importing a car

[CHERIE WOLFE]

Speaking of cars, I’m wondering if you have a ballpark figure for shipping cars from the US (San Francisco/Oakland area) to Panama. A friend ships hers back and forth from Maui to Oakland for $1000. This is pretty reasonable – is Panama anywhere near that figure? I have a 2012 Ford Escape SUV (not 4WD unfortunately) with 10,000 miles on it and wonder if it would be worthwhile to ship it. Can you give me the name of a reputable shipping company? I’ve heard that if you are shipping furniture and so on that you can “rent” a crate large enough to fit your car AND household goods (of which I have only a few that I want to ship). Do you know if that is true? Thanks, Cherie Wolfe

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi Cherie,

Most expats say they wish they hadn’t bothered. The best, easiest thing for most is to just sell you car there and buy a new car in Panama (if you decide you need one…many expats get here and decide they don’t want or need to drive).

Importing your car can be expensive and unnecessary. If you do bring your car, keep in mind it may be hard to sell once you’re ready; used cars are tough to sell in Panama, because a lot of Panamanians (even first time buyers) prefer to go for new cars and financing is cheap and plentiful. And if your model isn’t common here, repairs can be an issue. Repairs on locally purchased cars (or models popular in Panama) are cheap, as parts are plentiful. You will find that new cars cost about the same in Panama as in the U.S.

Moving goods or vehicles overseas can be quite expensive (more than a few thousand dollars in shipping alone). Panama doesn’t set the price–your shipping company will set the price. And no, I do not think you can move an SUV internationally for $1000. The figures I have heard are closer to $4000.

If you plan to move a container-full (or partial container-full) of items or just you car, most large U.S. moving companies have international arms that handle relocations to other countries. You may be able to save by using a Panama-based company, though coordinating from afar can be time-consuming. If you’d like to reach out to a relocation/shipping expert here is a Panama-based one:

CARIDAD Y. AGUILAR President, Ptypackers (Panama International Packers) and Carybenha Investment Corp. Albrook Commercial Park, Warehouse D-9, Panama, Republic of Panama Tel. +507 232-7155//232-7154; Dir. +507 230-3092; cell +507 6617-8581 Email: caridad@ptypackers.com Website: http://www.ptypackers.com

And: Panama Relocation; tel. +507 271-0029; e-mail: info@panamarelocation.com; website:www.panamarelocation.com. This full-service relocation company assists people with “every aspect” of moving to Panama.

Pensionados in Panama are entitled to a one-time exemption from duties on the importation of household goods (up to $10,000) and currently get a break on luxury tax when importing a car

Learn more here on your Panama Insider website: https://internationalliving.com/country_clubs/panama/moving-to-panama/#goods

Hope this helps.

Best,

[JOHN STANGE]

Is there a limit on how old a vehicle to be imported can be? Are there some specific models or brands that are preferred?
Thanks,
John

[COUNTRY EXPERT – LINDA CARD]

Hi John- thanks for posting your inquiry.

In all my research about importing cars, I have not found any age limit. However, the age of the vehicle, as well as its value, affects the amount of fees imposed by the Panamanian government. It can be quite expensive, with shipping, taxes, import duties and other fees for legal and customs brokerage services.

There are no officially preferred models, if that’s what you mean. But some makes and models of vehicles are more popular than others, which means parts are more readily accessible and less expensive, and most mechanics will be familiar with how to do repairs.

The most popular makes here in Panama (in no particular order) are Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi. Obviously, Asian car models have a huge presence here! I seldom see Ford or GM vehicles, and luxury dealerships are only to be found in Panama City.

I hope this helps! Chao, Linda

[JASON S.]

What about driving into the country?

We plan on touring the US, Mexico and on down to Panama to get there. The car is a 35 year old MGB roadster (convertible) valued at a modest $20,000.

We will want to keep the car as our personal vehicle on a pensionado visa.

Are there any documents we will need to be aware of to cross the border with the car?

[COUNTRY EXPERT- JESSICA RAMESCH]

Hi and thanks for posting,

We actually don’t recommend driving from the U.S. to Panama. The border between Costa Rica and Panama is fine, but there are other borders you’d have to cross that are notorious.

Few people drive through Central America – you’ll find adventure blog posts by the the ones who have done it (and the dangers they faced).

You may want to try consulting a website like drivetheamericas or adventuretrek (I’ve never had any dealings with these, just found them online. Apparently the latter does group RV trips but the website says they’re happy to advise solo drivers).

The requirements may vary from country to country, so you’d have to research each border individually.

To keep the car in Panama (for longer than the 90 day stay accorded to a tourist) you’d likely have to register the car nationally and pay import taxes or fees. How much you pay will likely depend on the blue book value of the vehicle or a national equivalent. I have heard it can be pricey (over a thousand bucks, possibly much more), even for a modest car.

requirements may include:

original documents showing that you are the registered owner (Registration), and that the car is in adequate condition
copies of your passport, Panamanian auto insurance, proof of solvency, and more. (I’ve heard many expats who don’t speak Spanish hire guides at the border to help).

If you apply for the Pensionado visa you should be eligible for a customs exemption, but still may have other fees to pay.

You’d need to check all this with your Panama attorney (remember, we have one listed in the Rolodex section of this website), a shipping/logistics company, or relocation specialist.

Hope this helps.

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch

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