Importing Cars...

[kmcloughlin@email.com]

Can anyone tell me what the taxes are for importing vehicles into Singapore?

I am just about to start a 2 year contract (minimum) and I can get my car shipped from the UK for about £700.

Is it possible to import my car on a "carnet" thereby avoiding VAT/GST because the vehicle will be exported when I leave in 2 years time.

Any help appreciated, via this board or email to kmcloughlin@email.com

Thank you!

[thekopicat]

I read in the Straits Times newspapers that the last time a local tried importing 2 new cars for himself, he ended up stuck.  Apparently the car registration office here couldn't even agree on the procedures he should take.  

Good luck

[Pierson]

I'd like to know the answer to this, too - neither the FAQ nor the LTA site covers 'temporary importation', though others have told me that it may be possible.

I can see that a local may fall foul of the regulations if they're trying to circumvent the (utterly riduculous...) CoE rules, but if one is trying to import an existing vehicle for personal use on a temporary basis with a guarantee to re-patriate said vehicle upon departure, then surely this must be a different matter.

I can't find anything or anyone to confirm this, though.  I fear that the high duties and taxes may well be the only alternative if you're determined to bring a car.  As driving (circuits and road) + all things automotive is 'my thing', it's all pretty dismal.

Depressed of Singapore  

[BoardManager]

We have this in our FAQ : Not sure about the guarantee of a re-export later on, though.
http://www.expatsingapore.com/faq/faqcar.htm

[forget it]

I looked at doing the same from Oz and it just doesnt make sense. As far as I can see, you always end up paying $10,000 more than the cost of the car locally as this is the "additional" tax you have to pay. Added to that, the Singapore car spec is usually much higher than the ones at home (does your UK car have aircon, leather seats etc? Here a basic Toyota does) but you get no discount in assessing its open market value. You might be able to avoid the GST, but that is only 3%. And if you did stay and wanted to sell it, I suspect you would find the resale much lower. Swallow hard (very hard) and buy a car here.  I've just about got over the fact that my not very flashy new car here cost me more than my first house in the UK....

[kmcloughlin@email.com]

Thanks for all the info.  I have come to the conclusion that it is probably not worth the expense and hassle of importing a car from the UK - I hear the transportation is excellent anyway!

For anyone still looking for info, I found http://www.onemotoring.com.sg  has good info, including a 29 page PDF from Jan 2001 on how to import a car.

Just go to the website, select the Buying a New Vehicle section, then Self-Import and finally the Self-Import a Car PDF icon.

Good luck for anyone still brave enough to consider it :-)