That must be a recent rule change, that is great news. With the carnet is there a maximum stay time?

Hi there, we flew from South Africa into Kuala Lumpur. It was a very easy experience. Officials were helpful and organised, they let us uncrate the bike and repack it in the cargo area (being Sunday may have helped!). We did not use a clearing agent (quoted price US$280!!), and it cost us only 68 ringgit to clear customs. Only issue is you have to run around a bit to get your security pass and going to the various offices, but no big deal.

Thailand customs are a bit confusing. From Malaysia to Thailand (September 2010), they would not accept or stamp our carnet and we had to complete the temporary import form - took a little time but no cost or hassles. Leaving Thailand we had to do more paperwork, just time but no cost or hassles. Yesterday (October 2010) we crossed from Laos to Thailand, they completed the import form using info already in the computer AND stamped the carnet (even though we didn't offer it). Go figure?!

So far, we've covered mainland Malaysia, parts of Thailand, and gone through Cambodia and Laos. It's been good and easy, nice travelling. Watch out for roadworks in Cambodia (especially route 3 - take diversion and follow route 2 where you can) and a few roads are still dirt (main roads all good now). Laos seems to be well paved, though route 13 is deteriorating. Prepare for curves!

Best of luck,
Xander and MrsX

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2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com

It is possible to do anything the questions then is just how much money you are willing to pay. I clarify that I never said it was 'impossible' just that you can't legally (at least not with out a lot of hassle, time and money). But who am I to comment. I only spent 6 months trawling internet, talking to people who had been in Vietnam and China illegally with their own bikes, organising through tour agencies the paperwork, knocking down embassy dorrs, getting official papers translated, asking for help from foreign officials, all to no avail and eventually stuck at the borders of Thailand-Burma, Cambodia-Vietnam, Laos-China with not option but to turn back.

Without re-telling my life story as most people love to do I summarise and give the helpful information. Back on topic: Save your time and money and enjoy Thailand, Laos and Cambodia which are hassle free for the most part.

Perhaps if you have been into China with your own bike on a tour then you can attest to it being possible but you are limited and you are by no means free to ride. Not to mention the cost.

The Burmese border situation must have been different for hook, but I was refused entry both at Mai Sai and 3 Pagodas Pass. Please post more detail about your border crossings and where you rode.

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TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net

Not a rule change just simplifies the bureaucratic process of the Thai's when you leave Thailand. They have to get this piece of white paper stamped for their own records but make it clear for anyone that doesn't have it that it is a necessary glitch, regardless of if you have the CDP or not.

Confused, welcome to the club.

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TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net

Here is some first-hand info:

We crossed China. Not much paperwork for us, the tour co. took care of it all. 6200 Euro each + expenses for 45 days, 3 provinces, incl. Tibet.

In Mae Sai my wife was told she could take her (Thai) bike across the border into Burma, but we didn't do it. I think Thai customs said it would cost us 500B. I was told I couldn't take a bike across the bridge at Mae Sot.

I was never asked for a carnet by Thai customs, entered about 3 times, but some other travellers also told me that they had theirs stamped.

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Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10

Which Tour company did you use?

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TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net