✅ MASTER CHECKLIST – INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE THROUGH BRAZIL & ARGENTINA

📆 PHASE 1 – DO THIS NOW (from the U.S.)

🇧🇷 1. Apply for a CPF (Brazilian Tax ID)

• ☐ Locate your nearest Brazilian consulate: Consulate finder
  
  

• ☐ Book an appointment
  
  

• ☐ Prepare documents:
  
  

  • ☐ Passport (original + copy)
    
    

  • ☐ Proof of U.S. address (utility bill, lease, bank statement)
    
    

  • ☐ CPF request form (provided by consulate or online)
    
    

• ☐ Submit application in person or by mail (varies by consulate)
  
  

• ☐ Receive CPF number (keep digital + printed copies)
  
  

🛂 2. Check Brazil Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens will need a tourist visa to enter Brazil starting in April 2025.

• ☐ Go to Brazil’s visa portal: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com
  
  

• ☐ Prepare:
  
  

  • ☐ Passport
    
    

  • ☐ Recent passport photo
    
    

  • ☐ Proof of round-trip flight
    
    

  • ☐ Accommodation booking or travel itinerary
    
    

  • ☐ Payment for visa fee (~$80 USD)
    
    

• ☐ Submit visa application online or via the consulate
  
  

• ☐ Wait for approval (allow 5–10 business days)
  
  

🪪 3. Get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP)

• ☐ Visit your local AAA office (or order by mail): https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html
  
  

• ☐ Bring:
  
  

  • ☐ Valid U.S. driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement
    
    

  • ☐ 2 passport-sized photos
    
    

  • ☐ $20 USD fee
    
    

• ☐ Receive your IDP (valid for 1 year)
  
  

🔧 Needed in both Argentina and Brazil for legal motorcycle riding.

✈️ 4. Book Flights

• ☐ Buy plane ticket to Buenos Aires
  
  

  • Set flexible dates based on visa and CPF timing
    
    

• ☐ Book exit ticket from Brazil (required for Brazilian visa)
  
  

  • Could be another flight or bus out of Brazil within 90 days
    
    

🏍️ 5. Secure Motorcycle Insurance in Argentina

• ☐ Contact Argentine providers like ATM Seguros, La Caja, or Mapfre
  
  

• ☐ Request international motorcycle insurance that includes:
  
  

  • ☐ Liability
    
    

  • ☐ Theft and collision (optional but recommended)
    
    

  • ☐ Coverage in Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay
    
    

• ☐ Provide:
  
  

  • ☐ Vehicle ownership documents
    
    

  • ☐ Your passport and driver's license
    
    

  • ☐ Travel dates and borders crossed
    
    

💳 6. Prepare Travel Finances

• ☐ Open a Wise or Revolut account (optional, backup for PIX funding)
  
  

• ☐ Notify your U.S. bank of international travel
  
  

• ☐ Bring $500–$1,000 USD in clean, high-quality bills
  
  

  • ☐ Exchange in Argentina or Brazil (via official casas de câmbio)
    
    

📆 PHASE 2 – UPON ARRIVAL IN ARGENTINA (Buenos Aires)

🏍️ 1. Register and Insure Motorcycle

• ☐ Get paperwork in order:
  
  

  • ☐ Title or proof of ownership
    
    

  • ☐ Insurance policy with Brazil coverage
    
    

• ☐ Check tire pressure, oil, tools, GPS, phone holder
  
  

📆 PHASE 3 – ENTER BRAZIL (via land border)

📱 1. Buy a Brazilian SIM Card

• ☐ Go to official store (Claro, TIM, Vivo)
  
  

• ☐ Bring:
  
  

  • ☐ Passport
    
    

  • ☐ CPF
    
    

  • ☐ Temporary address in Brazil (hotel/Airbnb)
    
    

• ☐ Choose prepaid plan with SMS and data
  
  

• ☐ Activate SIM under your name (must match CPF)
  
  

🏦 2. Open Bank Account to Use PIX

Choose Bradesco or Banco do Brasil for in-person setup

• ☐ Go to a full-service branch
  
  

• ☐ Bring:
  
  

  • ☐ CPF
    
    

  • ☐ Passport
    
    

  • ☐ Brazilian SIM phone number
    
    

  • ☐ Hotel address
    
    

• ☐ Say: “Gostaria de abrir uma conta corrente com acesso ao PIX.”
  
  

• ☐ Request help installing and registering PIX key in the app
  
  

• ☐ Deposit reais into account (after currency exchange)
  
  

💵 3. Exchange Dollars for Reais

• ☐ Find a reputable casa de câmbio
  
  

• ☐ Exchange cash
  
  

• ☐ Deposit reais into your bank account (to fund PIX)
  
  

📆 PHASE 4 – ON THE ROAD IN BRAZIL (2-Month Ride)

✅ Use PIX for:

• Fuel
  
  

• Food
  
  

• Tolls
  
  

• Hostels
  
  

• Street vendors
  
  

• Bike repairs
  
  

🛑 Safety & Tips:

• Lock phone with password and Face ID
  
  

• Set daily PIX transfer limits in the app
  
  

• Avoid withdrawing cash at night or from outdoor ATMs
  
  

📆 PHASE 5 – BEFORE LEAVING BRAZIL

• ☐ Use or transfer leftover balance (via PIX to friend or Wise)
  
  

• ☐ Withdraw remaining cash from ATM (Banco24Horas)
  
  

• ☐ Close bank account (optional)
  
  

• ☐ Save PIX app and bank info for future trips
  
  

🧳 Packing Essentials

Item

Why

Passport + printed visa

Border and hotel check-ins

CPF printout

Required for banking

U.S. driver’s license + IDP

Legal motorcycle use

Helmet, gloves, rain gear

Safety

Portable battery pack

For navigation and PIX

First aid kit

Always good for bike trips

Lock for bike

Theft prevention

Insurance docs (print + digital)

In case of emergency

Offline map app (e.g., Maps.me)

For rural travel