Ship Car to Cayman Islands with Trusted International Service

Ship Car To Or From The Cayman Islands.

Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?

• Average shipping costs to Cayman Islands from the U.S. are typically $1,400 to $2,000 for standard cars and smaller vehicles, up to $2,000 to $4,000 for SUVs and large vehicle types.
• When shifting to the Cayman Islands, be sure to account for import taxes, which vary between 30% and 40% depending on the value of your car.

Vehicle Shifting To the Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman are three small islands on the southern Caribbean Sea that make up the Cayman Islands. The area is best known for its tropical weather and scenic landscape. If you’ve planned to stay in the Cayman Islands for an extended period, you might also consider transporting your automobile overseas.

Relocating/exporting a motor vehicle can be challenging, especially if you aren’t familiar with the process. It’s essential to calculate potential expenses beforehand by obtaining a quote from the auto transport company you’ve decided to do business with. Also, you can anticipate paying taxes and customs fees.

Shipping Methods and Considerations

Two primary methods for shipping vehicles to the Cayman Islands are Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) and container shipping. RoRo is often more cost-effective but exposes the vehicle to external elements during transit. Container shipping offers added protection but at a higher cost. The choice between these methods depends on factors like budget, vehicle type, and personal preference.

Popular Delivery Destinations

• Bodden Town
• East End
• West Bay

Understanding Import Duties and Fees

When importing a vehicle into the Cayman Islands, be prepared for significant import duties and additional fees. The import duty rates vary between 29.5% and 42%, depending on factors such as the vehicle's value and type. An Environmental Disposal Fee is also applied, calculated based on the vehicle's CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value. Port charges, determined by the vehicle's weight, are also applicable.

Vehicle Eligibility and Compliance

Before shipping, ensure your vehicle complies with the Cayman Islands' import regulations. Both new and used vehicles are permitted, provided they meet the necessary safety and emissions standards. Acceptable proof of ownership, such as the original title or bill of sale, is crucial. Additionally, vehicles should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any materials that may pose a risk, especially for used vehicles.

Required Documents For Moving a Vehicle:

1. When shipping/exporting a vehicle to the Cayman Islands, you should have the following documents

possession to present to the Customs officer.

1. Car Title (Must be an original copy)
2. Original invoice or documentation stating the current market value of the vehicle (Kelly Blue Book Value)
3. Auto Insurance Note.
4. Completed Customs Declaration Form – the vehicle's value must be indicated in a separate portion.
5. Work permit or residence permit.
6. A passport with a picture page and a Cayman Islands entry stamp.
7. Express of Release of Bill of Lading.

Government Duties and Fees.

All motor vehicles entering the country are subject to government taxes, including the cost of the vehicle, insurance, and freight.

• Automobiles valued at $20,000 or less are subject to a 27.5% tax
• Automobiles valued at $20,001-$25,000 are subject to 30% tax
• Automobiles valued at $25,001-$30,000 are subject to 35% tax
• Automobiles valued at more than $30,000 are subject to 40% tax

There is a $290 licensing cost in addition to the $310 waste fee. These costs are due at the time of importation. Depending on the vehicle's market value, customs may impose an Environmental Disposal cost. The Environmental Disposal fee includes the expense of properly recycling or otherwise disposing of a car.

Process of registering a vehicle in the Cayman Islands.

Motor Vehicle Clearance.

Once your vehicle arrives at the port in the Cayman Islands, you will be notified by the shipping company you hired to transport your vehicle overseas. If you haven’t acquired the services of a customs broker, you will have to complete the following tasks before your motor vehicle is cleared through the customs department:

• Pay both government taxes and any other fees.
• Go to the Port Authority and pay port charges.
• If you haven’t obtained auto insurance, you must get licensed and register your vehicle at the DMV.
• Finally, you can pick up your vehicle from the port.

Registration Hurdles After Arrival

Shipping your car is just the first step; getting it road-legal in the Cayman Islands can be more complicated than expected. Once the vehicle clears customs, it must pass a local inspection before it can be registered. This includes checks for roadworthiness, emissions, and safety features. Some users report issues with vehicles that meet U.S. standards but fail Cayman inspections due to modified lighting or emissions systems. Researching local vehicle regulations or speaking with a local garage to confirm your car will pass without extra modifications is wise.

Seasonal Shipping Surges Can Affect Costs

While average shipping rates range from $1,400 to $4,000, prices often spike between December and April due to seasonal demand from expats and returning residents. Several Reddit users mention that booking during off-peak months can save hundreds of dollars and shorten wait times. If your schedule allows, consider planning your shipment outside of peak tourist seasons to avoid inflated fees and backlogs.

Documentation Pitfalls That Can Delay Delivery

Missing or incomplete paperwork is one of the most common causes of delays at the port. In particular, users have noted that not having the original title in hand or forgetting to remove liens from financed vehicles can result in your car being held for weeks. Make sure all ownership documents are notarized, lien releases are confirmed, and your Bill of Lading matches exactly with the shipping manifest. Double-checking these details before shipment can prevent costly setbacks on arrival.

Temporary Import.

Motor vehicles being imported for use for a specified amount of time may qualify for duty-free importation. Usually, the period is for six months or less. To determine whether you are eligible for duty-free importation, you must temporarily contact the Collector of Customs.

References.

Cayman Islands Government - Customs and shipping information about the Cayman Islands

Import Restrictions - A good resource for finding out what can and cannot be imported into the country