How to enter China

[Nixa]

Today I spoke with China embassy here in Zagreb, and they told me that it is very difficcult (but possibe) to enter China on a motorcycle.
I was told that I need a some kind of letter of in invitation (LOI) from some sport club or something like that...
It is very important to me to enter China, because there is no other way to Pakistan (Khunjerab Pass).
One other solution is to enter Afganistan (Badakhshan Provinnce) from Tajikistan but I wolud rather took KKH.

HELP please

[Redboots]

Originally Posted by Nixa

I was told that I need a some kind of letter of in invitation (LOI) from some sport club or something like that...
It is very important to me to enter China, because there is no other way to Pakistan (Khunjerab Pass).

Normally the agent/guide will arrange the letter of invitation. Ours did.

Its a complicated and expensive process to get into China... but worth it
Do a search in the Norther Asia forum ( http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/northern-asia/ ) to find all the info...

John

[Bjorn]

Hi Nixa,

When are you planning to enter China? We're two bikers on a trip to Australia. We havent decided on a route yet but might go via China to the KKH. If we decide to do this, I think we'd be entering China from Kyrgyzstan around mid-September for about 5-7 days via Kashgar.
If this sounds interesting to you, we could possibly share the costs. It should work out around 500-700 Euros for each of us I think - send me a private message if you want.

Cheers
Bjoern

[Nixa]

Hi Bjorn!

I contacted STANTOURS here is they reply:

"In CHina a guide / accompany car arrangement is MANDATORY and must be sortedout lates 2..3 months prior to entry, prices for a minimal 7..10 day routing only really start at about 2000 USD per vehicle - let me know if you would like us to look into this. If you book directly in China - PLEASE BE VERY
CAREFUL, there have been dozens of scams..."

so I sadly decided not to go in China, maybe things will change...

Now I'm trying to find out is it possible to go across the Pyanj river (Tajikistan-Afganistan )and go to Pakistan throu Afganistan.
If this is possible I will take it, because I would really like to see Pakistan.
Other solution is to go back the same way which is a bit boring plus I have double entry visa problem or go north to Kazahstan.

[Bjorn]

Hi Nixa,

I got the same reply from Stantours: 2000 USD.
But I know people who have done China cheaper than that. For example, check out www.planitearth.co.uk - UK to Australia 2007 - Home Page
They went through China and took a guide for 5 days I think (staying in Kashgar for a few days without a guide). In total I think they paid around 700 USD per bike – and it should become cheaper.
They used Caravan Cafe for the booking I think. I will meet up with Charles (one of the guys) next weekend and find out some information.
I also have a friend in Beijing who speaks Mandarin and works in the tourist industry – she might be able to help.

Send me a PM with your email address and we can maybe discuss some more details, as soon as I know.

[Nixa]

I'm new on the HUBB and you need at least 8 posts before you can PM other people, I got 3 posts. )

I have sent You an email, throu HUBB, please confirm

[MAXVERT]

Hi,
Check out Index of /PastTripZ
There have been a few overland motorcyclists who
have managed to travel through China without paying
the ripoff fees the travel agencies want.
I plan on entering China from Mongolia in September
and riding through Tibet and on to Laos.
MAX

[Redboots]

Originally Posted by MAXVERT

There have been a few overland motorcyclists who
have managed to travel through China without paying
the ripoff fees the travel agencies want.
I

Max, check if any of them have done it since June 2007... New rules and regs since then...

I don't want to piss on your fire, but things really have changed. No China would completly change your trip... No?

Cheers,
John

[Nixa]

Redboots, You are so right, the things are definitely different!

In China embassy here in Zagreb they are very friendly and told me a lot...

One problem is that in China International Driver Licence is NOT accepted.
I think, that is the reason why escort is mandatory.

But "look on the bright side", there is no problem to enter Afghanistan at least not for me, today I spoke with Afghan embassy and tourist office in Vienna, and there is no problem in enterying Afghanistan not even on a motorcycle!

I will probably go from Tajikistan to Afghanistan and from Afghanistan to Pakistan! I will see a little of KKH!

Max, If You even succseed to enter China don't expect to go freely in Tibet, you need special permits for Tibet!

[Redboots]

Originally Posted by Nixa

One problem is that in China International Driver Licence is NOT accepted.
I think, that is the reason why escort is mandatory.

Hi Nixa,

I think the escort is required because there are still lots of places in China that they don't want people to see.

You can get a temporary Chinese driving license and thats just one of the things that the agents do for you. You really do need an agent to get all the paperwork sorted for entry and then to process your bike out on exit. The bit that gets me is the guide. Reason?

China is a place where people that earn $50 (usd) a month are not doing bad. So where does the $100 usd a day for the guide come from!! You can rent a taxi all day for not much and hotels are cheap. I does not add up.

The permits and stuff cost about $700 for EACH bike/rider (thats per province I'm told!).

Hey-Ho,
John

[petefromberkeley]

[QUOTE=Nixa;168396]
But "look on the bright side", there is no problem to enter Afghanistan at least not for me, today I spoke with Afghan embassy and tourist office in Vienna, and there is no problem in enterying Afghanistan not even on a motorcycle!

I will probably go from Tajikistan to Afghanistan and from Afghanistan to Pakistan! I will see a little of KKH!

QUOTE]


Careful with that. A friend of mine had a visa, turned up at the border and was denied entry. If things are dangerous at the moment, they just won't let you in- no further explaination, so you will want a "plan B".