Wow, I like Brazil so much I forgot to post that Elisa, who bought her XR250 Honda Toprnado in Buenos Aires 3 years ago and is a citizen of Spain, was able to ride from Puerto Iguasu into Brazil by showing her green card (tarjeta verde) Argentine vehicle registration... I could have done the same, but documented myself with my DNI Foreign Residence in Argentina instead of my passport USA.

Anyway, |am not sure how far into Brazil the roads from Foz de Iguasu go, but that is one easy border for foreigners with Argentine purchased bikes.

We are still heading south through rural Brazil 2 more nights and we will be in Uruguay and 2 nights to get to Colonia where we board the night ferry for Buenos ?Aires. Will keep you posted and should have our web site up soon. Bueanaz Rutas and buy insurance damit xfiltrate...

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com

Hi Eduard
Nice would have been to test this exit with a less then a year old bike.Of course she can exit with the 3 years old bike.The law says that.After one year there is no problem at all.
I think you posted that the french guy couldn´t exit into chile.And that is logical too.The bike was less then a year on his posetion.
Where you checked properly or they just looked over and handed back the stuff?
I been told Iguazu or other borders crossings over there are easy and fast.Was that so?
Enjoy the trip
It is hot here those days(31,5º)
Karl

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http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!

this thread got my vote - most talking for the least information.

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quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand

I have looked and looked and have never found the one year law for ¨residence¨or ownership that would enable a foreigner to exit Argentina with an Argentine registered bike.

Many people have talked about this law. Here is my take. For North Americans and some others , the tourist visa is 3 months and then must be renewed or the tourist simply leaves Argentina and re enters with another 3 month tourist visa. Therefore, at quick glance, I doubt the border officials can assilmilate quickly who has actually been in the country for one year.

During our recent exit at Iguasu into Brazil, Elisa simply placed her tarjeta verde inside her Spanish passport and the official glaced at both and waved her through.

It is true that the green card ¨tarjeta verde¨has a date, and the border officials could verify the one year, length of ownership, by checking issue date of the green card.

But, if anyone has the actual law please post it here. At the aduana itself, Elisa and I interviewed 3 different aduana officals 2 said, yes of course a foreign tourist could leave with an Argentine registered bike, by simply asking for a permit. Both explained these permits are easy to obtain at any border....One official said no way could a foreign tourist take an Argentine vehicle out of Argentina.

Those interviews were one afternoon 2 years ago. Today, the concensus is that either the foreign tourist must have a DNI ¨national identity card, sometimes called a ¨foreign residence permit which is basically the same document issued to Argentines, with the differences being the numbers for foreign residents are over 90,000,000, the color is different and the word EXTRANJERO is on the front of the little booklet. the inside also lists the foreigners nationality.

One way for a foreign tourist to legally own a bike that may be taken out of Argentina is to co own the bike with an Argentine who has a DNI two green cards can be requested. The Argentine owner would have to cross the bike out of Argentina and then the foreign tourist could enter it into the new country with the assistance of the Argentine co owner.

Thus far, this seems to be a legal way for a foreign tourist to buy in Argentina and leave the country with the bike.

I am currently working with the aduana in an attempt to get all relavant laws, thus far there has been even more talk and less information forthcoming than quastdog so aptly described some of my posts to this thread.

But, talk on we will, and slowly, surely and accurately we will take the mystery out and put in your hands the appropriate laws regarding a foreign tourist exiting Argentina with his-her Argentine registered bike.

And, quastdog, thanks for keeping us on track. xfiltrate buy insurance damit.

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com

Sorry for the delay in updating my last post, but I too have been out on a tour of the 'campo' in Uruguay, so no internet, or connections so poor that they timed out.

Anyway, before I left on the ride two weeks ago I visited the solicitor with my vendor and some other guy and payed US$300 and signed a couple of papers. I have to say here and now that you either have to have faith in the vendor/buyer, or get your own solicitor. I trust my vendow/buyer otherwise would not have gone ahead so blindly. He is a dealer though and this apparently makes it a bit easier.

So in the last two weeks while I was away they have been getting my residents card so that tomorrow I can pay another US$100 and they sign over the vehicle, I'm not sure if we then go and get a green card for the insurence or if that will come with the rest of the documents tomorrow. I will let you know, I have been assurred that there will be no trouble leaving the country, but will have to see. At least I have a good contact to return to if it all goes belly up.

My intention is to leave Uraguay at Paysando and tour Northern Argentina before heading for Brazil and Venezuala. Have to see what happens before I make plans further ahead than that.

I know this all sounds a bit wishy-washy, but you have to be here to get the full feeling that everyone is acting with the best results in mind, and they seem to know what they are doing, this is not the first vehicle they have bought or sold to gringos by the way.

Before I recommend his dealer I need to know that it will all work out ok, so the border at Pasando will be the first test.

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Happy Trails

Stagbeetle

It is not the Journey nor yet the Destination, that is the Prize; it is the people you meet on the way.

Blog on http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/fairless/

I now have a bit more understanding of what is going on.

Two important points.

