Vehicle Transport

We shipped our car from Miami to DR. We had insurance against loss during transit. We shipped ours in our container of personal items, so the expense wasn't much more for the car. I can't imagine the time and expense of shipping from Hawaii!

Actually, the military will help me ship it to FL, then I have to cover the cost from FL to D.R.

What company did you use, how much did they charge you, and how many days did it take to arrive in the D.R. ?

Are you doing this with a residency exemption?  Is it less than  5 year old?

x2  There are some rules involved with landing a vehicle in the DR.

The costs to ship into the DR are not too bad. Maybe $1500. As ddmcghee says we shipped our vehicle inside our 40ft container, so it was inexpensive for us. The real costs are the taxes. That can hit you hard. If you PM me I can provide some guidance and costs.

@planner hi, I will not be traveling with a residency exemption and my vehicle is not less than 5 years old. Its a 2018...

Then you cannot bring it in.

Without exemption for residency you will pay all the fees, duties, taxes etc based on a price determined here! 

Older than 5 yrs is a 'No-Go'

@planner Okay. so would you say its more economical to purchase a newer vehicle in the states and have it shipped or wait to purchase one in the D.R.?

@planner

Vehicle must be owned for 1 yr before import

Omg

As Willie posted!  You won't have an option but to buy here. And without residency you will pay a lot of taxes and duty plus first plates etc. 

@Angiearias85

The duties you pay on a vehicle NOT manufactured in the US are considerably higher, as well.  We specifically bought our vehicle that was manufactured in the US.  So, you need a vehicle less than five years old and more than one year.  I think you have to own it one year prior, but I'm not positive about that.  We bought ours in January this year because we plan to move spring 2024.

less than 5yrs old and you have owned it for 1yr...........that's the rule

The owned for a year is not set in stone. It must be within 5 years , but I know of several expats that brought a new vehicle in the states and shipped shortly thereafter. The key was to ship using an auto importer and not as an individual

    The owned for a year is not set in stone. It must be within 5 years , but I know of several expats that brought a new vehicle in the states and shipped shortly thereafter. The key was to ship using an auto importer and not as an individual
   

    -@ricomozo

They didn't import it personally, The Importer did

Big difference

Exactly lets not confuse the issues. we are talking about an individual importing a vehicle!

what about classic cars 1966 mustang

@vinnyice6

you need the support/collaboration of the local classic club/association to get that done

yes, there is one

@ddmcghee

good evening, we are considering  moving to the Domincan, retired and live on a fixed income. If you don't mind sharing, did you move your household as well? if so, what size container did you get, if possible could you give me an estimate as to the cost. thank you in advance

@cmerschen

If I may offer sime advice:

This is an older thread, focused on transporting/importing vehicles to tge DR.  Your question doesn't fitbhere, and as an older thread, isn't likely to garner many responses here. 

I suggest instead you pose your question in a new thread, or at least one focused on importing HH goods. 

Jim

I have heard horror stories about people shipping cars to the DR. . Prices high here but not what they used to be. My opinion, not worth the headache. I have bought 2 used cars from a reputable dealer, cannot complain

I have done both and and it depends who you know. If you are considering importing a car than I would suggest connecting with a dealer in DR  who also imports cars and work through him. I imported my mercedes SUV and i knew exactly all my cost up from with no surprises. So it can be done with the right group of people. Don't forget that USA made cars does not pay the extra 20% tax only the ITBIS 18% plus you pay the same 18% for the plate either at the same time of importing or 90 days later

I know several people who have gone the dealer route.  In most cases you pay all the taxes and costs PLUS a flat fee for their help. If not using a residencia exemption this is a good idea.