Buying a motorcycle and traveling China on a temporary visa

[prince666]

I am afraid the lucky people involved are the Belgiums, our southern neighbours (wondering why they got that special treatment, is it their driving habits, being somehwat similar to the Chinese ;-) or just an influential ambassador? They also got their Panda bears long before we did ;-). With a 3 month visa I will only be entitled to a temporary driving license, I understood you don't need the exam for that, just the load of forms to be filled in.

Sorry, my mistake lol but I was close heh heh.
Yes you are correct no need to take the 100 question test when you apply for a temporary driving license in China

Link.....http://motorhome-china.com/report_dl.html (Beijing Airport)

Strange you mentioned Hainan? because of that's the place I purchased the YBR in the picture.
From a Dealer in Wuzhishan which is just north of Sanya.
The dealer was ok to work with have details if you need them.
Also, Hainan great place to start your trip has some of the best ridings in all of China is found on Hainan, and easy to get on/off by ferry.

Most towns/citys if not a banned one have a great selection of bike shops, the hard part is finding a shop owner/work person who has some English skills.

ATA Carnet was not to get you into another country but just to get your Chinese plated bike OUT of China.
Things work a bit strange here in China.

That's a clear advise!

Sorry about that I was a bit to the point, but take my word for it, this will be your biggest challenge (very few people speak English)

Just look at a normal single day and take.

1. Food
2. Bank (ATM)
3. Petrol
4. Hotel
5. Directions
6. Police Check Points

Let's look at each point and see why you could have problems.

1. Not many restaurants have English menus and some don't even have pictures.
What is this I am eating could it be Dog, Snake?

2. So you have an ATM credit card, sounds simple, but it's not because not every Bank ATM will accept western Credit card, don't matter it has the correct logo on the machine.?
So you could have to go to the main branch in that town.
Then when you are at the correct ATM machine, not all have an option for English lol.

3. How much fuel do you need, what type you need 92,95,98.
Yes, simple you just find the correct one 92/95 open up the tank and raise your hands. (FULL)
But this falls on deft ears.

The person could be telling you.

A. you need to use a fuel kettle.
B. You need to show a Chinese ID card. ( Yes that happens and you try to explain you are not FUCKING CHINESES.)
C. You got your fuel at the pump ok but she won't allow you to start the bike at the pump and you need to push it 30 meters away before you can start the bike. WTF

You try and push a bike that stands in with all the gear nearly 350kg.

I just smile and ride off, got the fuel now who cares a shit.

4. Not all hotel take western people, so after a long day riding your Hot,Cold,Wet and all you are after is a room with a shower.
But this hotel cant takes you in, how will you know that, and how will you ask for direction for a hotel that can?
Ok luck is in the hotel will take you in, and you have found out the room is 200 RMB.
Things are looking up today so you give the person 200 RMB but there are saying no good no good or some shit. WTF.
The reason is most hotel need a "KEY DEPOSIT".

So you need to pay 200 + key money to which you get back when you check out.

5. DIRECTION????? Don't waste your time most Chinese don't know how to get home let alone what is down the road.

6. These are normally ok, just show your passport and nothing more OK.
Never show your nice new Chinese DL, never show your details for the bike.
These are never requested, but if there are you have.




All these are just a few times you will be in trouble if you can't speak Chinese

But for me, that's when all the fun and the adventure starts lol


TIC (This is China)


Just one other interesting point about Hainan, its the only province that you can get a VOA ( Visa on arrival)
And is valid for the Main Land China as well
But is only valid for 15 days but you can extend for a further 30 days very easy.