Logistics & Belongings

Shipping your car vs starting over

For most people, this isn't really a shipping question — it's a math question. Shipping a car overseas commonly runs $1,000 to $5,000 or more, and depending on the method and distance, that cost can exceed what the car is actually worth. Before you get quotes, it's worth deciding honestly whether shipping makes sense at all.

Age matters more than you'd think. Many countries restrict or block the import of vehicles over a certain age — rules that vary by country and can change without much notice. A car that's perfectly fine to drive in the U.S. may not legally qualify for import at all. Check your specific destination's current rules before you commit to anything.

Option 1

Ship it

Makes the most sense for a newer car, one with sentimental value, or a destination where buying a comparable replacement locally is harder or pricier than expected. Two main methods: RoRo (roll-on/roll-off — cheaper, less protected) and container shipping (pricier, more secure). Expect to start the process 2–3 months ahead, since export certification and paperwork take real time.

Option 2

Sell before you go, buy after you arrive

Often the more practical choice for an older car or a budget-conscious move. You avoid the shipping cost, the import paperwork, and the age-restriction risk entirely — and you get a vehicle suited to local roads, parts availability, and driving norms from day one. The trade-off is the inconvenience of being car-less for a stretch right when you're handling everything else about the move.

If you do decide to ship, know that vehicle shipping is usually handled separately from your household goods — even full-service movers often treat it as its own line item, sometimes through a dedicated auto-transport partner rather than in-house. Get a vehicle-specific quote rather than assuming it's bundled into your moving estimate.

If you're shipping your car

Confirm your destination country's current age-of-vehicle import restrictions
Get a vehicle-specific shipping quote — don't assume it's included in your household goods estimate
Compare RoRo vs. container shipping cost and protection trade-offs
Gather required documents: title, registration, bill of sale, government ID
Plan for vehicle prep: drain most fuel, disconnect the battery, remove all personal items
Ask about supplemental marine insurance — basic carrier liability is often minimal
Confirm whether the shipper handles destination customs clearance or whether you'll need a local agent
Research local driver's license conversion requirements for your destination — a shipped car doesn't help much if you can't legally drive it yet

verify current import rules and costs directly — they vary by country and change without much notice ↑ Back to top