Great video. To comment on your riding up to near the front at a border. Two stories: First a car took exception at the US border and was blaring their horn and swerved into me almost knocked me off the bike. Well, the border guards saw this and they came running over and apologized to me, as the Canadian toll booth person had told me to drive up to the front, The car was pulled out of the line and they started to tear their car apart as I was leaving. Second, I was driving into Canada and the guard, like you, waved me up to the front of the line with my motorcycle. She talked about her Harley and her trips for about 20 minutes as I politely listened. It was a great conversation as she gave me a great tip on where to stay locally that was nice, clean, and inexpensive. Polite and courteous is the key.
Great advice as always Pavlin. One thing I would add about when it’s time to offer money to smooth or speed up the process. No matter what country you are in. It’s always going to be a crime to offer a bribe to a government officer. However, I’m not saying don’t do it, I’m just saying be careful, be subtle. This year we did several border crossings with no problems but crossing from Croatia into Montenegro the border guard noticed a problem with one of my friends documents. His body language told me we were going nowhere fast. Eventually I said ‘What does he need to do to fix the problem; must he pay a fine or penalty?’ Ten minutes later and €20 lighter we were on our way with some ‘friendly’ advice not to cross back at the same place 😊
I'm riding a small bike in the city for commuting and fun, I have no plans to make long trips whatsoever and yet I'm always interested in what Pavlin has to say. His wisdom is universal
Great tips! I like to plan to cross as early in the morning as possible. Also, have lots of photocopies of all of your docs! Having to get copies of stuff at the border can be a challenge. One time I had to walk 2 miles threw a sketchy town get a copy of something (the one I had wasn't to the guard's satisfaction), and then search for the dude in the alley with the copy machine. Good thing I didn't arrive at the border late in the afternoon.
Your are right, aside of the bribing. I lived four years in Mexico and travelled through Central America multiple times. I travelled last December/January Chile/Argentina/Peru and Brazil. Never there was the slightest indication for extra payment. The procedures take their time, stay polite behave humble, cooperate and it will work. Learn some words and phrases in Spanish (or whatever local language), at least a friendly greeting, yes/no, thank you. Motorcycles need papers for temporary import and one needs to present the frame and sometimes the motornumber at the bike. Make sure you can show the correct numbers. And check the agent spelled the passport and vehicle IDs correctly. One word on insurance as a foreign traveller with a foreign registration. Make sure you have the local required insurance. It shortens police stops and can keep you out of serious trouble in case of an accident, independent of cause and responsibility.
Just found your channel. Subscribed! In two weeks, I’m flying to Ecuador and I’ll be crossing into Columbia and back (on a rented XR650L.) Great info! In addition to your vast experience, I’m certain your understated, gracious and humble, demeanor - how you ask for people to consider subscribing is an example - is a big reason you have an easy time crossing borders. It’s immediately clear you are a “Mensch”.
Great stuff Pavlin .. One thing that I have learned ,, treat ppl the way you'd like to be treated and nobody but you decides how the next person treats you ..
Excellent video, as usual. Following these tips will surely help a lot. Especially those, who have never left the EU. Tip 2 and 3 should be known to everybody, who has crosseed at least one border in their life. Beside that fact, that offering money is considered an illegal bribe in almost all countries worldwide, it also shows, that you obviously don´t care about the money anyway. This arrogant and probably dangerous behaviour will surely bring no advantage. Tip 3 also should be well known. Never act surprised, when the border control askes for documents. As well as for many countries some visa has to be applied for, there will be documents for the bike and a driving licence as well. When crossing 10 borders on your trip, better bring 10 sets of copies with you. You never know, if they want to or need to keep the copies. But Tip 1 is probably the most important. Never forget, that the border officers have a much longer leverage. Always know the position you´re in.
Buenos consejos, los aplico a todos, menos la mordida. Otra cosa que hago en fronteras es cruzar en día hábil y si del país que sales y al que entras, no es feriado o hay huelgas. También procuro entrar por la mañana para que no me agarre la noche al salir. Saludos desde Uruguay buenas rutas.
Very good topic to comment on, and all correct. But I would also add security checkpoints, try and be humble but friendly, they are often interested about where you come from
Great and very useful video thank you! Could you please make a video about how/what to prepare for documents which will cover you on any border crossing?
Hard learned advice always worth a repeat Pavlin, thank you. I also have found, if you have a good stretch (necessary if you're older), wipe away the perspiration in the heat, it helps remind officers that you are human and having to endure the same conditions that they are. Have a good New Year and enjoy the local celebrations and hospitality.