1. It is ok for a foreigner to buy a Uraguay registered vehicle in Uruguay once they get their Registration Card.
2. It is illegal for an ordinary Uruguayan to buy (import) a forieign bike in Uruguay or a foreigner to sell one (unless it comes through a proper importer.)

For me to purchase a vehicle is therefore all above board and perfectly legal, however as Peter found out, they cannot buy foriegn bikes, except as a series of spare parts flying in formation, as it were. By selling a vehicle to the same people who are selling me the 3CV, the book price of the sale is the difference between my bike and the car. In this case the car stands at $1000 and the bike is at $0 (writen off) but cannot be registered in Uruguay. I was lucky that the dealers have either a use for the spares or a foreign buyer on the books who can register it in his own country. Again, to be fair, they do build custom bikes here at this dealership so it may resurface as a hybrid off road bike.

Whatever the circumstances, mine is an unusual case and not likely to crop up again quickly.

However I will add one piece of information that I came across to bear in mind. South Americans do not like bikes made in the Phillippines that begin with the letter Kawasaki, and this will affect the resale price if you do get an offer. So if selling at the end of your trip is your aim, bring a BMW, Honda or Suzuki, these are preferred makes. that's what I'm told anyway.

All very confusing isn't it

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Happy Trails

Stagbeetle

It is not the Journey nor yet the Destination, that is the Prize; it is the people you meet on the way.

Blog on http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/fairless/

Thanks for all the replies with the accurate and first hand info.

Elisa and I are at our ranch in Flagstaff, Arizona. We are heavily involved in maintenance and finding a new tenant. Our long time friend and tenant , former special forces/archeologist has moved closer to the VA hospital for surgery.

Anyone riding through Flagstaff is welcome. Private message us for tel and GPS or directions. We will return to Argentina and our flat and in August. Our flat is sub leased for 2 months... Motorcycle parking in Buenos Aires is still available by e-mailing me. The manager of our parking garage will accommodate you.

Meanwhile, just before leaving Buenos Aires, our despachante (broker) mangered to set up an appointment with the proper officials, regarding the Harley Davidson Sportster. and I am very pleased to report it was issued a new temporary import permit in my name and is now quite legal to ride in Argentina.

There were two problems remainting once the Harley was rescued from the police custody in Comodoro Rivadavia . One, was it was legally entered into Argentina in the name of the owner and therefore the temporary import permit was issued in his name. And two, the temporary import permit was expired by several months. More importantly, the original owner had to leave Argentina quickly, to handle an emergency at home, and has no plans to return.

The first problem was addressed by adding my name to the South Carolina title, not all states will do this without the co -owner being present, but South Carolina will. And then, with the revised title, the expired temporary import permit and some cash (for fees etc) we went to the Aduana (customs) and requested a new temporary import permit for 8 months in my name....and, after a few hours, it was granted...

I know there are several others with similar problems and that this accomplishment may help toward the transfer of title from one foreign moto tourist to another and therefore, I post here what I believe is helpful information.

I am continuing my quest to transfer the South Carolina title to an Argentine title and have been assured this is possible, but will take some time. All will be reported as events unfold.

Hope this is helpful and I will respond to all comments. xfiltrate

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com

Hi all, I've been reading the thread and found it full of really useful ideas. I carry a full UK driving licence but have not taken a CBT or full motorcycle test. I live and work in Buenos Aires and am desparate to see more of the country by motorbike. Does anyone know what training is required to ride a touring bike here in Argentina? Can I do the necessary training here and if so who should I contact. My plan would be to get trained and buy a bike to use for long weekend trips as long as I'm here (1-2 years). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I think there is no "training" needed.Except to look at every crossing to avoid being run over cars or trucks.You have probably noticed there is allmost no respect to the actual law.So surviving is the word!.
Why don´t you visit our HU bunker here at DAKARMOTOS.I am a regular there so we could talk a bit more.
What kind of bike are you looking at? Local imported ones are very expensive.Maybe purchasing from a traveller would be a good idea.
Ok
CU
KH

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http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!

Today I've been reading this thread. Very interesting indeed. As two of my French friends bought a small motor in Salta and crossed into Boliva and Brazil with it. I don't know the exact procedures they went trough, but it took them more than a week, as the papers were not in order. They bought a motorcycle for 500 euro's and for 100 euro's more made a small trailer. When they came back in Argentina, sold the bike for 500 euro's. My understanding of French, let alone reading it is very poor, so I don't know if they have described their buying actions in their blog.... Maybe someone will find this useful as well?

I would like to note, that we did not have our car stamped into our passports in: Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia or Chili, and all have 3 months temporary import documents. We did however extend our 3 months with another 3 months in Brazil, making it upto 6 months total.

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- On the road since 2003 in a vintage Land Cruiser

Just an update and comments regarding recent posts.

We are still in Flagstaff, Arizona at our ranch and all are welcome, please private message for GPS and tel numbers. We return to Buenos Aires last week in August. Motorcycle parking is currently available in our parking garage in Recoleta, private message me and I will make arrangements with the manager of the parking garage to admit your bike.

Having been in South America for the 14 months prior to our June return to the ranch, I have to say WE MISS SOUTH AMERICA. We have been fixing up the ranch, having an antique sale and interviewing potential renters.

