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PAGE 1 - Pre-trip Planning & Preparation
Remember the old army adage:
'Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance'
Planning & Preparation
Any big trip requires quite a bit of planning and preparation. See our previous travels (Across Africa and Across Russia) for an extensive list of what we did.Here’s what we did this time around.
Shipping and Logistics
This time around for our shipping and container logistics we used:
Mark Coleman
Seafreight Manager / Transportologist
ICAL International Customs And Logistics
Ph: (03) 9335 2566, or: 0413 99 33 44
www.ical.com.auPreviously we have used and were very happy with:
Steve White
Cargo Online Pty Ltd
Ph: (02) 9400 2635, or: 0416 182399
www.cargoonline.com.auOur contact in Chile who will be clearing the vehicles through Customs, etc, is:
Jorge Ardito
Mi dirección es Plaza Aduana 157, Of.8, Valparaíso
Ph: + 32-2258176, or: + 90006507
Email: jorgeardit@gmail.comFor insurance coverage while at sea and a good deal, we used:
Allan Barker
Cowden (Vic) Pty Ltd
Ph: (03) 9867 7663, or: 0407 825 696
Carnets & Vehicle Permits
Despite what the Automobile Clubs (NRMA, RACV, etc) will tell you, you do not need a Carnet for travel through South America! Now that will save you a few bucks.While we are yet to travel in South America, everyone we have been in touch with reckons they haven’t required a Carnet! A couple of guidebooks also state the same!
However most countries demand a ‘vehicle permit’ of some sort at the border of entry. Third Party insurance is also required – this can be obtained at most borders or can be organised through some vehicle insurers … but there always exceptions – see Vehicle Insurance below.
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You'll need a big passport for all the countries you are passing through. Make sure the expiry date of your passport is longer than 6 months, and certainly longer than the time you'll be away.
Here’s the visa requirements for the countries we will be travelling through. These are subject to change so you need to check on the latest info.
Brazil looks like it will be the biggest issue – Visa’s are required but only valid for 90 days from date of issue. We’ll get our visas for Brazil in Argentina, Uruguay or Paraguay.
COUNTRY VISA OR TRAVEL CARD AVAILABLE FROM HOW LONG CHILE Visa or Travel Card Major land borders or airport 90 Days ARGENTINA Visa not required 90 days URUGUAY Travel card Major land borders 90 days PARAGUAY Visa Major land borders 90 days BRAZIL Visa Brazil consulates in foreign countries 90 days from date of issue BOLIVIA Passport only 30 or 90 days PERU Travel card Major land borders 90 days ECUADOR Passport only 90 days COLUMBIA Passport only Major land borders 90 days VENEZUELA Visa or Travel Card Airports & major land border (?) 90 days PANAMA Tourist card Major borders 90 days COSTA RICA Passport only 90 days NICARAGUA Tourist card Major borders 90 days HONDURAS Passport only 90 days GUATEMALA Passport only 90 days BELIZE Passport only 90 days MEXICO Tourist card Issued at major land borders (?) 90 days CUBA Visa or Tourist card Airport or by tour operator 30 days USA Visa Apply on line 90 days
A good place to start finding out about Passport and Visa requirements is the government website: www.smartraveller.gov.au
Another good site to start is www.wordtravels.com and follow the links to country and then visa info.
Our Patrol ready to go.
Ron & Viv and their Patrol & Track Tvan.
Outback 4WD have ensured the vehicle is in the best condition for the next long haul.
Our Patrol is fitted with the best accessories from ARB.
Ron takes delivery of the new Tvan from Tom Sanchez, general manager of Track.
Neil and the Patrol as it goes into the container.
