Registering bikes
Quote:
Originally Posted by Emanuela
do you think we can get away with not reregistering them? And with not converting our driving licence?
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The short answer: Don't bring your bikes. Get new (used) bikes here.
It is a really big hassle to register foreign bikes. I was considering it myself, and found the process is way to complicated and expensive. And I speak fluent Japanese! Some bikes (i.e. my USA model KLR 650) cannot be registered without a very expensive (US$1000 or more) testing process.
You need a carnet to bring a bike in temporarily. This is also expensive and is only valid for 6 months maximum.
As for driver's license, you are required by law to switch to a Japanese license if you stay a year or more. Get an IDP and worry about that after you are settled in. I know guys who have been using an IDP in Japan for 10+ years, but this is illegal and can result in a fine and jail time (after one year it is considered driving without a license).
Sorry, this isn't the good news you wanted to hear, but it is the facts....
Last edited by Chris in Tokyo; 8 Nov 2006 at 05:24.
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