Edven2r: Since you live and work in BA, perhaps it would be better to drop in on one of the several Driving Schools there. They are well promoted and from what I understand most, who actually work with proper credentials in Argentina, are required to have an Argentine driving permit. This may well be determined by the nature of your immigration status. If you are operating on a 3 month tourist permit and have a "full" valid UK driving permit, I would "guess" you would be legal to ride Argentina. But, please have a chat with a local driving instructor or administrator at a driving school in BA to verify. Thanks for the topic. I am sure it will be of interest to others.

As for buying a bike, DAKARMOTOS will be helpful and please read the opening posts on this thread. I suggest doing your homework before buying to avoid potential transfer of title problems etc.

BCK-973 Darkarmotos is the right HU bunker to visit n in BA. Please give our regards to Javier and e-mail if he or anyone needs anything, parts etc. from the States.

Mailking: great info, keep us posted on your travels and those of your French friends. thanks

Stagbeetle: Great to get the info about Uraguay. Keep posting here. Once it is all sorted out perhaps you could write an overview of the process, with potential problems to be aware of, and post here. thanks for your kind works and words. xfiltrate

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com

My experience in life has taught me that if you wish to succeed than you should first plan and then execute that plan in a proper manner.
After recently completing my bike trip south, I met an Argentinian who wished to purchase my bike.In our first few minutes of our meeting, he advised me of the possible restrictions placed by the ADUANA ( customs) concerning the sale and transfer of foreign registered bikes within the country.
After discussing the posiibilities and probabilities with various other locals, we were not satisfied that we were getting the accurate details on such a transaction.
To avoid making a decision on second hand information or interpretations offered from unofficial sources, I suggested to my friend that we make a visit to the head office of the ADUANA located in Plaza de Mayo.After speaking with high officials on several visits of about 30 minutes each, we came up with a proposal which was acceptable to the ADUANA , and was within the law.The result is that my Argentinian friend now owns an impressive bike.
I have read Eduardo's blogs , and I will say that for several reasons, I would be most reluctant in going down the route that he suggests.One is that I think it would be stupid to transfer even a portion of the title of your bike in anyone's name.
Second, following my discussions with the ADUANA, I am certain that such a maneouvre as Eddy suggests would be outside of the law.
The final reason is that Eddy is not an official or offers no credentials in this area , and therefore should not be offering advice on this matter.
In one of his blogs, Eddy stses that Mariano of Motorcare located on Avenida Liberator is supportive of his efforts, Actually, Mariano who runs an impressive line of both new and used bikes and servive centre, has serious doubts about any success with Eddy's scheme.

My advice to anyone wishing to enter into a transaction is that first you go to the ADUANA in Plaza de Mayo and fully explain your own situation. Do not be discouraged if you do not get the answer that you desire within the first meeting. Think about the information that has been conveyed to you, think about it, and go back again and again.Do not hesitate to offer different scenarios.They are very nice and understanding people, and, also, just as importantly, they are nobody's fool.

@Intrepid: Maybe you care to tell us what happened. What was your solution, and will this work for anybody? You say, your solution is within the law, so it should work for anybody? Right?

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- On the road since 2003 in a vintage Land Cruiser

It seems like you have found a way to sell a foreign registered bike to an Argentine by discussing the matter with the proper aduana officials, thinking about and following their advice. Good for you. Hope I am understanding what you have done. Am I?

Did you pay the import tax? How was it calulated? Was the bike registered by the new owner in Argentina?

Much has been posted here. Intrepid, Not sure what "scheme" you are concerned about. Could you please be more specific and I will respond with my point of view and legal documentation regarding a wide variety of potential situations posted here.

Are you questioning selling a foreign registered bike in Argentina, buying an Argentine registered bike as a foreign tourist, or riding an Argentine registered bike out of Argentina as a foreign tourist? All of these situations have been discussed here, and please be advised that I too suggest doing your own homework.

Please, keep posting here, what you are learning will be valuable to others.

Thank you for your excellent comments and I, like mailking, look forward to your posts explaining exactly what you have learned from the high officials at the aduana. This might be helpful to others. xfiltrate

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Motorcycle Parking Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.xfiltrate.com

I might have reported it when I was in Formosa last year but...even tho Xfiltrate s experience is interesting to follow, Argentina might not be the best place for a foreign traveller to officially buy a motorcyle for touring South America.

In my experience, Paraguay (Asuncion) would be a much better choice :

You can find a much wider choice of dual purpose bikes since anything can be imported there.

Unfortunatly for Paraguayans, corruption is to be found everywhere, which makes it much more time efficient for people who have actually the means to bribe to get to their goal.

I think I posted the address too but dont have it here anymore. There is a brazilian Honda dealership near the airport that has decently priced dual purpose bikes. The guy is very professional. He might be the best option for buying and reselling a bike in South America.

Edit : searching through my posts, i found the address of the dealership in Asuncion :

Klein Motos
transformacion restauracion y reparacion de motos y jetski
Av Aviadores del Chaco 3220 Asuncion
Fone (021) 660531
kleinmoto@telesurf.com.py