That is hands down the greatest idea I've heard in years!!!!!
Yeah if only it was that simple, it is not.
Australia
Generally, it is recommended to use a carnet for Australia due to the administrative burden and requirement of security when temporarily importing a vehicle with
IMPORTING YOUR VEHICLE INTO AUSTRALIA WITHOUT A CARNET
Tourists or temporary residents who cannot or do not wish to obtain a carnet may use the provisions of s162 or s162A of the Customs Act. This method is really only suitable for vehicles that meet the Australian Design Rules (indicated by a compliance plate fixed to the
firewall of the vehicle) or those that are fifteen or more years old on their arrival in Australia.
Vehicles temporarily imported without a carnet will be required to provide security with the Australian Customs Service on arrival in Australia. The vehicle cannot be released until Customs and Department of Transport and Regional Services requirements have been
fulfilled.
If you import a vehicle without a carnet you will require Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) (fee
payable). You must obtain this before the vehicle arrives in Australia.
Application forms are available from:
The Administrator of Vehicle Standards
ACT Federal Office of Road Safety
GPO Box 1553
Canberra Australia 2601
Back in the 1980's I traveled in and out, and through multiple countries with my motorcycle without having to pay import taxes or any other fees, with the use of a Carnet de Passages en Douane, OK a few small Bak-sheesh were offered usually in the form of American fags ( can you still say that) cigarettes.
The Carnet made South American countries, Central America, Mexico, Canada, and New Zealand entries much easier, but not always. But you had to secure the Carnet before you started your trip, actually, it was a deposit of 150% of the value of the vehicle deposited with a recognized Automobile Association. You got your sums of money back when you returned the Carnet paperwork with all your entry and exit vehicle visa stamps appropriately.
We traveled with a German couple sans Carnet into Peru from Ecuador, the vehicle was refused entry without large amounts of money being exchanged to corrupt border officials.
My Carnet was secured for $1050 Aus this was based on the Laverda dealer value of $700, hey he was a mate doing me a favor, money well spent. When I returned my Carnet many years later my money was returned with interest. Sure I could have sold the bike in many places and made a good profit but then I would be walking, the ride was the trip.
ps. If you crash your bike and do not ship it out of the country you lose your Carnet deposit, double whammy.
Australian customs are brutal, to say the least. I shipped several motorcycles to a mate in Adelaide and the customs even collected duties (tax) on the estimated value of the shipping crate, bastards.