Hi Pavlin, first of all I wish you all the best for the new year. I would like to ask you if you could do an episode on how to do a temporary import for a motorbike when entering and leaving some foreign country. Also please could you explain more about carnet vs. temporary import?
Very good tips Pavlin 👍 I have many border crossings under my belt and I would add to your last tip, to the degree it’s possible blend in be as inconspicuous and plain looking as possible.
Great tips once i was crossing to turkey with a gsa i had panniers and bags on top, and the gey decided to search everything and guess how long it took
This is fantastic. Thank you Pavlin. I can't wait to see your border crossing videos. I'm leaving Ecuador on 01-March on a 3+ month travel in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Just a note for Australia and New Zealand borders, everything has to be clean. Everything should look bran new level clean. Even your shoes. Worn is ok. It just has to have not a speck of dirt. Not a dead fly on the screen, nothing. I've seen them reject a truck that had a dead fly on the front axle.
I look at crossing borders like I'm catching a flight from one country to another , you can't wait up to 3 hours to board flights .if it takes one hour it's better than sitting at an airport for 3 hours .
All good. Arrive early. Be polite. No fing attitude. You are entering their country. They work that post every day. Have insurance and their national money beforehand. Check calendar for holidays. Banks agencies may be closed. Have you shit together..
Great tips Pavlin! One of the best down to earth motorcycle channels out there. You deserve a lot more viewers and subscribers.
True.
Great video. To comment on your riding up to near the front at a border. Two stories:
First a car took exception at the US border and was blaring their horn and swerved into me almost knocked me off the bike. Well, the border guards saw this and they came running over and apologized to me, as the Canadian toll booth person had told me to drive up to the front, The car was pulled out of the line and they started to tear their car apart as I was leaving.
Second, I was driving into Canada and the guard, like you, waved me up to the front of the line with my motorcycle. She talked about her Harley and her trips for about 20 minutes as I politely listened. It was a great conversation as she gave me a great tip on where to stay locally that was nice, clean, and inexpensive.
Polite and courteous is the key.
A ktm guy saved ur day back then😂😂😂. Keep uploading Pavel , have a safe journey.
Great advice as always Pavlin. One thing I would add about when it’s time to offer money to smooth or speed up the process. No matter what country you are in. It’s always going to be a crime to offer a bribe to a government officer. However, I’m not saying don’t do it, I’m just saying be careful, be subtle. This year we did several border crossings with no problems but crossing from Croatia into Montenegro the border guard noticed a problem with one of my friends documents. His body language told me we were going nowhere fast. Eventually I said ‘What does he need to do to fix the problem; must he pay a fine or penalty?’ Ten minutes later and €20 lighter we were on our way with some ‘friendly’ advice not to cross back at the same place 😊
I'm riding a small bike in the city for commuting and fun, I have no plans to make long trips whatsoever and yet I'm always interested in what Pavlin has to say. His wisdom is universal
Great tips!
I like to plan to cross as early in the morning as possible.
Also, have lots of photocopies of all of your docs! Having to get copies of stuff at the border can be a challenge. One time I had to walk 2 miles threw a sketchy town get a copy of something (the one I had wasn't to the guard's satisfaction), and then search for the dude in the alley with the copy machine. Good thing I didn't arrive at the border late in the afternoon.
Your are right, aside of the bribing.
I lived four years in Mexico and travelled through Central America multiple times. I travelled last December/January Chile/Argentina/Peru and Brazil.
Never there was the slightest indication for extra payment. The procedures take their time, stay polite behave humble, cooperate and it will work.
Learn some words and phrases in Spanish (or whatever local language), at least a friendly greeting, yes/no, thank you.
Motorcycles need papers for temporary import and one needs to present the frame and sometimes the motornumber at the bike. Make sure you can show the correct numbers. And check the agent spelled the passport and vehicle IDs correctly.
One word on insurance as a foreign traveller with a foreign registration. Make sure you have the local required insurance.
It shortens police stops and can keep you out of serious trouble in case of an accident, independent of cause and responsibility.
Simple, short and very informative. Thanks Pavlin! 👍👍
Just found your channel. Subscribed! In two weeks, I’m flying to Ecuador and I’ll be crossing into Columbia and back (on a rented XR650L.) Great info! In addition to your vast experience, I’m certain your understated, gracious and humble, demeanor - how you ask for people to consider subscribing is an example - is a big reason you have an easy time crossing borders. It’s immediately clear you are a “Mensch”.
Thank you for the video.
Have a good 2025!!!
Great stuff Pavlin ..
One thing that I have learned ,, treat ppl the way you'd like to be treated and nobody but you decides how the next person treats you ..
