hi there folks, i need to ship my machine out of india and wanted to do it from dehli.any info on this would be great. can i get my carnet cleared easily in dehli?
thanks for your help,phil.

Phil,

Unfortunately we're now back in the UK, otherwise I'd offer to help.

Shipping out of Delhi is fairly easy, but it can take a few days to get it all sorted. Having said that, Story Leavesley managed to get his biked cleared and out of the country in one very hectic, frustrating day (it was crated a couple of days before), but he used an agent (who didn't really know what he was doing - he didn't know what a carnet was) and had lots of help from our driver who knows his way around Delhi customs. You could try to do it yourself, but I think language will be a problem and there's a LOT of running around interspersed with much waiting involved.

If you're looking to fly the bike, you'll have to search around for an airline to take it - they're very sensitive about dangerous goods at the moment due to terrorist threats. Some airlines will only take the bike if you book your own ticket with them, ie Royal Jordan Airlines, so don't book your ticket until you've sorted the bike.

My advice would be to go to the freight terminal and find an airline who will take the bike, then see if they'll help you crate and clear it. If you need an agent, they should be able to recommend one - there are a few around. Be aware that the airport is about 25km (1 hour) from central Delhi, so it's not good to use an agent based in Delhi as it takes a long time to get in and out of the city.

As for cost - you shouldn't have to pay more than 10,000 Rs (US$230) total for crating/customs clearance, etc. From memory, I think Story paid about 6,000Rs for the agent, plus the airfare. Without teaching you to suck eggs, make sure you get any quotes in writing with a clear break down of costs - Delhi agents have a nasty habit of presenting unexpected costs when you come to pay up.

Be warned that routes to Europe are not cheap. Story ended up flying his bike to Frankfurt and it cost about US$1500(!) Flying east is much more reasonable.

If you're looking to ship the bike, it might be easier to ride to Mumbai (4 days ride) and do it all there.

If you have any more specific questions drop me an email.

Harvey

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no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org

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Hi there Harvey,

I too hope to be shipping our bike from India to Australia in Dec 05. You mentioned in the post above the option of shipping from Mumbai. Do you know the names of any companies that could help me?

Thanks
gazzr

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Gazzr
www.theworld-ismyoyster.com

Gazzr, Werner B recommends elsewhere that shipping from Dhaka (Bangl.) to Bangkok is a lot less aggro than doing it from India.

Chris S

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Hi Gazzr,

I can only recommend the guy who cleared our bikes in Mumbai, Jay Parab. He deals mainly in car imports for the rich and famous, but shoudl be able to deal with export ot should know someone who does.

Mr Jay Parab, Contessa Forwarders, 29 Imperial Chambers, 2nd Floor, Wilson Road, Ballard Estate, Mumbai
Tel: +91 22 2613101/2630583

The only other name I have is taken off the shipping page - a clearing agent used by Ollie Holden a few years ago to clear his vehicle into India:

"The one we used was BC Buhiralla - ask for Mr Ness. His number is (22) 2615451 or 2615452. They were expensive but efficient, which is a rarity in India. I think their address is:

1st floor
5 JN Heradia Marg,
Balmier Lawrie Building,
Ballard Estate,
Mumbai"

I don't know about shipping out of Dakha, but we met a guy in Nepal who shipped into Dakha and it took 30 days to clear his bike and cost a lot in baksheesh!

If you want any more info email me direct.

Harvey




------------------
no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org

__________________
no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org