Paperwork in Buenos Aires: carnet, tax,
 

I just arrived in Buenos Aires from Melbourne and my bike is supposed to follow me very soon. I am trying to prepare its arrival, and I am confused:
1. The Carnet seems to be now optional (?). I have one, but is there any interest to use it? Does it allow not to pay some import taxes? Is there any tax?
2. Do I have to find an insurance before or after getting the bike?
3. I disassembled various parts (wheels, fork, ...) to make it as small as possible. Does everyone know if I can re-assemble it at the airport, or do I need to get the crate with the bike inside?
Thanks for any information!

Carnet: Not needed for South/Central/North America. Could potentially be a nice to have crossing into certain countries, but the customs folks usually just issue temporary import documents which is a pretty straighforward process. No taxes apply to you as you are a visitor passing through and not permanently importing the bike into the country.

Insuarance: Can't remember if before or after. The place is downtown, address is listed here on HU if you don't have it already so you can always find the exact location before your bike arrives and also even give it a go with just your carnet and bike papers.

Reassembly: they are pretty used to having a biker in the corner reassembling his bike. Usually nice enough folks who will forklift the bike to another part of the building if you are getting in the way.

Have a great ride.

yes you need insurance before unclearing the bike and you have to assemble it at airport, provided that you have all your tools to do it, and taxes at airport are between 300 amd 400 US dollars, if you want to avoid headaches you can ask support of Sandra of www.dakarmotos of Buenos Aires , they will charge you 200 US dollars for their job . Suerte

Thanks for the replies. I am still confused about the taxes (Emauriz says around $350 and MountainMan says no tax..). Do these taxes depend on the use (or not) of the Carnet? Do I have to pay cash (or a VISA card is ok?).
Thanks again!

PS: I contacted Dakarmotos and I am waiting for their answer.

Hi Francis
Isn’t complicate, lots of treads here in the HUBB explain about:

1. The Carnet is NOT necessary; better keep the money for travel.
NO TAX, what you have to pay is the local charges, to the airport and to the local company in case your bike comes by air. Usually not more than U$D300.- (Emauriz paid more because his bike arrive on the weekend before he can pickup it and have some storage fees to pay)

2. Before.

3. You can do it at the airport, the nice folks at there will help you, and usually a tip is very welcome as nobody pays them for that job. (Starting in $50 pesos are ok..)

4. Payment at Airport can be made in cash (American Dollars or Argentinean Pesos). Credit card only the AWB to the airline

Other recommendation, here from 23rd to 26th and from 30th to 2nd public offices, banks and other (like cargo areas at airport) will be close, be sure your bike comes not on that dates, if not you will have to pay storage by day…

Personal questions by email.. Check your inbox.

Saludos