From Tehran, Iran (Islamic Republic of) to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - October, 2001

1 x BMWF650GS, 1xBMW1150GS - both new. First stop was BMW dealer in Tehran (this was a suggestion from an Indian Guy who was also shipping his bike at Tehran airport as he had found them helpful). BMW crated bikes in spare crates from new deliveries, FOC to us!! They emptied fuel and disconnected battery, took off front wheels, windscreens, indicators. We also shipped all the panniers (4), fully packed. A customs broker - Mr Ferhani- 'assisted' us (as he had done with the Indian guy).

We accompanied the bikes to South customs, one on a BMW pick up truck, the other on Mr Ferhani's pick up truck. We took along an English speaking BMW guy which is necessary as otherwise you haven't a clue what's going on unless you speak Farsi.

The carnet was walked around South Customs (NOTE: South customs is necessary for the Carnet stamp, not available at any of the other 3 customs sites in Tehran).

We did not pay any money at that time, although 24 rials was paid for paperwork by Mr Ferhani. South customs took approx 2hrs and carnet/bike WERE physically checked for chassis numbers, but the panniers were not even opened.

Bikes then accompanied to airport customs to wait for shipping. South customs staff must accompany this journey, as the bikes are now sealed. More paperwork stamping - Carnet stamp already done at south customs, Djawaz (Very important green document required to obtain airway bill) obtained at airport customs. Customs now complete.

Took Djawaz to the shipping agents: Sepehran Group, located at the airport (no 7,8, opposite terminal 2, Mehrabad Int'l Airport, Tehran, Iran.

(We had already spoken to Habib Paider-Sepehran, when we first arrived at the airport so he was aware that we would be shipping with him. However, he had not given us any helpful information at that time, and we only had a vague idea that the cost would be $1.30/kg for shipping. In the meantime, we did investigate further with another agent on the same row, Teen Air, who told us he could ship for $1.04/kg. We had decided to use him - very helpful, speaks good English and filled us in on the intricacies of the Iranian customs so we knew what to expect and approx pricing).

However, Mr Ferhani guided us to Sepehran Shipping, which we were not intending to use. We watched the process unfolding, the airway bill was produced and we then advised that we could get $1.04/kg from another agent. Sepehran reduced their price to match so we continued with them. This was with IRAN AIR, the only airline who fly direct to KL.

Cost of Shipping Bikes:
Shipping charges - $1.04/kg = $850,
Airline handling charge 2% = $ 17
Airway bill = $ 4
TOTAL = $871

Customs Charges:
The ACTUAL cost for customs was approx $40 total - this included 'unofficial' payments to customs.

Mr Ferhani wanted to charge us $400 for his services and customs 'costs', based on the fact that he had already charged the Indian guy $200 so assumed he could double. But the work at customs is the same for 2 bikes as it is for one, so we refused. After much discussion and involvement by BMW we only paid $200.

Our Airfares with IRAN AIR - $400 EACH, one way.

Arrival at KL - Cargo is based approx 10km from Airport, towards Sepang. Went into the 'CPO' area and confirm shipment has arrived by showing your airway bill.

We had some paperwork done that had to then be cancelled as it did not cover for temporary/tourist use in Malaysia.

Then customs. They were a bit confused with the Carnet (they were unsure what it was). We were first helped by a man, but it became obvious he was the KL version of a customs broker, and requested $100 to assist us. We told him no, and we had done it ourselves in 45mins - very easy as they all speak English.

Then back to the office to pay handling charges based on weight of shipment - approx 150 RM - we checked and everyone else was also paying this.

Found the bikes and was allocated some space to reassemble them. We should have paid one day storage (they allow 30hrs storage FOC). Howevever, we managed to avoid this as we just drove the bikes out of customs once they were reassembled.

KL customs very easy to deal with. Took us 3 hrs for paperwork, and the next day to reassemble. No hassles in getting them out whatsoever.

All in all, the experience was enlightening. Things we would do different:
Realised we hadn't taken out insurance - didn't need it but perhaps would next time!
Maybe ensure crate has a filled in bottom - ours were slatted and we had some worrying moments watching the fork lifts unloading them.

Other than that, NO PROBLEM!! (as everyone kept telling us!).