Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
HELP needed getting Panama bike into Costa Rica with tourist visa HELP needed getting Panama bike into Costa Rica with tourist visa
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Tony LEE

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Nov 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 1
HELP needed getting Panama bike into Costa Rica with tourist visa
Hi All,

I bought a Suzuki 125 new in David but got told at the Panama-CR border I couldn't take it out of Panama as I need a Certificate from the Aduanas showing I own it outright with no finance/fines on the bike etc, and this is only available to residents of Panama, not tourists. I asked to pay more tax on the bike with cash but they point blank refused

Can anyone help me get round this?

Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Nov 2017
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,231
That's a new on me, never heard of anyone buying in Panama and travelling on with it!
I'd go back to the dealer and see what you can work out with him, there may be a solution - there often is, you just have to dig and dig until you get to the right people. Also write to the HU Panama Community and see if anyone has ideas. They live there, if anyone knows they will.
Good luck and PLEASE let us know how you do!
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Nov 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 70
this is correct, since october 2010 only residents can take a vehicle out of panama
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Nov 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Miami/Managua
Posts: 211
which of course is a TOTALLY sensible AND necessary regulation. i mean, imagine all the problems it would cause if they allowed a foreigner that legally bought and registered a vehicle out of the country!!!! it would quite likely cause the canal to fill with dirt and who knows what other horrendous side-effects.

and then these very same people complain about the laws in the first world....
__________________
'07 DL1000 '08 DR650
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Nov 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
Argentina has a similar regulation
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Nov 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Miami/Managua
Posts: 211
while i'm not an expert on the topic, it seems that once you cross south from the US every country (or close to it) has ridiculous regs for the movement of vehicles, as if they were the be all end all of everything.

sure, it makes some sense that the importation would be controlled, so the govt can realize "some" income. the tax regimes in these places are so bankrupt by the general population's failure to pay taxes, e.g., the existence of entire micro-economies based on the black market and non-payment of taxes. but prohibiting the exportation of a validly purchased vehicle upon which taxes were paid? and don't for a moment think one can buy and register a vehicle without having first proven that all taxes were paid, since the last step in getting road legal is always picking up your plate and circulacion (registration).
__________________
'07 DL1000 '08 DR650
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Nov 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
At the risk of destroying some preconceptions, USA and Canada are right up there with having some pretty strict regulations regarding vehicle registration and insurance - and with 50 states, all with their own laws and procedures, the most confusingly variable system you could imagine.
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Dec 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Miami/Managua
Posts: 211
perhaps, but NO state or either of the countries you mentioned prohibits ANYONE from buying and removing a vehicle. though there are some US states where foreigners have trouble registering a vehicle, it is mostly related to not having a permanent address. i can't speak for the cannucks, but i'd bet a whole lotta cheddah that i could fly up there, buy a bike and leave with it.
__________________
'07 DL1000 '08 DR650
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Dec 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 70
US however has a regulation that as a tourist if you go to Canada or Mexico you are still considered to be in the US, go figure that one! Do agree that down here too much importance is placed on possession of vehicles
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
aduana, border crossing, central america, panama

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying Used Bike in Santiago Chile lachy SOUTH AMERICA 187 5 Dec 2023 13:53
HOW TO cross the border from Costa Rica to Nicaragua....EASY! -Leonie- Central America and Mexico 2 12 Sep 2015 21:36
Air freighting to Argentina, the definitive guide srileo Trip Transport 2 20 Oct 2012 03:38

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:11.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top