Carnet for countries where it is not required
 

I am planning a trip through several countries in SE Asia where the Carnet CAN be used but IS NOT required.
I'm interested in doing the easiest/most simple thing.

Is using a Carnet much simpler at border crossings instead of doing whatever the local import/export and fee paying paperwork may be?

Hi Bokad

A carnet is similar to a dental treatment.

If you need a root canal therapy ... well, then you need one. :surrender:
But If you dont realy need a CdP dont get one :nono:(there is no preventive type).

In the end of the day it is much easier to deal with the TIP of each country, especially on long term trips.

Cheers
Jörn (engaged with CdP action since 9 years now)

Carnet in Africa - Our experience
 

Hi Bokad

We used our Carnet in Africa and in all countries we went to (see Latest news / About us - Langebaan Sunset - Stonehenge UK to Cape Town SA - 2010/11) even those that (according to the Carnet website) that do not require it....why?

We found that the Carnet was easy to use in every country - a few people were not sure how to fill it in but most of the time it was quick and simple and used instead of any local transit papers which you normally have to pay for anyway.

The Carnet also serves as a useful document if you get stopped by police or customs people inside the country. It serves a single record of your journey and if you use it in every country you actually get your moneys worth by ensuring its stamped in and out each time. Officials that stop you on the road side tend to back off when you show the Carnet - so it has its uses.

I would recommend using the Carnet all the time as you have paid for it, its an officially recognised document and things can change while you are on the road. People's experiences will differ from country to country, but we think its good to use it when and where you can.

HTH

Safe Travels

Nick

Are you going anywhere that definately does require a carnet? If you have to get one for a couple of countries you may as well use it for others. But if you aren't going anywhere that requires a carnet then I wouldn't bother.

Correct me if I´m wrong, but in SE Asia, it is my understanding that only Indonesia certainly requires the carnet (...about Philippines I´m not sure, though). Thailand, Cambodia and Laos can be done without it. Malaysia´s sort of ´in the middle´ (literally!)..... at least the land border coming from Thailand seemed relaxed about it, in fact they didn´t even bother to have a look at our bike.... but if you were planning to ship your vehicle to Malaysia, then it could be different, as it is officially a carnet-country.

You don´t specify any route, but Australia also requires it, in case you´re planning to continue that way.

In that area, I would not bother to arrange the carnet, unless it is likely, that not having it will become a serious show-stopper.

I had an issue (much more simpler than yours, I'm sure) to get the deposit back and a person in FIA was extremely helpful.

Maybe you have already contacted everyone, including this person, but in case it may help, you can find her contact details in this thread.

Good luck anyway,

Esteban