How old is your car? Colombia doesn't allow imports over 4 or 5 years, and have to count from your model year not the one after. I am not sure that in general you save much money compared to the hassle and impuestas after all is said and done.

Vehicles are more expensive, and used hold their value VERY well. So would strongly advise if the import option doesn't pan out, you look for a good used model. They keep them running, and what it looks like is not the priority, I would buy a vehicle there, no I did. no complaints. Good luck.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

Unless your car is considered an antique, you will be taxed heavily on the import. People buy cars in Colombia. Yes, more money, but some cars are less expensive (Renault, Chinese cars) and you can sell it and not suffer too much of a loss on the sale.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Yes you can bring a car into Colombia to tour around on and then leave with it for $0 taxes. I have brought in several vehicles and have friends that have done the same.

You can travel all around South America from country to country and it virtually the same process as you move from border to border.

The car will enter for the purpose of tourism and the length of stay will correspond with your tourist visa, the one they give you as you enter the country. Generally they give you 90 days upon entry and then you can get extensions of up to 90 more days.

The best port to exit the USA is Houston and the ship goes to Cartagena.

You can get lots of information on a site called Horrizions. Search horizons hubb motorcycles. This site is directed to Adventure Motorcycle Riders however the same laws applys to any vehicle you want to bring to Colombia.

Good luck and be sure to visit me when you get to Colombia, I have traveled just about the entire country, it is a great adventure.

Post a Reply

20abuse

Thank you everyone for your reply.

My car is Nissan Altima 2013. I got a quote from the exporting company, shipoverseas.com and the quote that they gave me is $1,800. Does anyone have an idea on how much the taxes would be including the export fee? Would it be cheaper to drive my car from USA to Colombia? I can have a relative from Colombia meet me at Mexico or something and drive it to Colombia. Also, I am planning to stay in Colombia for more than 90 days...how can I arrange that with my car? I don't want any unexpected problems. This is my first time traveling.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Hello Kitty, there are no import or export taxes. The only fees other than the shipping charges you have been quoted will be the port fees on the Colombian side. Everything included, broker, storage, unloading and so forth will run from 1 to 2 thousand dollars. Each country requires libability insurrance and that runs about 50 dollars per 3 months in Colombia.

Like I said, the permision to temporarily import a vehicle runs with your visa and that is limited to no more than 180 days per year.

You do understand that the road ends in Panama and unless your car has wings, you have to ship it from Panama.

I think the last time I rode from Atlanta to Panama, flew the bike to Bogota and then rode to Cartagena it was about 5,000 miles. A long way but lots of fun.

Somthing to think about, if your are not ready for unexpeted problems, do not come to Colombia.

One more issue, if you do not own the car, no lien holder, then most countrys will not let it in. I think Colombia enforces that rule.

Post a Reply

00abuse

don't think u can drive direct from US to Colombia. Look up Darien Gap. Good luck with all.

Post a Reply

00abuse

What are the approximate costs of the taxes to have the shipped from NJ to Colombia? And how can I find out where my car can be shipped from NJ? Since I live in NJ. Thank you so much for your help!

Post a Reply

00abuse

Hello Kitty, the taxes to ship from New Jersey are the same as the taxes to ship from NY and FL and CA and TX. $$00

There is a big port there in NJ and for sure there are some boats that can accommodate you. Perhaps a look on line or in the yellow pages would be a lead.

I am getting the idea that either you are just having some fun with us or you are a little tonta boba. No worries, I like a little bobisimo now and then too.

On the other hand, if you are serious, then you should forget about going too far from home and your familiar surroundings.

Post a Reply

00abuse

I happen to be American. ok, thank you!.

Post a Reply

01abuse

Hi Kitten, dont get your fur all up in a twist, we are all Americans here (other that the ones who are not). If you end up making it this far south, I invite you to visit and pound down some good bar-b-que!

Any questions you have, please ask.

