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Carnets for idiots + insurance in the middle east
Hi,
Ok, OK I hold my hand up high, I've read all of these posts yet I still can't figure out exactly what a Carnet: a) Actually does b) Why it does it c) How much it costs (although I can see that it's related to the value of my bike which is aproximately £1500) d)Why I would need to get insurance to go with it If anyone can answer these questions I'd be extremely grateful. A couple of other questions 1)How much wouuld 3rd party insurance cost (where required) 2)How easy is it to get. The countries outside the EU which I'm considering at the moment are Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Syria, Israel and Egypt. Anyone's help would be great! |
OK Sam
1. Countries have import taxes. Some countries let you import a veichle temporarily by stamping the veichle in your passport. Others require a guarantee that the import taxes will be paid if the veichle is sold within the country, the Carnet de Passage guarantees this payment. If you do not want to pay import taxes (Iran 480 %of the value) its a good idea to have a Carnet. When you return the Carnet a "reconciliation" process takes place..they determine from the stamps in the carnet wether the bike has returned home or been left in another country. 2. You can have a wad of cash depoited with a bank that you forfeit if you sell the bike on the Carnet or take out insurance to cover this payment. Where you are determines how much this costs. Your RAC should be able to help you here. If you sell the bike in a country requiring the carnet and tax needs to be paid the amount is deducted from your banked wad of cash, or by the insurance company to the countries tax man. 3. It is difficult to get 3rd party insurace for the whole world, some countries require you get it at the border others dont ask. The Green Card insurance is Europes version. 4. I understand you will need a Carnet for Egypt, if you have one Turkey will stamp it. hope that makes things clearer. cheers alec http://users.netlink.copm.au/~asimpson |
That's brilliant Alec. Thanks for clarifying. All I could find on the other posts were just hints as to what a carnet was, it's nice to have a complete definition. Cheers
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Try www.alessie.com for 3rd party insurance in countires outside Europe and North America. I know they issue for Central and South America, and I think they cover for other countries too if you want it.
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And they say on their site that they issue Green Cards for Europe.
Grant: I think this should go into your list. ------------------ Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise, Peter. |
Hi All,
I almost read all the forum pages about carnet and insurance. However, there are still somepoints which are not clear for me. Here they are: Carnet is required for Iran and Bahrain, thats clear. And I also need an insurance for these countries. I've wrote an e-mail to www.alessie.com about insurance. Still waiting for reply. 1- If I cannot get an insurance before I leave, is it possible to get at the Iranian and Bahrainian border? If yes, would that be expensive for me? 2- Do I need any other documents like IDL or anything else? Thanks a lot. ozhan u. ------------------ ride safely ozhan u. www.ozhanu.com |
The Alessie insurance is available only from the ADAC in Germany, they say so on their site. I think Knopf Tours also sell it, but I suspect they also get it via ADAC, but I don't know for sure.
Your UK insurer should issue the GC. You may have to ask for Turkey and Iran cover, possibly Balkan countries, too. In theory insurance is compulsory in Iran & TR. They didn't ask me so I forgot to ask, too. Could be tricky in case of accident. Having had an accident in TR I wouldn't want to ride there again without. Turkish insurance is available at the border, see my post on the subject elsewhere. I got it from the horse's mouth (TR AA). I suggest you get an IDP regardless. It's cheap and you can afford to leave it with any corrupt cop you may encounter. ------------------ Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise, Peter. |
Thanks beddhist,
I got an e-mail from Alessie today and they say that the insurance only for Iran will be 235 Euro-Thirth part and only for a month. And they'll look for Bahrain and tell me. 235 quid is toooo much for me. And my insurance company covers only EU countries. So, I am gonna go for Carole Nash for all Europa+Turkey. But, I am not sure if they can cover Iran+Bahrain. Any other ideas about the insurance for Iran and/or Bahrain? And also, can I buy a insurance from Iranian and Bahranian border? Thanks in advance [edit]: I was going to buy IDL. I've checked the rac web site. DO I have to buy for every coutry or only one will do for 3 countries? ------------------ ride safely ozhan u. www.ozhanu.com [This message has been edited by ozhanu (edited 26 May 2005).] |
Strange, but i have european Green Card insurance on my hand now, where is Iran marked too! Does it work there?
