Should you ship your car or sell it? The honest guide for families relocating internationally

Your car is probably one of the largest assets you own. Deciding what to do with it before an international relocation is one of the most financially consequential decisions in the whole process, and most families make it without nearly enough information. The choice is not simply ship versus sell. It is a calculation that depends on your destination, the import duty regime, the local car market, your timeline, and in some cases your legal status in the new country.

Why this decision matters more than most families realise

Import duty is the variable that changes everything. In some countries, import duties on vehicles can reach 50, 80, or even 100% of the vehicle's assessed value. A car worth €20,000 in Europe could cost €30,000 or more to import legally into certain African or Asian countries once duty, VAT, and processing fees are applied. Research the import duty rate for your specific destination country before you make any decision.

The diplomatic and expatriate exemption

If you are relocating under a diplomatic or official government posting, most countries grant diplomats the right to import vehicles free of import duty within a defined window after arrival — typically three to six months from the date of your official accreditation. This exemption is frequently underused because families do not plan for it in advance.

One important caveat: diplomatic duty-free imports typically come with a restriction on resale. If you sell the vehicle within a defined period, often two to three years, you become liable for the original duty that was waived.

The case for shipping your car

Shipping makes the most sense when import duty is low or waived, when the local car market at your destination is limited or expensive, or when your vehicle is recent and well-suited to the destination's roads. Door-to-door international car shipping typically costs between €1,500 and €6,000 depending on the route and shipping method.

Use a specialist vehicle shipping agent rather than a general freight forwarder. Get a minimum of three to five quotes. The variation between agents for the same route can be several thousand euros.

The case for selling and buying locally

Selling before departure and buying locally makes sense when import duty is high, when your vehicle is older, or when the local market has good supply. In European countries, Canada, Australia, and the major cities of Southeast Asia, the local car market is generally deep enough that finding a good vehicle is straightforward.

The expat community second-hand market

In many destinations, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, the most practical route is buying from a departing expat through community networks. Expat Facebook groups and embassy notice boards in cities like Nairobi, Lagos, Lusaka, Doha, and Jakarta carry a steady stream of departing families selling well-maintained vehicles. Connecting with the local expat community before you arrive is time well spent.

The practical checklist before deciding

Research the import duty rate for private vehicles in your destination country. If you are on a diplomatic posting, contact your administrative section about the duty-free import window. Get three to five quotes from specialist vehicle shipping agents. Assess the local vehicle market at your destination. Join the local expat community groups and observe what vehicles departing families are selling.

For the full list of logistics decisions organised by stage and timeline, our free 120-step family relocation checklist covers vehicle decisions alongside every other aspect of your move. And the Global Relocation System includes a full logistics framework covering shipping, vehicles, and customs for every type of family move.