Ship Car To Ho Chi Minh City
Car Shipping Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city and the larger Metropolitan area consists of this city and other towns, with over 10 million people inhabiting the region. It is located about 1000 miles from Hanoi and is on the south eastern Vietnam.
If you have moved here or plan on relocating here from USA, you might need to have your personal vehicle to bypass the currency and language barriers apart from being independent. Thus, plan on importing your vehicle along with your other household goods, if you are moving permanently or just get your vehicle here even if you are here for a shorter duration.
With proper law and regulations in place, shipping your car to Ho Chi Minh City isn’t as difficult as you might be thinking. However, it certainly helps to have an informative and knowledgeable auto shipping company by your side. That is why A1 Auto Transport service steps in to assist you through the different procedures and permits. There are plenty of documents to submit, customs duties to clear and logistics to look after.
- Shipping a car from the U.S. to Ho Chi Minh City costs $2,200–$4,800, with Pacific crossing via Los Angeles or Houston the most common departure routing.
- Transit to Ho Chi Minh City's port takes 30–45 days port to port, with seasonal Pacific congestion and customs inspections the most frequent causes of delays.
- Vietnam imposes nearly 100% import duty on vehicles; only left-hand drive cars under 5 years old, registered to the original owner for at least 6 months, are eligible for import.
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Specific motor vehicle laws and requirements
When you import your vehicle to Ho Chi Minh City, you need to ensure that the vehicle has been registered in your name for 6 months (minimum) and has driven over 10,000 km before it can be shipped. You need to ensure that the vehicle is 5 years or less while you need to consider that there is nearly 100% duty on all imported vehicles. Only left hand drive is allowed within the country.
One of the key aspects that deserve mention is that the vehicle can only be imported if you are the original owner and if the vehicle has changed ownership or you bought a used vehicle, it cannot be imported to Vietnam. Only diplomats are eligible to import the vehicles duty-free. For a faster delivery and import, start the process before you move from USA.
Documents and paperwork to submit
To verify the ownership and adhere to the requirements, there is plenty of documentation that has to be submitted. This includes:
- Driving license/passport.
- Bill of sale with all the details.
- Title deed and registration.
- Insurance certificate.
- Ocean Bill of Lading.
- Import permits.
Freight shipment options
The total cost of importing the vehicle depends upon a variety of factors like the size, weight, age, make and model of the vehicle and the method of shipment that you select. Thus, consider your budget and then select the mode of shipment. This includes:
RORO: This is the cheapest way to ship as you are allowed to ship only an empty vehicle. Only car jack, floor mats, spare keys and an extra tire are allowed within the vehicle, rest of it has to be emptied. You are required to remove the air conditioning gas, leave a quarter tank of fuel and get the vehicle steam cleaned before shipping from USA. The vehicle is secured on the deck after it is driven up the ramps and harnessed on the deck. It is good if you are on a budget or only have a standard vehicle to ship as it is exposed to the ravages of the weather.
Enclosed container shipping: This is another common but more expensive to hip your vehicle. The car is put within a 20 feet or 40 feet container and closed and sealed. You have the option of putting your household goods alongside in the remaining space. This option offers higher security and protection as everything is closed inside.
If you have questions or require more information about shipping laws, contact the Embassy of Vietnam today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ship a car to Ho Chi Minh City from the United States?
Shipping a car from the United States to Ho Chi Minh City starts with confirming that the vehicle can legally enter Vietnam before ocean space is booked. A1's international car shipping service can coordinate U.S. pickup, export-port delivery, and ocean booking. The vehicle then moves by container or eligible RoRo service, clears U.S. export requirements, sails to an approved Vietnamese seaport, and goes through import customs before release. Confirm the arrival gateway and vehicle eligibility before loading.
How much does it cost to ship a car to Ho Chi Minh City?
As of October 1, 2026, ocean freight for a standard passenger car from a U.S. port to Ho Chi Minh City is typically about $2,800-$4,000. This is a port-to-port shipping range, so inland pickup, destination handling, customs charges, duties, and taxes are separate. Vehicle size and container choice can move the rate materially. A1's international car shipping rates calculator can help compare the main shipping inputs before you request a route-specific quote.
How long does international car shipping to Ho Chi Minh City take?
Port-to-port car shipping from the United States to Ho Chi Minh City generally takes about 3 to 6 weeks, depending mainly on the U.S. departure coast and vessel schedule. Current route data puts West Coast sailings at roughly 18-26 days, while Gulf and East Coast routings are often around 32-42 days. Pickup, export clearance, vessel cutoffs, and Vietnam customs take place before and after the sailing window, so door-to-door timing is longer. Treat the ocean range as an estimate rather than a delivery guarantee.
What documents are required to ship a car to Ho Chi Minh City?
For a used vehicle leaving the United States, the core export paperwork includes the original title or certified title copy with required copies and an Electronic Export Information filing in AES. U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires the export documents and EEI at least 72 hours before export, with the vehicle presented for VIN verification at the port. Most shipments also use ownership and identity records for carrier processing. A1's international car shipping documents guide covers preparation, while the Vietnam import file should be confirmed before sailing. CBP Help Center
Can I import a used car through Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes, an eligible used passenger car can enter through Ho Chi Minh City, one of Vietnam's authorized seaport gateways for passenger vehicles with fewer than 16 seats. Under the general import regime, Vietnam bars right-hand-drive vehicles and used vehicles more than five years old. Passenger vehicles under 16 seats must use designated seaport gateways, and current customs rules place this vehicle category among goods that generally complete import formalities at the import border gate. Check eligibility before the vehicle leaves the United States.
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