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ozhanu: that's way too expensive. I have posted the link to the TR AA web site elsewhere where you can see their prices for TR insurance, available at the border. Just search.
The IDP is merely an official translation of your national licence, valid worldwide. Margus: you are lucky, just like us. If it's not crossed out then it's valid. They will most likely not even ask to see it at the border, but it's good to have. ------------------ Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise, Peter. |
Hi Folks,
Thanks for your honest replies. PETER: I don't have a problem with Turkish insurance. I am Turkish and I can sort it out at the border. My concerns are insurance for Iran and Bahrain. And unfortunatelly, my insurance certificate doenst cover this countries. MARGUS: Thats is good news. Where did you get this Green Card? Whats is you insurance company? I can switch to them actually. Again, thanks for your help. ------------------ ride safely ozhan u. www.ozhanu.com |
Quote:
Costed about 100 dollars per year for my '98 GS (acctually, Green Card comes for free with local country insurance which is obligatory for citizens here). Check if they have something to offer for foreigeners! Many say Estonian Green Cards seems to be one of the best - nearly none of the countries marked on it aren't crossed (=not working), so it works on many-many countries! Can name them one by one if anyone interested? Cheers, Margus [This message has been edited by Margus (edited 26 May 2005).] |
Hi Margus,
Thanks a lot for the link. I've visited their web site and sent them an e-mail about my situation. Hopefuly (fingercross) they can sell me the magic Green Card. It's really magic, it only doesn't cover Sirbia-Montenegro, however, it's not a big issue. They didn't mentioned on their website about foreigeners. I really hope they can cover me. I wonder why there isn't an insurance company in the UK that covers these countries? Or is there any and I don't know it? Thanks |
I got an reply from http://www.if.ee. They say that they can only issue Green Card for Estonia registered bikes http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/frown.gif
Now, can please anyone tell me which British insurance company (name and contact info please) provides/issues green card for outside of EU. Like Turkey, Iran and Balkans? I have called about 10 companies and non of them do except Carole Nash. But, Carole Nash doesn't cover Iran. Any idea how much would it be cost if I buy a Insurance at the Iranian border? Thanks a lot. ------------------ ride safely ozhan u. [This message has been edited by ozhanu (edited 27 May 2005).] |
Iran....you can buy the insurance at the border if you are coming from Turkey as there is an insurance office on the Iran side of the border crossing. If coming from Pakistan there is not an insurance office at the border and you will not be asked for it.....but they will check out every printed number on your carnet to make sure that they are correct.
Turkey....coming from Iran you can purchase the insurance at the border in Turkey. We paid 4 US dollars for each bike for 3 months......minimum time......do not let the touts help.....they charge 20 US dollars to get it for you. |
Thanks a lot David & Cheryl Laing for this crucial information. I'll enter Iran from Turkey, so I may buy it from the border.
------------------ ride safely ozhan u. www.ozhanu.com |
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Enjoy TR! ------------------ Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise, Peter. |
Dear beddhist,
I have wrote an e-mail to them (Turkish AA) and got the answer. They told me the that the official insurance for Turkey is 10YTL (around £4) for 3 months. It is not a green card but the insurance covers all Turkey and its 3rd part type. They also told me that we may get the insurance at their offices at the border. Enjoy!! ------------------ ride safely ozhan u. www.ozhanu.com |
So, they do in fact two types of insurance: third party for TR only, which is very cheap, and GC which, according to their web site is rather expensive.
See my post elsewhere... ------------------ Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise, Peter. |
In addition, I forgat to mention and remembered after your reply, they only issue green card for Turkish registered bikes/cars. So, no chance to get GC from Turkey. Even so, 4 quid for 3rd party is still cheap.
