Canada to Istanbul

[k dog]

Hi Everyone,

I would like to fly my bike from Vancouver to Istanbul around mid December 2008 and I have a few questions:

Can anyone suggest a good carrier? I have been told Air Canada is very good. Costs? I will be travelling for about 2 months (Turkey only).

Should I fly with the same airline I am shipping my bike with?

Do I need a carnet de passage?

How long is a Turkish visa good for and can I get this at the airport when I arrive?

Should I hire a Turkish company to assist me getting through customs and I so who can you recommend?

I have a GS1150 Adv.

Thanks Kevin

[trekkingbee]

Kevin,

If you only travel in Turkey for two months, consider renting a motorcycle in Istanbul. I know they have the 12GS (not sure about adv.). You will most likely save time and money.

When it comes to customs clearance, Turkey is very much like a third world country. There are many hidden regulations and fees involved. At least that's what the agent I used informed me. No, I would not recommend the same agent.

Enjoy your trip. Don't miss NE of Turkey. You'll find some of the most beautiful rides there.

[k dog]

Hi Trekkingbee,

I have looked in renting but a 1150gs costs approx 110E/day to rent. Times 50 days = 5,500E. Then there's the fact of not having 'your own ride'. I have been to Turkey twice before but not to the NE region; thanks for the tip!! Do you know if I need a carnet?

Dogger

[Commuter]

You don't need a carnet.

I have a British bike here in Turkey and they place the bike on your passport for 6 months as a tourist, you will need your registration, local insurance or a green card that covers driving in Turkey and international drivers license and a Visa (you can buy at the border).

Note that you will not be able to leave the country (cross a border without the bike) until your bike is removed from your passport. This can only be done 2 ways which is depositing it in Customs and second one, taking it out of the country. If your bike has been in Turkey before, ensure that it hasn't used a tiptrick (this is the passport stamp) as they will not let it in.

When my bike arrived, they fined me (read bribe) for the paperwork that wasn't completed correctly.

Drop me a PM or ask questions here, it is a minefield unless you know someone to get your bike out of customs , it took 2 days for me.

Riding in Turkey is okay and I am looking forward toseeing the NE also as soon as I stop working.

Good luck, Nick

P.S December is quite cold here, nothing like Canada but still cold.