Tax and insurance I am not aware of but I am aware that Brazil does not allow any vehicles in the country not made in Brazil. Strange law, but any vehicle not licensed or the actual motor not manufactured will not be let in. Call it nationalism or protecting their 3x the price of a US car sales price.
I travelled around South America by bus, car etc and trips are cheap and frequent.
Roads in South America can be in poor repair, dangerous and I would advise not to take a camper van to save on accommodationn as hotels are cheap and you will meet other travellers when you stay in hotels and b&b's.
Staying in a camper van you leave yourself open to be mugged or worse at night.
I was held up and robbed on a road in Peru in a car and that was with other people in the car. You need to be aware having a car is considered a luxury so you would be considered well off and ripe for the picking.
I love South America and hope you enjoy your exploring.
Hi Josh,
yes, you can travel with a certain freedom, however, I wouldn't do it. First of all, it will cost you a lot more money than traveling by bus within South America. Don't forget the cost of shipping from/to the U.K., which will cost you a few thousand dollars. You will need to purchase insurance in every country you visit. You are restricted where you can park overnight because of your personal safety.
If you have mechanical problems with your van it could cost you a lot of money.
Whatever you do, have a great time in South America.
taking a vehicle across borders in LA is very bureaucratic and prone to innumerable foul ups (to say nothing of corruption). Even once in a new country, you will be pulled over a bunch (speak Spanish well??). Remember this... no License (local, not US), no registration, no insurance....no more car, confiscated). I live in Colombia and have experience going to Ecuador, belive me take a bus.
Next year I am planning on travelling around south america and buying a camper van so I can travel with freedom and with no real accommodation cost, however I would like a guideline on the procedure and the expenses such as tax and insurance as only being 18 years old is the insurance as high as it is in the UK
