China Travel Forum

[Dominic]

I want to bring my New Zealand-registered motorcycle into China either from Vietnam or Laos, and ride it through to Shanghai and export it to China. (Probably irrelevant)

Does anybody have any info (besides "it can't be done", "you need to have a 'guide' and pay them", "you need to get a China licence in Shanghai") - I accept it may not yet be possible, but I've also heard all sorts of wondrous tales.
Even if I hear it is impossible, I intend to try it March 2005, so what papers, etc can I sort out to double my chances ?

[Guest]

You better buy one in China, Beside if you motorbike ever experience a problem you can have spare parts if you buy it from China. probably cheaper than just the export cost from Shanghai. They have all the Japanese brands as well local ones. Other issue is road condition. I have never seen a motorbike on a highway (inner-state, freeway) only on back roads. In that case, you should expect some really poor roads and breakdowns.the stage of fulfilling itinerary which requests you to provide following material:

1. Color pictures of each vehicle(2 copies), their models, copy of vehicle identification including number of the vehicle body, serial number of the engine, type of fuel, original number of license plate, country of region it belongs to, color of the body and so on. And rember to tell us the present value of each vehicle.
2. Information about the tourist to drive in China: Copy of his or her passport, 5 photoes identical to that on the passport, his or her occuption, copy of the driving license.
3. List of logistic supply equipment and their value, such as spare parts of automobiles, camping facilities, tele-communication appliances like speakers, GPS system and satellite-transmitted telephones.
4. Confirmed route, itinerary, entry and departure ports, service items requiring us to enter into the contract.

Based on these, we start to apply for and obtain following permits and formality necessary for your proposed tour in China. This process may request 2-3 months.
1. To apply for a written reply released by related department of Chinese Government to allow automobiles to enter into China and travel permits to ensure the tour legal and operable.
2. To obtain temporary travel licenses, license plates and pay various fees such as road toll and purchase insurance for automobiles.
3. To obtain temporary driving licenses and buy insurance for tourists to drive in China.
4. To finish all customs formalities for automobiles to pass through the entry ports.