Relocating car into Singapore

[Arigala]

Hi there.
I was hoping someone could help me understand what it takes to relocate a car into Singapore. Is that even possible?

I am an US citizen working for a US company in US. My company wants to move me to Singapore for a year or 2. I want to consider the possibility of moving my car with me so that I can avoid purchasing a new car there.

Please help.

Thanks in advance.
S.A.

[jpatokal]

Yes, it's possible, but unless you drive a Bugatti it's almost certainly not worth the expense... not only do you have the massive cost of shipping your car across the Pacific, but you'll be slapped with a $10,000 import fee plus 41% duty on open market value, and you still need to get a COE. And oh yes -- you can't do this at all unless your Bugatti is less than 3 years old. All this adds up to mean that it's much cheaper to buy a car in Singapore... which, of course, is the entire point.

Here's the full scoop on the hair-raising bureaucracy from The Other Site:

http://www.expatsingapore.com/once/bringing.htm

[hann]

The answer to this is to ... rent a car. I have an Audi A6 bought in 2002, full leather and silver color. I would like t rent out if you like. Hassle-free as we will pay for the road tax and insurance and maintain the car for you. Email me at fllogs@singnet.com.sg if you are interested. Welcome to Singapore! - Hann

[yoongf]

I would think that the killer registation tax (ARF) of 150% of Open Market Value would be the show stopper.

Anyway, if the car is from US, it is most likely a left hand drive car, which is not allowed, unless it has diplomatic plates.

[used car]

You can get a used car here that won't totally break your bank account. You don't have to buy a brand new, expensive car. Also, you can finance used cars for longer periods of time (like 7+ years) which can help make the payment more reasonable. If you are getting a reasonable car allowance from your company it will likely cover your payment. However, that being said, you should get over here and spend a couple of months without a car and see if it will work out for you not to have one at all. Many expats don't have cars and do just fine using taxis and public transit. Definitely worth experimenting a bit before commiting to purchasing a car.

[kavanna]

Need a used car please call me at +65 90210555

[tokcok]

Hi there, you can read all about importing a used vehicle to Singapore here:

www.onemotoring.com.sg

Not sure about this so you have to read up on this: I think you can import your car here for personal use without paying ARF (110% of market value). If you plan to sell the car when leaving, you will have to first pay ARF and other duties and taxes. As long as you use the car here and take it back with you, it is really quite cost effective.

Do read up at the website above and if you want clarifications etc you can visit this website and email them:

www.lta.gov.sg