Post a Reply

00abuse

The best thing for you to do is leave your car and if need be buy a old car in Colombia. I am a very skilled driver and I would never drive in Colombia much less bring a new car. I can see it now Gringo prices for maintenance, insurance, etc. Your car under warranty in the US? Will they warranty it if the gas mess up your engine? Accidents who's you think they will blame? Not to mention the reckless driving. People often say on these pages dress like the locals, don't bring attention to yourself…you can throw that out the window sporting a fairly new car.

Not trying to sound negative but don't set yourself up to be taken advantage of. Save all that money for taxes and shipping and buy a local car in colombia or take taxis/buses and when necessary rent a van with driver for the day. Just my two cents.

Post a Reply

11abuse

Kitty, just my two cents...I read your post and the thread to my Colombian wife and she immediately *made a face* when she realized your plan.

She shook her head vigorously back and forth, and said "Why would she go to all that trouble?" She said it's much too uncertain to just be driving around Colombia, especially for a young woman. And, never mind all the headaches, paperwork, bureaucracy, and potential obstacles to even getting your car here.

She said - and I agree, after 10 years of visiting Colombia - use taxis, use buses, and hire a driver (not uncommon) for excursions.

Make no mistake...cities and population centers in Colombia can be *relatively* safe and secure, but that definitely does not go for the countryside in general, and many particular areas in Colombia. Just come as a *tourist,* and use the local methods of getting around, preferably with a good guide.

Walter

Post a Reply

10abuse

Very strongly agree. You are far better off using the local methods rather than introducing yourself to the chaos in the metros and the risks in the countryside.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Some people love their cars and it isn't about the money. But just be careful with your travels obviously. A rich gringo with an expensive out of country car, driving around out of the main city area asking for directions... they will likely charge you extra at road side snack shops.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Hi guys, thanks so much for the reply. If I take my car outside of USA the warranty does not cover my car.

My boyfriend is going to be living in Cali, 6th Avenue where all the Americans and hippies live. We're only going from and between Buen Aventura and Cali. We're not going to be driving into the bad neighborhoods. My boyfriend wants to wear his expensive watches when he goes out, not into the bad neighborhoods though of course. I told him what you guys had said and he said as long as we're not going into the bad neighborhoods it will be fine. Is this true? The way you guys are putting it is not to draw any attention wherever we are, whether it's a good or bad neighborhood. I am also paying $450 a month for my car alone, not including insurance. If I get a used car or have a chauffer drive us around, would it come out to the same price monthly? If I leave my car in the states, I'll be paying $450 monthly just sitting in the garage. Since I don't have anyone to take over the payments. Also, how much is gas per gallon in Colombia? My boyfriend says there is good gas in Colombia but isn't gas just gas in Colombia? Thanks guys, I appreciate giving me your headsup.

Post a Reply

00abuse

There are mixed reviews regarding the oil refineries that make the gas here. Gas typically runs about $4 per gallon for regular and $5.20 for extra (more or less).

If I am not mistaken it will cost about $3K to ship your car back and forth and likely you will be spending allot of time explaining your situation when clearing customs, and police checkpoints and I don't know if they have Pica Placa in Cali (meaning you can only drive your car on certain days).

If you leave your car in the states, don't cancel your insurance. Just tell them that you will be out of country and you want to put your insurance on hold. Depending on your insurance type they will not charge you for the months you are away or they will only charge you a minimum fee of $20 a month (incase your car is stolen while you are gone).

Car rentals are about $50 to $100 a day (average about $80). You could hire a car for about $50 a day to be your private driver. Or better yet just talk to the taxi office and ask them for the numbers of English speaking drivers (they might know of some) which you can call when you need them. The average taxi ride in Cali will cost you under $8 USD. If you are going to be there for a while you can learn to use the bus system and save lots of $$ that way. Also don't forget you will be paying to park your car just about everywhere you go. I don't know the exact rate in Cali but I would assume it is about $1 per hour on the street and about $1.60 per hour for indoor parking. Especially if you are staying in a small area you would be looking at about $3 taxi rides.

You will have to also export the car back into the country... shipping and delivery time for the car. Picking the car up at the ports. You will also need to purchase insurance for your car while here, which I would imagine would require you to get your car inspected..... Honestly it sounds like a huge pain in the ars to me.

I would imagine even if you rented a car for the entire time you are down here it would cost you less then if you shipped your car back and forth.

