carnet extension
 

Has anyone had experience extending a carnet issued in Australia? I just arrived in London with an Aussie registered bike. I am planning to work here for a while and keep the bike here for some more trips, possibly outside Europe. My carnet expires today, can it be extended after expiring, or can I arrange a new one from here?
Sean

Depending on where you want to go you may not need another one. In any case contact your AA for info. Shouldn't be a problem getting a new one. Organising a carnet here with a foreign registered bike could be difficult.

Please be aware of two things:

You must have Green Card insurance or risk having your bike impounded.

If you are living in GB then theoretically you are required after a certain time to register your bike in GB and obtain an EU drivers licence. I suggest you try and keep a low profile with the authorities. I did here in France. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif If you are ever stopped by police pretend to be a tourist. Don't even let them suspect you are there working and riding your AUS re'd bike.

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Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.

Thanks for the info. I managed to get across Europe without insurance, although I was a bit scared of having my bike taken in France, so I rode at night to avoid the constabulary (f*%&ing cold though). I was told at the Turkey/Greece border that Greek insurance companies no longer sell green card insurance to foreigners. Can anyone confirm this?
Sean

You can get an Australian issued carnet extended for 3 months but that is it....more than that and you are better to get a new one if you need one. cant remember how much we paid for our extensions in 2001 but am sure you will find it on the NRMA or the AA web site.

Hi Sean

rang the RACV today. Helen said you should contact the AA in the UK. Doesnt seem to be a major issue that the carnet has expired at this point.

+44 8705 448 866

I believe the contact is Alison.

Explain that you have a carnet and what your intentions are. They will advise the AAA in Australia and possibly the RACV. They will require proof that the bike is registered, and you may have to show the bike to customs to check the details prior to a new/extension to the carnet is issued. There will be fees associated with gettig an extension.

It may be possible to import to the UK as they dont require a carnet.

I have sent you an email with the email addresses of the contacts in the UK and Aust.

cheers

alec

Hi Sean

If you require guidance on use of the carnet, please telephone me on 01454 208000. RAC is now the only issuer of carnets in GB - the AA ceased issue in June 2002. "Alison" is no longer @AA.

Simmo - I will email the AAA in Canberra & ask they circulate a note to all Aus. state clubs, reminding them that AA GB no longer issue carnets. AAA Canberra are aware but obviously not all state clubs !



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Paul Gowen
Travel Research
RAC UK