Menu
Expat.com
Search
Magazine
Search

Export car to punta Cana

I purchased a condo in punta Cana   , and was wondering how much it cost to bring my vehicle from Canada

See also

@Gio Pet

Check with the shipper in Canada for the transport fee and then figure out if you will be sending it someone a citizen there because price varies for citizens and non

@Gio Pet

Getting the vehicle from Canada to DR


For ocean transport, a reasonable starting estimate is roughly US$1,000–$2,500+ for the vehicle/logistics, depending heavily on where in Canada it starts, vehicle size, whether it goes RoRo or container, and the destination port. One Canada/DR vehicle shipper quotes vehicle transport broadly at US$350–$1,500+, while container/freight services can run considerably higher.


For example, cargo moving from Toronto/Montreal commonly routes to Caucedo or Río Haina, with inland Canadian transport potentially adding substantially to the bill.


2. What you pay after it arrives in DR


This is where it can get expensive. Dominican Customs (DGA) assesses the vehicle and collects the applicable import/customs taxes. Then there is the DR first-registration (“primera placa”) process.


DGII currently states that first registration includes:


* 17% of the vehicle’s CIF value — CIF = vehicle value + insurance + freight.

* CO₂ tax: 0%, 1%, 2%, or 3% of CIF depending on emissions. If emissions information isn’t available, the 3% rate can apply.

* The applicable marbete/vehicle circulation fee.


And those registration charges are in addition to whatever import duties/taxes DGA assesses when clearing the vehicle through customs.


Example


Suppose you buy a vehicle in Canada for US$15,000 equivalent, and shipping/insurance to DR brings the CIF value to approximately $17,000.


Just the 17% first-plate tax would be:


$17,000 × 17% = $2,890 USD equivalent


Then add the CO₂ tax (potentially another $0–$510), marbete, DGA import/customs taxes, port/broker/handling charges, etc.


So you should not budget as though a $15,000 Canadian vehicle will cost only $1,500 to ship and then you’re finished. Clearing and registering it in DR can add several thousand dollars.


One other major restriction: DR generally prohibits importing used vehicles more than five years old. DGA explains that the five-year rule is calculated using its July 1–June 30 calendar convention.

Need a rental car in Dominican Republic?
Find a car rental agency

First of all it must be less than 5 years old. If you are importing it must be in your name and owned outright for a year.


The fees depend on your status here. With residency there are some taxes and fees waived but it's still expensive and time consuming.  If you do not have residency and are not a Dominican it is rarely worth it!

Further reading