06 Jul Car Shipping to Colombia
🚢 Vehicle Shipping Calculator
Place an online request →
Shipping a car from the USA to Colombia is a common service for individuals relocating, car enthusiasts, and dealerships. U.S. cars such as Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Jeep, and Tesla are highly valued for their quality, durability, and advanced technology.
With busy ports like Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Buenaventura, Colombia is a key South American destination for vehicle imports. Understanding shipping methods, costs, and import regulations ensures your car arrives smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
Key Points to Remember:
- Major ports: Cartagena, Barranquilla, Buenaventura.
- RORO and container shipping are the main transport options.
- Import duties, VAT, and luxury taxes apply.
- SUVs, trucks, and compact sedans are the most imported vehicles.
How to Ship a Car to Colombia
Shipping a car to Colombia starts by choosing a trusted international auto shipping company. Vehicles can be shipped using Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) for cost efficiency or container shipping for added protection.
Most cars arrive at Colombia’s Caribbean or Pacific ports. Required documents include the vehicle title, bill of sale, ID, and shipping paperwork. A customs agent is often necessary to complete clearance procedures.
Steps to Ship Your Car to Colombia:
- Select a professional international auto transport provider.
- Choose between RORO or container shipping.
- Prepare documents (title, bill of sale, ID, insurance).
- Ship to Cartagena, Barranquilla, or Buenaventura.
- Clear customs and pay applicable taxes.
Cost of Shipping a Car to Colombia
The cost of shipping a car from the USA to Colombia depends on the U.S. departure port, shipping method, and vehicle type. RORO generally costs $1,100 – $1,600, while container shipping ranges from $1,700 – $2,500.
Customs duties and taxes add to the total cost. Colombia applies a 35% import duty, 19% VAT, and an additional consumption tax (8%–16%) depending on the vehicle’s engine size and type.
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Distance from U.S. port (Miami, Houston, New York, Los Angeles).
- Shipping method: RORO vs container.
- Vehicle type, weight, and dimensions.
- Customs duty: 35% of CIF value.
- VAT: 19% applied on CIF + duty.
- Luxury or consumption tax for higher-value vehicles.
Best Way to Ship a Car to Colombia
The best shipping method depends on your car’s type and value. RORO is ideal for standard vehicles, offering lower costs and faster processing. Container shipping is recommended for luxury cars, electric vehicles, or classics, as it offers extra protection during transit.
Best Methods:
- RORO: Affordable for everyday vehicles.
- Container: Secure for luxury or fragile vehicles.
- Air Freight: Rare and costly, used only for urgent or special vehicles.
Car Import Regulations & Taxes in Colombia
Colombia has strict import rules. Generally, used cars cannot be imported unless under special exemptions (classic cars, diplomats, or relocating individuals). Most imported vehicles must be new.
Taxes include a 35% import duty, 19% VAT, and consumption tax based on engine size (8%–16%). Electric and hybrid cars benefit from reduced or zero import taxes under special incentives.
Key Import Rules:
- Used cars are prohibited (exceptions apply).
- Import duty: 35% of CIF value.
- VAT: 19% of CIF + duty.
- Consumption tax: 8%–16% depending on engine size.
- Electric/hybrid vehicles may get tax reductions.
- Required documents: Title, bill of sale, ID, shipping paperwork.
Popular Routes for Car Shipping
Cars from the USA are shipped to Colombia’s Caribbean and Pacific ports depending on their origin.
Common Shipping Routes:
- Miami → Cartagena
- Houston → Barranquilla
- New York → Cartagena
- Los Angeles → Buenaventura
Car Shipping by Vehicle Type
Sedans and compact cars are often shipped by RORO, while SUVs, trucks, and luxury models typically require container shipping. Electric cars such as Tesla are almost always shipped in containers for added security.
Types of Vehicles Commonly Shipped to Colombia:
- Sedans: Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra.
- SUVs: Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Prado, BMW X5.
- Trucks: Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Chevy Silverado.
- Sports Cars: Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, Porsche Cayman.
- Electric Cars: Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf.
- Classic vehicles under special exemptions.
Car Shipping by Brands & Models
American cars are popular in Colombia, alongside Japanese and European imports. Compact vehicles, SUVs, and trucks dominate the market.
Popular Cars Shipped to Colombia:
- Ford Ranger, Ford Escape, Ford Explorer.
- Chevrolet Tracker, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Silverado.
- Dodge Charger, Dodge Journey.
- Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Prado.
- Toyota Corolla, Toyota Hilux.
- Honda Civic, Honda CR-V.
- Tesla Model 3, Model Y.
- BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLC.
- Audi Q5, Porsche Cayenne.
Tips for Affordable & Reliable Car Shipping
To reduce costs, compare multiple quotes, book in advance, and use RORO for standard cars. Always check Colombia’s restrictions on used cars before planning your shipment.
Insurance is highly recommended for all shipments.
Tips to Save Money & Ensure Safety:
- Compare several shipping quotes.
- Book in advance for the best rates.
- Use RORO for regular vehicles.
- Choose container shipping for luxury and EVs.
- Confirm Colombia’s used car restrictions.
- Include marine insurance in your plan.
Contact Information of Colombia Customs Department
For the latest rules and fees, contact Colombian Customs.
Colombia Customs Contact:
- Website: https://www.dian.gov.co
- Phone: +57 1 605 9830
- Address: Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN), Bogotá, Colombia
Conclusion – Ship Your Car to Colombia with Ease
Car shipping from the USA to Colombia is straightforward with the right planning. By understanding shipping costs, methods, and import restrictions, you can ensure smooth delivery to ports like Cartagena or Buenaventura. Whether you’re shipping a truck, SUV, or Tesla, professional companies provide reliable solutions tailored to your needs.
Get started today. Visit ROROFROMUSA.COM for a free quote and enjoy affordable, safe, and efficient car shipping from the USA to Colombia.