----And for Iran: I got reply to my e-mail which I have wrote to Iranian AA. They wrote that it is possible to get 3rd party insurance at the Gurbulak(Turkey)- Bazargan(Iran) borderline. My second e-mail was about the price and still waiting for reply. See below: Dear Sir , With reference to your mail dated 01.06.2005 , please be informed that you may purchase third party insurance from the entry border of Iran ( Bazargan borderline ) . The cost depends on the type and year of make of the vehicle . Hoping to have been of assistance , I remain Yours faithfully , Soudabeh Pournejad ( Mrs. ) Head of International Relations ------------------ ride safely ozhan u. www.ozhanu.com [This message has been edited by ozhanu (edited 07 June 2005).] |
Ozhanu,
can you send me the e-mail of Iran AA? I have some questions too. mine is: nemos ÄT mac . com Thanks, Margus |
Looks like Ozhan and I were given contradicting info from the TR AA: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000680.html
------------------ Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise, Peter. |
Hi Folks;
Firsly for Margus: Here is the Iranian AA's e-mail: autoclub@mail.dci.co.ir and the web site: www.taciran.com but it is in Persian language. No English or other language. Be patient, getting a reply taks a bit long. My first e-mail was answered in 7 days. Also can you please tell me the hint of getting an invitation from a hotel? Ofcourse the cheapest way:) And now for beddhist: I cannot copy/paste the e-mail as it is in Turkish. But, I am gonna try to translate the e-mail for all of us. I got this e-mail from Umit Yurek - Tourism Service Manager: -------------- Dear Mr. Ozhan Unverdi Unfortunately, the Green Card Insurance is not valid on the Asian part of Turkey and other Asian countries. For Turkey you can have a "Traffic Insurance (Trafik Sigortasi)" at the Touring border offices (He ment Turkish Auto and Touring Club offices at the borders). It cost 10YTL(£4) for the maximum period of 3 months. For Iran and other countries you can have an insurance on their borders. Regards Umit Yurek Service Manager --------------------- The e-mail was turing@turing.org.tr. Hope this helps lads. What I am gonna do is, I'll cancel all my Balkans crossing. Take the ferry from Brindisi to Igumenitsa and then ride to Istanbul>Ankara>Sivas>Erzurum>Agri>Dogubeyazit>Ent er Iran and head to Bandar-e Bushehr to catch the Ferry for Bahrain. Good Luck to All! ------------------ ride safely ozhan u. www.ozhanu.com |
Hi,
Here is the fresh information from Iranian AA: ---quota Dear Ozhan , I contacted Iran Insurance Company in Bazargan borderline and were informed that for 1 month stay in Iran the price of third party policy + individual accident policy is I.R Rials 400,000.00 and for 3 months is I.R Rials 600,000.00 . Regarding ferry service , we were told by Valfajr 8 Company that the ferry service is determined at the beginning of every month for example for June there is a service from Iran to Bahrain on 14.06.2005 . Hoping to have been of assistance , I remain Best regards Soudbeh --------------------------- 1 British Pound (GBP) = 14,493.3 Iranian Rial (IRR) so its something like 27-28 quid for a month. hope this helps for all of us. enjoy good weather in England! ------------------ ride safely ozhan u. www.ozhanu.com |
I will be riding my South African registered bike from Egypt around into Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Greece and then through Europe, to be temporarily imported into the UK. 1. I understand from the thread that Turkish third party insurance is available at the border. Is TP insurance available at the Jordanian and Syrian borders? 2. If I can get the bike into Israel and avoid passport stamps etc, what is the TP insurance situation. Is it available at the border? 3. Is there a Middle East wide insurance scheme, such as the Comesa (East Africa) or the Green Card (Europe), which could simplify having to buy insurance at each border? 4. Coming towards Europe, where is the best place to buy a cheap Green Card for a South African registered bike? I was thinking Turkey, but it seems this is only valid for Turkish registered bikes. Therefore the next logical place in my mind would be Greece. Does anyone have an estimate of pricing on a US$6,000 bike? 5. Does anyone know of any major difficulties temporarily importing a bike into the UK for 2 years. I have a 2 year work visa, and wish to bring the bike with me. cheers Matt |
4. I'd try my luck at an AA office in TR. They did mine very cheaply in 1988, but I'm afraid things may have changed since then. The value of your bike is irrelevant, since it's third party insurance.
5. If you are staying only 2 years I'd be inclined to not bother registering it there. Just keep a low profile and if ever stopped by police you are obviously a tourist. It does mean, however, that you have to pay any fine on the spot. |
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