On a personal note, if you are staying within city limits and not traveling with a child, there is hardly any reason to have a car. The only reason I have one is because I don't want my 22 month son sitting in the back of a taxi while I argue with the driver to drive closer to the speed limit.

It is just our 200 pesos worth but I don't think many expats on this site would recommend bringing your car down just for a few months for the "pain in the ars convenience of having it here".

Post a Reply

10abuse

Plus of you don't own the car aka have a clean title. I don't think you can export the car. If you don't make your payments the bank will have a hell of a time repoing it. So I am pretty sure you will not be able to take it. After all it is not your car until you pay for it.

Post a Reply

00abuse

This is got to be a fake poster. No one can be this stupid and keep asking the same questions over and over. Besides, what idiot things they will only hangout in the best areas, between the murder capital of the world, Buena Ventura and where the "Hippies" aka vagos hang on 6th street.

Be serious,..........

Post a Reply

40abuse

Well, at least your were warned or given information about the pros and cons of this place. Also, if you are going to be filming here, you might need a special visa from the Colombian Cancilleria's Office. Please verify with them.

I can just imagine all the attention you will get here and as someone quoted; you will get the Gringo treatment with prices.

At least you asked about costs involved. You are a grown person and will make your own decisions about bringing things here.

I would never bring a car here just because of the taxes involved. I would, however, purchase a used car here if I needed so badly to drive around or just hire a driver.

Next time everyone is out and about take a look at all the Colombiano's cars and the bald tires. I think someone forgot to tell them about rotating the tires or replacing them often. They are very bald and almost every car has this issue here.

Let us know how it went for you and if you car made it arriving and for the duration of your visit to Colombia. Buena suerte!

Post a Reply

00abuse

I will echo what already has been said on these blogs. Gas prices are fixed but increase each year. When I was in Colombia last year, it was ca. $4.60/gal. But shipping a car is expensive. If you're going to be in Cali for a long time, why not sell your car? You can buy a better used car in the US than you can in Colombia. Rule of thumb: Don't wear anything on the street that you don't mind losing to a knife wielding thief or gang of thugs. Read well everything that has been said here about transportation. The advice is priceless.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Hello, Hello Kitty.

I'm sorry to have to say this, but it looks like you haven't done any research at all. I don't usually try to insult anyone, so don't take this as an insult. It isn't meant to be one.

But are you serious? You are travelling between the armpit of Colombia at one end, to a hellhole of a crime ridden city at the other end, and you say "We're not going to be driving into the bad neighborhoods" ????

Your boyfriend wants to wear his expensive watches when he goes out, not into the bad neighbourhoods though of course ???? Who on earth does he think he's kidding? Does he really think his fancy watches will impress anyone? And why? Is he that insecure that he can't be seen without his "bling" to impress people? Does he have nothing behind that facade of cheap tacky rubbish to show the world what kind of person he really is? He deserves to get robbed, and believe me, he will get robbed..

Do you really think that the criminals just stay in their own dirty little ghettos? NO!!!! They go to the nice areas to rob people, for that's where they find stupid people with all the stuff they want to rob from you. They don't find much jewellery, expensive crap watches, gold chains, etc, on the people in the poor or dangerous areas. THEY GO TO THE NICE AREAS TO FIND PEOPLE LIKE YOUR BOYFRIEND !!!!!!

I really do think you should both get a reality check.

And as for cars, my thoughts would fill a book, and cover such areas as:
Do you really want your car to end up trashed by all the potholes, and gaping chasms in the road? And if the holes don't wreck your steering and suspension, the taxi drivers will, for they swerve all over the road trying to avoid the holes, and they don't care who they hit. Who are you going to sue if you hit one of these 2 foot deep holes that wrecks the front end of your car?

Then there are the bus drivers. Their bus is bigger than your car, and they just plough on, regardless of any other vehicle in the road. Even disabled pensioners have to jump for their lives as buses aim for a tiny gap in the traffic, and just put their foot down. Its your duty to keep out of their way, and if they hit your precious new car, they won't even stop. You shouldn't have been on the road. So you die, so what? In Colombia, life is cheap.

