Chile to Bolivia- 'forgot' to sign out bikes
 

Hi

We left San Pedro De Atacama a couple of days ago and are now in Uyuni. We found out we should have got an exit stamp for our bikes but didn´t get it done. Will this be a problem and can we get it sorted in La Paz perhaps?

Many thanks.

I don't think the Bolivians will care whether or not you have completed exit formalities in another country, once they have let you in. Returning to Chile could be a different matter, but I even doubt that.

No problemo
 

Hi,

Country's in South-America don't realy care about the bike-exit. This is what makes travel there so nice and easy. Just make sure you don't "overstay" the given bike-permit. If they check and see this, that does mean "mucho problemos".
But leaving without returning it, Not important.

BUT!!!!! This only goes for South-America. Central-America is much more dificult with this isue.

Entering Bolivia you DO need a import-permit and not every border knows this. If you have none it might be wise to report to a customs-office (La Paz or Santa Cruz) and explain it. They might just ask you for it when you leave.


Have fun!

Maarten

Bolivia? No worries. Chile? ...
 

If you return to Chile you can expect the aduana to bring up the fact the bikes weren't signed out - their system is computerised, Chileans are organised & they're not just going through the motions at the border. That said, in my experience they were always very reasonable & if you're on the bikes so they can see you still have them, then returning shouldn't worry you.

If you're not planning on riding back to Chile then maybe check in with their consulate when you're home to see if there's something you can do to prove the bikes left the country & formalise the situation. Chile's great - would be a shame if you had problems returning there in the future.

Suerte,
James

Thanks. We are actually heading on to Peru, not back to Chile. We have asked around in La Paz and believe we can get the aduanas (?) here easy enough before we get to Peru. If anyone knows any different, please let me know!

Cheers

nae probs
 

We got through the Bolivian border fine, they didn´t ask for the aduanas.

The guard did however try his luck for a $10 bribe which dropped to 10 Bolivianos. He got nothing though!

Cheers