Quote Originally Posted by georose View Post
hi just wondering if anybody tried or had sent cars,motorcycle and house stuff by hiring a shipping container/container van to Philippines? we are just planning for the future when we moved to Philippines and wanted to take some of our stuff.... how much it cost to hire a van pls help..... thank you...
Hi there georose,

Shipping cars to the Philippines ?
Don't even think about it!!
Seriously.

Firstly you will not be allowed to import any RH drive car. Period.

Maybe some people will tell you there are 'special ways' BUT eventually there are not.
Even if the cars were LH drive, you would be taxed up to the hilt. Eventually it would cost you at least twice the value of the car.

Concerning the motorbikes, very very difficult but not out of the question.
What bikes are they? Engine size? etc.
It's going to be expensive. Also you will need to find a "way" to get them registered correctly in Philippines. Usually the way is chopchop in boxes.

I'd suggest contacting a motorcycle club in the Philippines with members who have found that 'certain way' and have some reliable contacts. The biggest issues arise when trying to clear and then register.
Unless the motorbike(s) are very special in some way it's probably just not worth the headaches

The importation of privately owned vehicles (POV's) to the Philippines is very very restrictive.
The process is long, requires a great deal of paperwork, and a special import permit.
This permit is available only in the Philippines, and can not be issued by an embassy or consulate office.

Note the following key restrictions:-

- Right-hand driven vehicles not permitted (Even if you tried with LH drive the tax and duty would still be equal to at least 100% of the NEW CAR PRICE)

- Cars over 5 years old cannot be imported

- Gasoline-fueled cars limited to 2,800 cc not over 1,500 kgs

- The vehicle must arrive within 60 days of customer's arrival

- All vehicles subject to taxes and duties (yes, 100% of the List Price of the car at NEW----Plus plus the you know what)

- Customer must be physically present for customs clearance

- All motor vehicles must have an Import Authority Permit issued by the Philippine Bureau of Import Service before the vehicle is shipped.

If you can find ways to comply with the above and money is no object let me know I'll post some additional restrictions that are even more onerous.

As an aside a 20ft container will run at about £4000