My advice is leave the car back home. Take the buses, taxis, and if in the big cities, the Transmilenio or Metro. Its often quicker, less hassle, cheap, saves you thousands in costs like shipping, customs, etc, and worry.

I really don't think you have thought this through.

Post a Reply

30abuse

Thanks guys! All of you have given me a lot of information. Now calculating the costs of gas and bring my car into Colombia, it's better to just rent or have a driver take me everywhere.

I appreciate all your responses.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Not sure if poster is putting us on
Buenaventura is possibly the most dangerous city/town in Colombia right now.
Not a matter if you get robbed but when.
Bringing your car isnt an option - at all, you have to have a clear title, you dont - not possible.

Post a Reply

01abuse

Thanks!

Post a Reply

00abuse

My last fill-up here in Cali was at COP7800.roughly per litre. That makes regular gas $11.70 per US gallon. Gas is taxed out the wazoo here!!! But good luck!!!

Post a Reply

00abuse

I don't drive there but don't they sell gasoline by the US gallon? If I reckon correctly then that's $2.50 per gallon.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Are you sure its litre? Here in Monteria its 8200cop per GAllon

Post a Reply

00abuse

Its cheap gas vs NYC thats for sure

Post a Reply

00abuse

OK, one more time. Gas in Colombia may say gallon, but they mean liter. Generally, between 7500 and 12000 per litre (regular or Hi Test) There are 4.7 Liters per USGallon, so you can do the math.

Post a Reply

00abuse

My Understanding is that gas prices are per gallon in Colombia. So the 7900 pesos is about $2.50/gallon.US.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Sr Bucket. Creo que tu pagando precios gringos.

Post a Reply

00abuse

MT,

Measurements here in Colombia are a mysterious thing. Just last week in the supermarket, they were selling 6 killos of potatoes for 9 mill pesos. When I tossed the bag on the scale it was 12 lbs, 1.2 lbs short.

The supervisor assured me that in Olympica, 1 kilo is 2 lbs. He said, "No say cuanto libras en 1 kilo americano, pero 1 kilo colombiano es 2 libras"

So MT, if in your pueblo in Colombia, the pump says gallons but dispensers liters, it could be just one of thoes Colombian things. Especially if you live in Pasto.

Remember 2 + 2 = 4, except here in this enchanted paradise.

It is loco....

Post a Reply

10abuse

MT Bucket, for your information gasoline does not cost 11USD. at any pump in Colombia. Never did. And the gas prices are always in the 7000-8000 peso range on the station signs. I fill up a Chevy Corsa, 11 gallons, for about 84000 pesos currently, which equates down to about 28USD to fill the sucker!

Also, minor point, there are 3.8 liters/gallon not 4.7. .

Post a Reply

00abuse

One more time with incorrect facts?

"The US gallon is used in the United States and is equal to exactly 231 cubic inches or 3.785411784 liters. The Imperial gallon or UK gallon is used in the United Kingdom and is equal to approximately 277.42 cubic inches. Its exact value is defined as 4.54609 liters."

Google it.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Sorry MT, your math is wrong of in Metrics as well.. It is gallon, rounding up is 3.8 liters.
Going by your numbers is this =

3.8x7,800cop=29,640
Going by daily USD rate and a couple % pts lower is $9.82 not More than 11usd

So you are incorrect not only with liter/gallon error, but your basic calculation is wrong.

Real cost in Monteria is 8100cop for one gallon, they aren't selling it to me in gringo gallons.

8100cop x 11 GALLONS is 86900 cop
86900 cop going by daily USD rate and a couple % pts lower is $28.79 USD. A couple of months ago back in NYC I paid 38.50 USD for same 11 gallons.. Other than going into Venezuela, my gas here is just fine.

Post a Reply

10abuse

As far as taxes, yeah that's going to be costly. Shipping is expensive too so make sure you know what you're getting into. As others have said, there are limits as to how old the car can be if it's going to be imported too.

