Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Jul 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Nashville, TN USA
Posts: 2
carnets, insurance, and ditching the bike

I'm in a bit of a unique situation for several reasons, but more or less here is the deal. I'm an American citizen living in Japan with a Japanese work visa and a motorcycle registered in Japan. I will be leaving in a month possibly headed across Russia/Mongolia/Europe, and at the moment I have no carnet (it doesn't seem to be necessary for these areas) and no international insurance for the bike. My main question is this: how difficult would it be to buy insurance for Europe at the border (or via internet in Russia), and is it possible for me to get a carnet after I leave Japan (if I decide to go to Africa)? I don't want to deal with obtaining a carnet right now, because I may not even need it. Also, my work visa will be expired, so I will be an American citizen with a Japanese registration. Does anyone have a guess as to how that affects getting a carnet or insurance? More importantly, what happens if I "wreck" my bike or it is "broken beyond repair" while on the road (it's a bit old)? Do I still have to pay an import duty if the bike is garbage? Basically, is there anyway to ditch the bike in transit without paying tons of money in fees (the bike is valued at $1,500US)? I hope this all makes sense.
Thanks a lot.
Take it easy,
ryan
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Jul 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Wakefield, QC, Canada
Posts: 273
Hi Ryan,
An interesting case. This is what I would do. Have all the papers for the bike transcribed into English, and get an International Driver's Permit. You don't need a carnet in the countries you mention, not even in Europe. You can buy insurance at the borders. Once in Europe, say Germany, you can go to the ADAC and ask, if it is possible to get a carnet for Africa. By this time your Oldtimer will have racked up so many hard miles, that it would be wise to trash it. No big problem in Europe. Buy a new one for Africa, and try again for the carnet. You will, of course, need it there.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Jul 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Nashville, TN USA
Posts: 2
Many thanks.
I do have an International Driver's Permit, although the legality is a bit questionable. I think I'll just pick up insurance along the way (probably a hassle?) and deal with the carnet on another bike if Africa is financially feasible. I guess my greatest concern was paying a high import duty on a bike that had become almost worthless after a long, hard trip. If I can let her R.I.P. somewhere in Europe that would be great. Thanks again.
Take it easy,
ryan
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

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


 
 

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!

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 07:43.