International Car Shipping Costs: Country-by-Country Breakdown

February 14, 2025 at 5:00 AM

Introduction

Shipping a car internationally involves several factors that influence the total cost. From the shipping method to destination fees and import duties, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and avoid surprises. In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of international car shipping costs to eight popular destinations: Germany, France, the UAE (Dubai), the Netherlands, Central America, Latin America, and Australia.

Shipping Costs by Country

1. Germany

The cost to ship a car from the USA to Germany ranges between $1,050 and $1,800 for port-to-port container shipping.

Additional Costs: Import duty (10%) and VAT (19%). For classic cars over 30 years old, there’s no import duty, and VAT is reduced to 7%.
Destination Port: Bremerhaven is the most affordable port for container shipping.

For more details on shipping to Germany, visit our International Car Shipping page.

2. France

Shipping a car to France costs between $1,050 and $1,800, similar to Germany.

Additional Costs: Import duty (10%) and VAT (19%). Classic cars over 30 years old enjoy reduced VAT at 5.5%.
Destination Port: Le Havre is the most cost-effective port for container shipments.

3. United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

Shipping costs to Dubai range from $1,100 to $1,400 for container shipping.

Additional Costs: Import duty (5%) and VAT (5%) based on vehicle value.
Transit Times: 25 days from the East Coast and 37 days from the West Coast.

For more information on shipping to Dubai, check out our blog on International Car Shipping Process Costs and Best Practices.

4. Netherlands

The cost of shipping a car to the Netherlands ranges between $1,000 and $1,800, depending on departure location in the USA.

Additional Costs: Import duties are 2.5% for cars and 25% for trucks (Chicken Tax).
Destination Port: Rotterdam is one of Europe’s cheapest ports for car imports.

5. Central America

Shipping costs to Central America range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the destination country and service type.

Additional Costs: Customs duties vary by country; electric vehicles may qualify for exemptions.
Destination Ports: Major ports include Puerto Cortés (Honduras), Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), and Colón (Panama).

6. Latin America

Shipping a car to Latin America also costs between $1,500 and $3,500, with variations based on destination country and shipping method.

Additional Costs: Local customs duties and inland transportation fees vary by country.
Destination Ports: Popular ports include Santos (Brazil), Valparaiso (Chile), and Callao (Peru).

7. Australia

Shipping costs to Australia range from $2,150 to $2,250, including mandatory asbestos testing.

Additional Costs: Import duty is 10% for cars under 30 years old; GST is 10% for all vehicles. Cars over 30 years old are exempt from import duty but still subject to GST.
Destination Ports: Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne are common destinations.

8. United Kingdom (UK)

Shipping a car from the USA to the UK typically costs between £900 and £1,800 ($1,100–$2,200 USD) for container shipping.

Additional Costs:
- UK destination charges: £475 for cars or £350 for motorcycles.
- Import duties: Standard cars pay 10% import duty + 20% VAT.
- Classic cars over 30 years old pay only 5% VAT with no import duty.
Destination Ports: Felixstowe, Southampton, and Liverpool are popular options.
For expedited delivery or high-value vehicles, air freight is also available at higher costs.

Learn more about UK car shipping on our UK Shipping Page.

Factors Influencing Shipping Costs

1. Shipping Method

Container Shipping: Secure but more expensive; ideal for high-value or classic cars.
RoRo Shipping: Affordable but requires operational vehicles.
Air Freight: Fastest but most expensive option.

2. Vehicle Size & Weight

Larger or heavier vehicles incur higher shipping costs due to space requirements.

3. Distance & Transit Times

Longer distances result in higher costs; transit times also vary based on departure location.

4. Import Duties & Taxes

Each country has its own import tax rates based on vehicle value or age.

5. Optional Services

Door-to-door delivery adds convenience but increases costs.
Cargo damage protection provides peace of mind during transit.

Why Choose West Coast Shipping?

At West Coast Shipping, we specialize in international car transport with nearly two decades of experience handling shipments worldwide. Our services include:

Weekly container consolidation services saving up to 50% on costs.
Comprehensive customs clearance assistance.
Secure handling of luxury, classic, and standard vehicles.

For more information about international car shipping costs or assistance with your next shipment, visit our International Car Shipping Process Guide or explore our homepage.

Frequently Asked Question:

How much does it cost to ship a car internationally?

Costs vary by destination but typically range from $1,000–$3,500 for container shipping or RoRo services. Visit our International Car Shipping page for detailed rates.

Are there additional fees beyond shipping costs?

Yes! Additional fees include import duties, taxes (e.g., VAT), port handling fees, and optional insurance coverage. Learn more about these charges on our homepage.

What’s the cheapest way to ship a car internationally?

RoRo shipping is often the most affordable option if your vehicle is operational and doesn’t require extra protection during transit. Check out our blog on International Car Shipping Process Costs for more details!