The best option may be to contact a company that does this type of work so that you know for sure. One company I know of, A-1 Auto Trans Incorporated https://www.a1autotransport.com/ship-car-to-colombia.php ships regularly from the U.S. to South America. I've not used them before, but others I know have and said they were good. I'd gather a list of questions after some research and give them a call to see if you've got all the bases covered.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Would have wanted to know if Hellokitty ever shipped her car? Fascinating read ??..

Post a Reply

00abuse

I'm guessing there never was a car, or any planned trip to film a documentary. $450/month for a Nissan Altman? Boyfriend wants to wear his expensive watches on Cali and Buenaventura? Doing a documentary on tourism just between Cali and Buenaventura?

Just someone trolling the forum.

However, for someone considering shipping their car for an extended vacation, there is some good information, don't even think about it. If your car is worth enough to ship to another country, it's worth too much to be driving around in another country.

Post a Reply

10abuse

I brought my 2016 Chevy Sail with Ecuador plates into Colombia on December 7th (2016). I entered on a 90-day tourist visa, which I renewed for another 90 days last week at a Migratorio office in Quindío.

Last week, I also extended my car permit for the same 90 days at the DIAN office near El Edén airport (AXM).

The agents at DIAN informed me that I may legally keep the Ecuador-licensed car in Colombia for an entire 12 months! (December '16-December '17) if I obtain a TP visa and visit DIAN for their free inspection in June,

DIAN has charged me zero dollars for bringing the car into Colombia and keeping it here. SOAT third-party insurance is super-cheap.

If I keep the car in Colombia past next December 7, I was told at DIAN, the vehicle could be confiscated by the Colombian government. There is some type of compersation available, they said .. although I wouldn't want to test it.

I cannot re-sell the Ecuador car while in Colombia regardless of my visa-status.. So I will have to get it back to Ecuador by December .. and would re-sell it there.

A DIAN agent here said there are various trucking companies that could transport the car to near the COL border with Ecuador. I don't want to drive it down there myself because the Panamericana, in my experience, is slow and unsafe (bandidos).

I would pick up the delivered car at Pasto or Ipiales and cross back into Ecuador at the Rumichaca 'frontera'.

cccmedia in La Zona Cafetera, COL

Post a Reply

00abuse

I brought my 2016 Chevy Sail with Ecuador plates into Colombia on December 7th (2016). I entered on a 90-day tourist visa, which I renewed for another 90 days last week at a Migratorio office in Quindío.

Last week, I also extended my car permit for the same 90 days at the DIAN office near El Edén airport (AXM).

The agents at DIAN informed me that I may legally keep the Ecuador-licensed car in Colombia for an entire 12 months! (December '16-December '17) if I obtain a TP visa and visit DIAN for their free inspection in June,

DIAN has charged me zero dollars for bringing the car into Colombia and keeping it here. SOAT third-party insurance is super-cheap.

If I keep the car in Colombia past next December 7, I was told at DIAN, the vehicle could be confiscated by the Colombian government. There is some type of compersation available, they said .. although I wouldn't want to test it.

I cannot re-sell the Ecuador car while in Colombia regardless of my visa-status.. So I will have to get it back to Ecuador by December .. and would re-sell it there.

A DIAN agent here said there are various trucking companies that could transport the car to near the COL border with Ecuador. I don't want to drive it down there myself because the Panamericana, in my experience, is slow and unsafe (bandidos).

I would pick up the delivered car at Pasto or Ipiales and cross back into Ecuador at the Rumichaca 'frontera'.

cccmedia in La Zona Cafetera, COL

Post a Reply

00abuse

Ccmedia could you tell me if the same is true vice versa, Colombian car in EC for 1 year?
Mil gracias

Post a Reply

00abuse

Unfortunately , You cannot register a car in Colombia or import a vehicle for ownership. If the vehicle is brand new, zero miles (km) or you are a diplomat, yes. Visitors, residents etc. It's a no.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Disregard please

Post a Reply

00abuse

https://www.freight-calculator.com/Car-RO/carocr.asp

Fill in the blanks, get a shipping price quote. Buy the extra insurance.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Ecuador may have its own, different rules on temporary car import, RezQ.

Customs agency SENAE is the decider.

cccmedia in Medellín

Post a Reply

00abuse