If you’re planning an international move, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is whether to bring your car. While packing household goods is relatively straightforward, shipping a vehicle overseas requires additional planning and attention to your destination country’s import regulations.
The good news is that, in most cases, yes, you can ship your car overseas. However, whether it’s the right decision depends on factors such as your destination, the type and age of your vehicle, local import requirements, and the overall cost of shipping compared to buying a vehicle after you arrive.
Whether you’re relocating through an employer-sponsored move or managing your own relocation on a lump-sum package, understanding the process can save you time, money, and unexpected complications at customs.
Can You Ship a Car Overseas?
In most cases, yes. Personal vehicles are shipped internationally every day and provides assistance coordinating vehicle transportation alongside household goods. Arpin ships gas-powered, hybrid, and electric vehicles and works with trusted vehicle transport partners when specialized handling is required.
The more important question is whether the vehicle can legally be imported into your destination country.
Every country establishes its own import regulations. Some countries impose restrictions based on the vehicle’s age, emissions standards, safety requirements, steering configuration, or even engine size. Some destinations reserve duty-free vehicle imports for returning citizens or permanent residents, while temporary residents may face additional taxes.
If your car doesn’t meet local requirements, it may be delayed in customs, subject to unexpected duties and storage fees, or even denied entry altogether. Confirm that your specific vehicle qualifies for import under your destination country’s regulations.
What Determines Whether Your Car Can Be Imported?
Import eligibility is determined by customs authorities, who evaluate several aspects of both the vehicle and the owner’s circumstances.
One of the first considerations is vehicle age. Many countries limit the age of vehicles that can be imported. For example, New Zealand requires vehicles to meet modern standards. Kenya restricts the import of used vehicles less than 8 years old. Some countries make exceptions for classic or collector vehicles, provided they meet specific criteria.
Emissions and safety standards are another common hurdle. Vehicles manufactured for one market don’t always comply with another country’s environmental or safety regulations. In some cases, modifications may be required before the vehicle can be registered locally.
If you’re relocating between countries that drive on opposite sides of the road, steering configuration may also affect eligibility. Some countries, such as Australia, prohibit importing left-hand-drive vehicles, while others restrict right-hand-drive vehicles. Others still allow both left and right-hand vehicles but may impose additional registration requirements, like Panama.
If your vehicle is financed, you’ll typically need written authorization from your lender before it can be exported. Some destinations also require additional documentation for vehicles with active liens.
Finally, your residency status often affects both eligibility and import costs. Returning citizens, permanent residents, diplomats, and expatriates relocating for work may qualify for exemptions or reduced duties that aren’t available to temporary residents or visitors.
Because these requirements vary widely and change over time, working with an experienced international mover helps ensure potential issues are identified ahead of time.
How Does International Car Shipping Work?
Once you’ve confirmed that your vehicle is eligible for import, the process begins with a consultation and shipping quote. Your mover will assess your vehicle, destination, preferred shipping method, and relocation timeline to determine the best transportation option. If you’re also shipping household goods, your vehicle may be transported alongside your belongings when space and destination regulations allow.
Before pickup, your vehicle must be prepared for international transport. This typically includes thoroughly cleaning the interior and exterior, removing personal belongings, checking for fluid leaks, ensuring the battery is functional, and reducing the fuel level according to carrier requirements. Your moving team will document the vehicle’s condition before shipment.
From there, your vehicle is transported to the departure port and loaded for international transit. Shipment tracking allows you to monitor the progress and stay informed about major milestones.
Upon arrival, customs officials review documentation before authorizing release of the vehicle. Once customs clearance is complete, the vehicle is delivered either directly to your new residence or to a designated collection point, depending on regulations.
What Documents Do You Need to Ship a Car Overseas?
Compared to shipping household goods, international vehicle shipments require more extensive documentation. Incomplete paperwork is one of the most common reasons vehicles are delayed at customs.
Although documentation requirements vary by country, you’ll generally need:
- The original vehicle title or proof of ownership
- Current vehicle registration
- Passport
- Visa or residency documentation
- Bill of Sale or purchase invoice
- Lienholder authorization for financed vehicles
- Import permits
- Proof of insurance
- Customs declarations and other destination-specific forms
It’s also a good idea to keep copies of your vehicle identification number (VIN), shipping paperwork, and customs documents readily available as they can simplify customs inspections and resolve questions if they arise.
Because import regulations change periodically, your moving coordinator can help verify the latest country-specific requirements before shipment.
What Shipping Methods Are Available?
Most international vehicle shipments are transported using either container shipping or Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) service.
Container shipping places your vehicle inside a sealed shipping container, offering additional protection from weather, salt exposure, and handling during transit. This option is preferred for luxury, classic, collectible, or high-value vehicles. Depending on your destination and shipment configuration, your vehicle may also be loaded into the same container as your household goods.
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping involves driving the vehicle directly onto a specialized vessel and securing it inside an enclosed cargo deck for transport. Because it doesn’t require a shipping container, RoRo is often a more economical option for standard passenger vehicles.
The best shipping method depends on your destination, your vehicle, your household shipment, and the services available along your route.
Can You Pack Personal Belongings Inside Your Car?
Generally, ocean carriers prohibit transporting personal belongings inside vehicles because loose items are not covered by cargo insurance and can complicate customs inspections. If you’re moving household goods internationally, personal belongings should generally be packed with the rest of your shipment.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Overseas?
There is no standard price for international vehicle shipping because every move is different.
Costs are influenced by the distance between origin and destination, the size and weight of the vehicle, the shipping method, port handling charges, customs duties, insurance, and inland transportation after arrival.
If you’re already shipping household goods, transporting your vehicle within the same container may sometimes be more economical than arranging separate vehicle transportation, although this depends on your shipment size, route, and destination regulations.
The most accurate way to understand your costs is to request a personalized quote, which you can receive free of charge along with a personalized consultation with Arpin.
Should You Ship Your Car or Buy One Abroad?
Shipping your vehicle isn’t always the most practical financial decision.
If your vehicle is newer, well-maintained, difficult to replace, or has sentimental value, shipping it may provide better long-term value than purchasing another vehicle after arrival. This is especially true for long-term relocations where you’ll use the vehicle for many years.
On the other hand, older vehicles may not justify the shipping costs, import duties, or required modifications. In these situations, selling your vehicle before departure and purchasing one locally may be the more economical choice.
An experienced move coordinator can help you compare shipping costs, import expenses, and local vehicle prices so you can make an informed decision based on your destination.
Get Expert Guidance Before You Ship
Shipping a car overseas is possible, but every destination has its own rules. Understanding those requirements well in advance is the best way to avoid delays, unexpected costs, and customs issues.
Whether you’re relocating independently on a lump-sum package or through an employer-sponsored assignment, working with an experienced international mover can simplify the process from start to finish.
From verifying import eligibility and preparing documentation to coordinating transportation, customs clearance, and final delivery, expert guidance helps ensure your vehicle arrives safely and legally at your new destination.
Reach out to Arpin for a free quote and consultation.
