I've been a member for quite awhile and have heard that it is not worth shipping a vehicle to the Philippines; but curious if anyone has actually done it. My situation is a bit different I think; the current company I work for in Korea (US company and I have SOFA status) worked out that it was cheaper for them to buy me a vehicle that spending $1000-$1200 a month on a rental (part of my negotiation). They came up with a max of $6K...I bought (reimbursed) a 2010 Kia Sportage with 73,000km for $5.2+K. I really like the vehicle and figure since it basically cost me nothing that it would be worth looking into shipping it after my project ends. I've checked on the Korean side, we have a lot of military and civilians here and it is not an issue sending it out. I will obviously check more into the import side from the Philippines but any guidance/advice would be appreciated. I've looked at new vehicles as well as used in the Philippines and if it costs me $4000-$6000 I do feel good about getting this vehicle shipped around those costs. I have little or no faith in how vehicles are maintained in the Philippines but Koreans do take care of their vehicles and have had a mechanic crawl all over this and had to change engine oil and A/C filter...it is a good vehicle and would be comfortable with the lovely wife driving it with our family in tow. Shawn
Importation of Used Vehicles to the Philippines – Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles California Might help.
Yes it can be done. I know one who has done it. But the importation of used vehicles is severely limited in Philippines and the illegal ways to do it have been shut down firmly by Duterte. Here are the people who qualify to bring in used vehicles. Click here for a link to an importer who will do it for you if you qualify.
Wow. The tax can go up to 150% of the selling price at the time the car was new. No wonder it will be better to buy new/used in the Philippines. Very bad for people which had customized their cars (ex disabled people).
Thanks for all the info...need to think about this a bit more as the PI does seem to make things a bit more complicated than they should be. I'll contact that shipper and see if it is actually worth it. I like the vehicle but it would not be difficult to sell and I do have a year or so left on this project and it is not a stretch to think there won't be future projects, with my current company or another one. Thanks again, Shawn
I think there was a one time benefit for OFW/repatriates around the taxes, but it's been a while since I researched it. I don't think it made it $0, but it did reduce them.
We covered this one on another Forum/Facebook Page a year or so back and from memory; one guy who came from the US mentioned he was stupid and refused to leave his Harley behind as he loved his Bike. A Bike worth almost $8,000USD ended up setting him back around $32,000USD by the time he was extorted for Storage Fees, paid all of the Taxes, Shipping etc. He advised never to try it because you would end up royally screwed and just buy locally.
