From Kaz. to Turkey with his own car.
 

Hi everybody,
According to your experience, what is the best way for coming back from Kaz./Uzbekistan to Turkey with my own car (with western Europe (French) plates)?
My question is only about borders' crossing (less hassle,less bribes,....).
I have to say I don't consider Iran only because this country is on my route for the first leg of my trip (from Turkey to Uzb.) and it's not easy to get a double entry visa for Iran (nor obtaining a second visa for the return trip).
Thanks in advance,
RR.

Hi
I think the best is Russia and Georgia by Kazbegi border.
I wasn't in Kazbegi but KAZ-RUS border in Kotievka (road to Astrahan) was simple and with no hassle.
In fact border crossings in Russia are simple but sometimes they want to show you who rule the world and you have to wait before gate.
I crossed 2 times in Ozinki (road to Saratov) and one time I waited 2 hours before gate.
It is Russia.
Bartosz
[url=http://www.wyprawy4x4.com.pl]Wyprawy 4

I second that. I was there few months ago. KAZ to Russia there is fairly straighforward and same into Georgia (I did it the other way round). And you have some very nice roads you can take once in Russia. Also Astrakhan is very nice for a stop over. And Georgia is VERY beautiful.

Have fun!

Thanks for your replies Maria and Bartoz.
I suppose you have crossed these borders with your own car, didn't you?
I was a little afraid because, I've crossed Georgia borders with my car (but it was in 2002...) and it was a nightmare (especially Georgia/Armenia border) And I believed that it was the same for Russian borders.
But things have therefore changed, that is good news!
BTW, what do you think about crossing Russian/Azerbaidjian border then Az./Georgia's one?

RR.

The Russia - Azerbaijan border is meant to be open to all nations now, but I am not 100% sure if this is just the rail border, or the road border too. Coming from Russia it would not be much of an issue, one would just need a day more to get to the Georgian border. Plus Derbent (and just about everywhere in the mountains of Dagestan) is extremely interesting and rewarding to visit.

I have entered AZ twice with a car. Once in 2010 from Iran at Astara, and once this year from Iran at Jolfa (going to the Nakhchivan exclave). Both times AZ customs have been friendly, polite and professional (I speak Russian, which helps make things faster, but I think it would be the same for non-Russian speakers, just longer) which is contrary to their reputation.

Be aware that there are two customs regimes for AZ (according to the customs officer I spoke to at Jolfa this year) - If you have a visa for 3 to 29 days, you may keep the vehicle in Azerbaijan for 72 hours, and it is counted by the hour, not by the day. If you have a visa for 30 days or more, you may keep the vehicle in Azerbaijan for 30 days (I have never heard of anyone getting this though...)

I would be very interested to hear if you cross the Samur border from Russia.

EO

Roro - I always drive by cars.
I drove from Iran to Azerbaijan in May by Astara border point.
It was very simple for me becouse I speak Russian. Be careful with your time in Azerbaijan in aspect of buying insurance. I had 30 days visa and they sold me 30 days insurance, but I stayed only 3 days in Az. So better pay for real time.
Then border in Kachagani (AZ-GEORGIA) was simple. Few minutes with passport and custom and on Georgia border only showed the passeports with no custom control, almost like our "schengen".
As eurasiaoverland said RUS-AZ in Samur is also for foreigners (I've heard that).
Bartosz
[url=http://www.wyprawy4x4.com.pl]Wyprawy 4

Thanks Bartoz for your reply with your experience.
My trip is planned for 2015 (Spring or early Autumn) and I have to collect touristic informations about this area before choosing between Russia/Az./Georgia border and Russia/Geo. border.
Any other advice about that is very welcome.
RR.