In your own country, a car probably IS cheaper. But as soon as you start crossing borders, things change.

Especially in the third world, you are suddenly "rich" and present a very different face to the locals. All "services" cost more, because you can obviously afford it - you own a car! They can often hope to own a motorcycle, not as fancy, but it's within their realm of hope, and a car isn't. So they identify with you when you're on a bike and are much more friendly as a result.

Everything at a border crossing is MUCH more expensive. All fees and duties get hiked up. A carnet is more expensive, insurance is more etc.

And of course when you change continents - try flying your car from Africa to South America. A bike willbe there in a couple of days for $1000 or less, a car will have to go by sea taking 2-3 months. And I don't want to think how much it will cost and what will be missing when it gets there. Meanwhile, you're stuck without wheels.

It also depends on where you are going and what you want to do. You can't get into the game parks in Africa with a bike for obvious reasons, so you have to rent a car. Of course, if you have your own vehicle the entry fee to parks is unbelievably high - I have vague memories of being told it was well over US$100 a day, whereas the local vehicles were around US$20.

Besides, a bike is more fun!

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Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 05 January 2002).]

__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com