Docs for a China to US ride
 

While living in China for the last four years, we have acquired a Chinese Chang Jiang bike with a sidecar. As I read thru the Carnet info, all references seem to talk about returning home. We plan to retire in Mexico and not return to China. I'm not sure I can use a Carnet since it seems that the deposits are only refunded when the Carnet is closed.

A part of the itinerary will take us thru Israel, Jordan and Eqypt, are there any workarounds to the Carnet or will I have to "talk nice" at all the borders?

Any help you can provide will be very much appreciated.


------------------
Regards,

Jack

I think you will come up against several major obstacles. China is not part of the international motoring agreements and neither accepts nor issues carnets. Assuming that they will let you ride it out of China, try getting a Carnet from the AA of you home country (I'm assuming you are not Chinese). Gettng your deposit back shouldn't be a problem, you just have to prove that the bike is in a country not requiring the carnet (some issuers require customs import declaration).

Also, do a site search on Israel to make sure you don't stuff up your itinerary, should you ever get this far.

Good luck.

Leaving China is no problem, I have several ex-pat friends who have driven Changs into Mongolia and as far west as Germany and Holland. Since3 it is legal for me to bring a "tourist" vehicle back to the US (I am American), I don't see that as a problem either. But I am interested in your comment re Israel, please explain and thanx for the relpy, it helps a lot.

------------------
Regards,

Jack

Jack, he may be referring to the fact that an Israeli stamp in your passport may cause problems entering other middle eastern countries. Some countries will flat out refuse entry with an Israeli stamp, you should find out which ones and plan accordingly. There should be some information on this site if you do a search.

------------------
Dave
www.mototrekker.com

I recently confirmed that a motorcycle can be driven into Israel, off a ferry from Cyprus so long as I post a bond equal to 128% of the value of the bike. The deposit will be retruned upon exit. This information was obtained from the Embassy in Washington, DC after checking with the Customs Department in Israel.