my rooms window. The good thing there was a guard walking around with a sawed off shotgun & I gave him a couple of dollars to watch my moto,for all that my have been worth. Any way it was all part of the adventure.
I did my trip on a Yamaha XT225. I am writing it up now & even though it has been almost a year since the complition I'd like to put the stry on this site. Pete Chester |
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Yup, El Almatilo border crossing was so bad it was almost funny. I arrived a about 4:30 pm and had to wait for about 2.5 hours...I ignored the helpers and did change some money, holding on to mine while he showed me the calculation on his calculator, then he hands me my Nicaraguan money which is 100 short. He quickly gave me the other notes when I noticed. The aduana guy said his computer was down but some truckers managed to get through with the guy doing the work on the manual Olympia, I guess with a bit of lubricant involved. The truckers spoke up for me and finally there was a new guy on shift who helped me out..could really make that Olympia whirrr. Got my documents but by then it was dark, which I think was part of the overall strategy. Anyway I was stopped by the last guy with the rope across the road and he basically asked me for $20 which I declined. So had to ride into Somato in the dark looking for hotel. Was lucky to find on on main drag called Americano for $10 and even a little wagon on the square selling pizza slices. And today coming to Granada got stopped by cops on the road a couple times...one guy asked for poquito doing that thing with his fingers. I acted deaf and stupid and eventually they let me go. I DO NOT PAY BRIBES, I WOULD RATHER LOSE HOURS AND BE MISERABLE, but that is bone-headed me. PS what is the word on insurance, seguro in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama?? Cheers Larry |
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