Excellent video, as usual. Following these tips will surely help a lot. Especially those, who have never left the EU. Tip 2 and 3 should be known to everybody, who has crosseed at least one border in their life. Beside that fact, that offering money is considered an illegal bribe in almost all countries worldwide, it also shows, that you obviously don´t care about the money anyway. This arrogant and probably dangerous behaviour will surely bring no advantage. Tip 3 also should be well known. Never act surprised, when the border control askes for documents. As well as for many countries some visa has to be applied for, there will be documents for the bike and a driving licence as well. When crossing 10 borders on your trip, better bring 10 sets of copies with you. You never know, if they want to or need to keep the copies. But Tip 1 is probably the most important. Never forget, that the border officers have a much longer leverage. Always know the position you´re in.
Buenos consejos, los aplico a todos, menos la mordida. Otra cosa que hago en fronteras es cruzar en día hábil y si del país que sales y al que entras, no es feriado o hay huelgas. También procuro entrar por la mañana para que no me agarre la noche al salir. Saludos desde Uruguay buenas rutas.
Very good topic to comment on, and all correct. But I would also add security checkpoints, try and be humble but friendly, they are often interested about where you come from
Great and very useful video thank you! Could you please make a video about how/what to prepare for documents which will cover you on any border crossing?
Okay
@@motorcycleadventures thank you so much
Much Enjoyment 👍😎
Thanks for the visit!
Hard learned advice always worth a repeat Pavlin, thank you. I also have found, if you have a good stretch (necessary if you're older), wipe away the perspiration in the heat, it helps remind officers that you are human and having to endure the same conditions that they are. Have a good New Year and enjoy the local celebrations and hospitality.
Good luck, have fun in South America.
I always search for borders in smaller or unpaved roads. Less people means you going to cross faster.
Hi Pavlin, first of all I wish you all the best for the new year. I would like to ask you if you could do an episode on how to do a temporary import for a motorbike when entering and leaving some foreign country. Also please could you explain more about carnet vs. temporary import?
ruclips.net/video/J6-9GVV8r2k/видео.htmlsi=4ajRPd4Rm4BzmatG
Thank you for this information. You always have good advice. Much appreciated
You are so welcome!
Patience, respect plus prepared papers equals success
Ride safe 👍
Outstanding video & tips!
Glad it was helpful!
Very good tips Pavlin 👍
I have many border crossings under my belt and I would add to your last tip, to the degree it’s possible blend in be as inconspicuous and plain looking as possible.
Thank you for a great and informative video. Have a safe journey and a Happy New Year!
That's a great video, thank you!
Great tips once i was crossing to turkey with a gsa i had panniers and bags on top, and the gey decided to search everything and guess how long it took
This is fantastic. Thank you Pavlin. I can't wait to see your border crossing videos. I'm leaving Ecuador on 01-March on a 3+ month travel in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
You are absolutely right, mate. Cheers!
Beautiful spot Pavlin. The scenery looks amazing.
This are very good tips!
Good tips
Wow, amazing advices man!
Great vid brother!
Looking forward to this.... One thing I would add, always have a few (passport size) photos of yourself in your wallet. Happy Newyear mate.
Extremely honest comments :) благодаря Safe journey.
thank you for the tips
Any time
Thanks a lot, youe the best
bravo !
Actually, this is what usually happens on some borders..👍🏼👍🏼
Just a note for Australia and New Zealand borders, everything has to be clean. Everything should look bran new level clean. Even your shoes.
Worn is ok. It just has to have not a speck of dirt. Not a dead fly on the screen, nothing. I've seen them reject a truck that had a dead fly on the front axle.
Will you visit Bahia, in Brazil? I Hope so!
I would love to know how you transported your motorcycle and gear to South America. Did you ship it?
Welcome to py
Is it problem to cross borders with bike which is not mine? (rent or borrowed from friend and of course with documents) Thanks.
Yes. Don't do it
I look at crossing borders like I'm catching a flight from one country to another , you can't wait up to 3 hours to board flights .if it takes one hour it's better than sitting at an airport for 3 hours .
All good. Arrive early. Be polite. No fing attitude. You are entering their country. They work that post every day. Have insurance and their national money beforehand. Check calendar for holidays. Banks agencies may be closed. Have you shit together..
Thanks!
👍👍👍👍👍👍🤜🤛
Well - now, after they have seen this video - REVENGE ! 😆😆
Корупция 😂
When you crossed into Ukraine, way before the pandemic, did the officers ask for some money?
No!
😂
I look like a hobbo. Is that the word you couldnt had found? :)
Maybe
Excellent tips Pavlin 🫡