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Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  • 1 Post By memo-p
  • 1 Post By Tony LEE
  • 1 Post By Snakeboy
  • 1 Post By Peter Bodtke
  • 1 Post By Tony LEE
  • 1 Post By Stahlratte

 
 
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Old 27 Jun 2016
Peter Bodtke's Avatar
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  1. www.Visahq.com - check out this website, it will give you the skinny on basic visa requirements and a sense of fee, for any country and any citizenship combination. Know that the website is designed for air travelers not overland travelers, but still very useful in the big picture.
  2. In my experience, you wouldn't have a problem getting temporary import papers. See the above for visa details (ex. Brazil is fussy for some citizens) No translation document required. It is useful to know the key points that every custom official is looking for: proof of ownership (i.e title, but your paperwork may vary), license plate number, body type, engine size, body color, license plate number, vehicle identification number VIN, your drivers license.
  3. Border crossing hassle is relative and part of the adventure. Keep a good attitude and a smile. In your darkest moment, remember that Africa is worst (or so I have heard.) Chances are you won't asked for a bribe at the border. More likely a local cop will try to extract a bribe out of proportion to whatever infraction may or may not have occurred (calmly just say no, then if that doesn't work. be prepared to bargain to a lower number, much lower.) As a rule the military that you'll encounter at internal check points won't be a problem.
  4. Cheaper than Europe, more expensive than Asia (Japan and Hong Kong not withstanding.) Lodging is cheap, camping is only cost effective is rare cases. Camp if you love it.
  5. Google "annual weather for X" as there are a few micro climates. Think twice about riding the grass lands of the Amazon any time other than June/July, or you'll be tell one of may versions of a m mud story. Across the Andes it's a different story, coastal Peru gets a little mist all the time and hardly any rain, ever. Cross mountain passes in Andes and you could easily encounter hail and snow anytime of year. I rode west and east coast of SA. Currently riding the east coast (then along the north) may be more difficult because Venezuela is basically a train wreck at the moment, with no sign of stability on the horizon. I believe entry into Venezuela from Brazil is not a problem, if you choose to venture into the birth country of Simon Bolivar. Consider skipping Caracas and other large cities.
  6. Stahlratte is lot of fun, but has a limited schedule and space. Research their schedule and reach out to them with you interest. Otherwise, sea contain, air lifting and ask around in the Panama City backpacker hostels for other sail boats. The Stahlratte is my personal recommendation for many reasons...
  7. Legal sale of a bike ties into importation costs for the new owner and in some cases government limitation. Riders manage to sell their bikes, but Mexico, US and Canada are going to be more challenging. You have to put a deposit down (~$400 USD) as you enter Mexico, which you get back when you leave with your bike. Where there is a will, there is a way.
  8. Brush up on your Spanish. =)

I love Mexico, CA and SA. These countries aren't perfect, but there is so much to experience there. The people are the best and so much to see...drink deep and enjoy. Brazil is the best. Lovely people.

Peter B

Quote:
Originally Posted by Snakeboy View Post
Hi folks

1. Visa wise it seems as a norwegian can get into most countries without visa or or visa on arrival. US and Canada have Visa Waiver programs. However - I havent checked rules for each and every country yet.

2. Can a european plated bike be used and or temporary imported most througout countries in America? Will I need to get a translation of the bike registration papers to spanish or english? I have for the moment only the norwegian papers...

3. I understand that bordercrossings sometimes can be a PITA in Americas and take both time and sometimes bribes? Have I understood this right?

4. Insurance? Can it be bought for several countries at a time or only one country at a time? Can it be purchased at border crossings?

5. Cost of living - this will of course vary in each and every country but can anyone tell something about this? Compared to Europe or SouthEast Asia?

6. Climate and route - I have got a quote for sea freight from Australia and it means the bike will arrive in Valparaiso in late september. Is this a sensible time to start to travel in south America? Where should I start? Is it still possible to travel a month or two in the Andes area of Peru and Bolivia? South Chile and south Argentina should be best in the months from december to february I have understood.
And after that I will travel north - but which way to ride? West side or east side of south America?

7. Darien Gap - theres no ferry running for the moment I think?
What other options are there? The Stahlratte? Other sailing vessels? Air freight?

8. My bike will have a lot of kms in the end of such a trip and it will hardly be worth shipping it back to Europe. Is there any chance to sell it legally in northern America, Canada or USA - maybe Mexico?

8. Anything else I should know as basic knowledge for the Americas?

Any information, advice, help and pointing in the right directions will be very much appriciated.

Thanks in advance folks!
__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride
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