Car Shipping to Vietnam
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Vietnam is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Vietnam, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Vietnamese regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to Vietnam
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to Vietnam – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Vietnam — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Vietnam– Key Takeaways
Transit time: 22–45 days (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 10% (on CIF value + applicable duties)
Cost: $2,000–$7,000+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Hai Phong, Danang
Import duty: varies widely depending on engine size and trade agreements
Required inspection: Vietnamese vehicle inspection certificate; registration at the local police traffic office
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to Vietnam
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Vietnam
Our local broker handles all Vietnamese customs paperwork, import duty, VAT, and Special Consumption Tax.
Delivered & Registered in Vietnam
Your vehicle passes the Vietnamese vehicle inspection before registration at the local police traffic office and release.
Vietnam Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to Vietnam starts around USD $2,000, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is the principal Vietnamese port of entry, with additional service available to Hai Phong, Danang, Qui Nhơn and other Vietnamese ports. The estimated transit time is 22–45 days, but this can vary depending on routing and method.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US West Coast → Saigon | $2,000 | $3,000 | $3,800 | |
US East Coast → Saigon | $2,300 | $3,600 | $5,000 |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Vietnam Destination Ports
LogisticsHere are the entry ports in Vietnam we can ship to.
Ports Served in Vietnam
Danang
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Hai Phong
Cantho
Chân Mây
Hanoi
Phú Mỹ (Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu)
Qui Nhơn
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Vietnam government. Some of these fees could include:
Vietnam Import and Registration Fees
Import duty (varies widely by engine size and applicable trade agreements)
VAT (10%) on the CIF value plus applicable duties
Special Consumption Tax / SCT (35%–150% depending on engine displacement)
Annual road tax
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Vehicle inspection fees
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Compulsory motor vehicle insurance
Registration fee
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. Vietnam’s tax structure for imported cars is one of the highest in the region, particularly for vehicles with larger engines, which can attract very high Special Consumption Tax rates.
Vietnam Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsDespite the high duties, there are some exemptions in specific circumstances.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Free Trade Agreements | Vehicles imported from countries with which Vietnam has a free trade agreement may benefit from reduced import duty rates. Eligibility depends on country of origin and the specific FTA terms. |
Diplomatic Exemption | Foreign diplomats assigned to Vietnam may be eligible for exemptions on personal vehicles imported during their posting, subject to standard diplomatic documentation. |
Returning Vietnamese Nationals |
Returning Vietnamese nationals (Viet Kieu) may, in certain cases, benefit from concessions on a personal vehicle imported as part of their relocation. Eligibility should be confirmed with Vietnam Customs before shipping. |
Classic / Vintage Vehicles | Classic and vintage vehicles may be subject to different age and inspection rules. Eligibility should be confirmed with Vietnam Customs and the Department of Land Transport before shipping. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in Vietnam.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to Vietnam, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to Vietnam.
- The import of right-hand-drive motor vehicles is prohibited in Vietnam.
- Used motor vehicles (including passenger cars, cargo trucks, pickup trucks, and specialized cars) may be imported if they have not been in use for more than 5 years from the year of manufacture and are being imported by the original owner.
- Vehicles must have been registered in the owner’s country for at least 6 months prior to shipping, with a minimum mileage of 10,000 km.
- Motorcycles may be imported if the engine is 175cc or larger; note that motorcycle import duties can be very high (sometimes more than 100% of value).
- You will need a valid Vietnamese visa and work permit, plus a Household Registration Book issued by the Vietnam Ministry of Public Security.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Vietnam:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or Vietnamese authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in Vietnam, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs declaration for import/export to Vietnam Customs
Copy of Bill of Lading
Vehicle inspection certificate
Authorization Letter for Customs Clearance by Destination Agent
Proof of valid Vietnamese motor insurance
Vehicle Registration Declaration
Identification (passport, visa, work permit)
Vehicle Registration in Vietnam (Local Police Traffic Office)
RegistrationAll imported vehicles must be registered at the designated local police traffic office before they can be legally driven on public roads. Proof of insurance, the certificate of vehicle inspection, and all other required documentation (including passport and vehicle registration declaration) will be submitted at the traffic office.
Upon customs clearance and registration, you’ll be issued a temporary Vietnamese license plate, valid for twenty days. Foreign license plates are prohibited in Vietnam, so you cannot drive on US plates. A permanent plate will then be issued and must be attached to the vehicle.
If your vehicle requires modifications to meet Vietnamese standards, such as emissions or lighting compliance, these will need to be handled before the inspection. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic where needed.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Vietnam, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
Start the Process of Shipping Your
Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
Vietnam Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Vietnam.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in Vietnam?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
Can I ship a right-hand-drive vehicle to Vietnam?
No. The import of right-hand-drive vehicles is prohibited in Vietnam. US-spec left-hand-drive vehicles are well-suited to the Vietnamese market.
How old can a car be when imported into Vietnam?
Used vehicles must be no more than 5 years old from the year of manufacture, and must be imported by the original owner. Vehicles older than that are usually prohibited from import.
What is Special Consumption Tax (SCT)?
SCT (Vietnam’s “Đặc biệt” tax) is an excise tax on automobiles that ranges from 35% up to 150% depending on engine displacement. Larger-engine vehicles attract significantly higher SCT, which is the biggest single cost driver for imported cars in Vietnam.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.