I want to buy a new motorcycle from a dealership in the Philippines and use it to travel around the country. I'd be staying in hotels and Airbnbs along the way, so I wouldn't have a permanent address or a long-term lease in the Philippines. So what would the dealership put down as my address when registering the bike with the LTO? I've seen other foreigners buy a motorcycle and travel around the Philippines, so I know it's possible, but I've never seen anyone explain how a foreigner registers a motorcycle without a long-term address here.
I'm a passionate, pretty hardcore motorcyclist myself, but I - bought a used multicab, - packed a tent, mattress, cookware, bicycles, and a dog, - and headed off in one direction with no plan at all. I'd drive two to four hours at a time and look for a shady spot near a river, beach, mountain, or forest. 10 months later I'd seen a lot of the most remote parts of northern Luzon, having basically driven the whole northern loop and zig-zagged it five times over. Now and then we stayed at a resort here and there. Considering the terrain and the unexpected, I'd hands down go for the convenience of a vehicle like we did. - 40+ miles to the gallon - room for your gear - shelter when you need it - buy used and drive it the same day
I just bought a new bike last week.. the dealership used their own address lol. Got the registration papers and plate today.. took 6 days.. in Cebu... but the LTO still isn't honouring the new 5-year registration even though it was approved in February.. so it's still only 3 years... This is my second bike bought here and I've never had a problem with ferries.. I just buy my ticket and a ticket for the bike.. never been asked for paperwork.
It could take 3 months to get a plate. They're slow to release plates for new vehicles. You could buy a used bike that already has a plate. Not having a plate will likely be a problem getting on a ferry.
You can legally drive in the Philippines on a valid foreign driver's license for up to 90 days from arrival, as long as you're licensed for motorcycles. After that, you'll need a Philippine driver's license to keep riding legally. If you stay longer than 59 days, the Bureau of Immigration also requires an ACR I-Card as part of the tourist visa extension process. You'll be charged for it along with your extension fees ANYWAY. Immigration requires a Philippine address for your extensions, even if you're in temporary accommodation. For the motorcycle, the LTO requires the owner's details, including a registered address, when processing the registration. But I couldn't find any official LTO rule saying you need to own property or have a long-term lease just to register a motorcycle. Since you're buying brand-new, the dealership can handle the initial LTO registration for you. Before buying, I'd ask whether they can register it using your current hotel or Airbnb address. Either way, you'll need a Philippine address for immigration ANYWAY. That doesn't automatically mean you need a permanent residence.
Get a Honda, like an ADV. I got a 350. The smaller one is fine for here. I'm used to huge custom pro-street choppers, so I needed a big bike. Pay cash. As long as your US license is in order, you can ride anywhere you want. Show your papers if you're stopped or asked. Nobody will bother you unless you get stopped for not wearing a helmet. Nothing to worry about. The cops here are nice and not on the take like people say. US cops can be jerks. These are a much kinder bunch. Wheels down. Power on!
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