Car Shipping Izmir
Izmir is one of the largest cities in Turkey and lies on the beautiful coast of the Gulf of Izmir in the Mediterranean Sea. Due to its location, the city's roads are a bit rugged, and you may want to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle to drive on some of the rougher secondary roadways.
Customs Clearance in Turkey: What to Expect
One common challenge when shipping a car to Izmir is navigating Turkey’s strict customs regulations. Import duties, VAT, and documentation requirements vary depending on whether you're a returning citizen, a temporary resident, or a foreign buyer. Delays often occur when vehicle owners aren't aware that Turkish law prohibits importing vehicles over a certain age or those that don't meet local emission standards. Partnering with a shipping provider experienced in Turkish customs is essential for avoiding hold-ups or additional fees.
Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Izmir
| To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to (California port) to Izmir | $200 | $3400 | 5+35 days |
| Los Angeles to (California port) to Izmir | $350 | $3400 | 5+35 days |
| Izmir to (California port) to Portland, OR | $475 | $3400 | 6+35 days |
| Izmir to (California port) to Seattle, WA | $550 | $3400 | 6+35 days |
| Columbus, OH to (New York port) to Izmir | $550 | $2500 | 5+24 days |
| Izmir to (New York port) to Charlotte, NC | $575 | $2500 | 6+24 days |
| Izmir to (New York port) to Atlanta, GA | $700 | $2500 | 6+24 days |
| Denver, CO to (California port) to Izmir | $775 | $3400 | 7+35 days |
| Izmir to (New York port) to Memphis, TN | $800 | $2500 | 6+24 days |
| Houston, TX to (New York port) to Izmir | $1,075 | $2500 | 7+24 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
*Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
Choosing Between RoRo and Container Shipping
For most customers shipping to Izmir, the decision comes down to Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) versus container transport. RoRo is generally more affordable and quicker for running vehicles but offers less protection from the elements. Container shipping, on the other hand, is ideal for high-value or personal-use cars and allows you to include spare parts or household goods. It’s also safer if you're concerned about rough seas or port handling in the Mediterranean.
Last-Mile Delivery and Driving Conditions in Izmir
Many overlook the logistics after the vehicle arrives at the Port of Izmir. While the port is modern and efficient, the city’s inner and secondary roads can be uneven and narrow, especially outside the main metropolitan area. If your final destination is a hillside or rural village, consider a 4x4 or SUV. Also, coordinate local delivery in advance, as not all carriers provide door-to-door service beyond the city center.
When you’re making plans to ship a personal vehicle to the city, you must comply with U.S. Customs export laws, standard shipping laws, and rules set by Turkey. You can contact the Turkish Embassy in Washington, DC, for information on Izmir's import regulations. When you hire the automobile transport company to handle car shipment for you, they will need some of the following paperwork:
- Driver’s License
- Social Security Card or number
- Power of Attorney Form
You may need to provide other paperwork to both the automobile transport company and customs in the United States and Turkey. Your customer service representative will let you know precisely what must be turned in before shipping and what you must possess when you reach Izmir. An essential thing that you will want to do is study the road signs that you will need to know when driving in the city. You may also need to understand how traffic flows in Turkey. Driving can be erratic in all areas of the country, including Izmir. Cars will often stop in the middle of busy roadways, pass on the right, and stop suddenly to turn without signaling. You also need to be very aware of pedestrian traffic, as people will walk into the road without checking for traffic, and it is up to the driver to stop suddenly. You may find no traffic signs when driving on secondary and less-travelled roads, but rocks and stones will mark various roads and locations. Another thing to be aware of is that there will often be police or military checkpoints and you must stop for all checks.
Customs Regulations.
Customs regulations are mandatory regulations that all people must follow both in the United States and Turkey. There are two ways to import a car to Izmir. You can gain a temporary import if you are in the city for up to 3 months or a permanent one. Permanent imports are not easily done, however, and you must show proof that you are relocating to attend school, work long-term, or that you have retired and decided to relocate to Izmir permanently. You will also need to obtain a residency permit and a valid work or school visa if applicable.
Customs will require that you give them some necessary paperwork, including:
- Passport.
- International License to Drive.
- Car Title.
- Visa.
Your customer service representative will let you know what other paperwork you will need to present to customs officials. Although customs does not charge duty fees to import a car into the country, you will be responsible for paying all of your shipping fees and any taxes associated with shipping prior to the scheduled date of shipment.
How to Ship to Izmir.
The cost of shipping your car internationally to Izmir from the United States will be based on the weight and size of the vehicle, the distance between shipping ports, and the type of automobile transport you use to ship the vehicle overseas. You will possibly be able to choose from three types of shipping, depending on the location from which your car will be shipped. The traditional ways to ship a car overseas are as follows:
Ro-Ro Shipping- Ro-Ro shipping is a simple way to ship a car, has been used for many years, and is reliable and fast when shipping on the ocean. Cars are rolled onto the ship, safely put in place, and then rolled off when they reach the port to Izmir. Ro-Ro is the most cost-effective way to ship a car internationally and is used worldwide. If you need to pack things inside your vehicle during transport, however, you will want to use a different type of transport because when using Ro-Ro, the vehicle needs to be completely emptied of all content inside. This is for both safety reasons for the vehicle and the people aboard the ship and for the cost of fuel when hauling.
Container Shipping- Shipping a car overseas in a container is an excellent choice for many reasons. First, suppose you have a luxury car or a significant financial investment and need it to be securely protected during transport. In that case, containers offer the added protection necessary during shipment. Also, if you need to ship any personal content with the car, you can have it loaded into the shipping container. Containers are usually in 20- or 40-foot sizes and are sealed to prevent air, wind, rain, or other elements from intruding and damaging the contents. Many shipping containers also have padded interiors and are climate-controlled as an extra precaution.
Start Your Car Shipping Journey to Izmir with Confidence
Shipping a vehicle to Izmir doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right preparation, expert guidance, and a team that understands Turkish regulations and logistics, your car can arrive safely and on time. Whether you're relocating, importing a vehicle, or preparing for long-term travel, we’re here to simplify every step from customs paperwork to final delivery.
Request a free quote today and discover how seamless international car shipping to Izmir can be with A-1 Auto Transport by your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.schumachercargo.com/tr/car-shipping-to-turkey.html
To ship a car to Izmir, you'll need the original vehicle title, a bill of sale or commercial invoice, a bill of lading, and a copy of your passport. Additionally, Turkey requires a Certificate of Conformity (COC) to ensure the vehicle meets local standards. It's advisable to consult with a licensed customs broker to ensure all paperwork is correctly prepared and submitted.
Are there restrictions on the age of vehicles imported into Turkey?
Yes, Turkey enforces age restrictions on imported vehicles. Generally, passenger cars must be no older than 3 years, while heavy-duty vehicles have a limit of 5 years. Exceptions exist for classic or historic vehicles, which may be exempt from certain regulations. It's essential to verify the specific requirements for your vehicle type before proceeding.
How are import taxes and duties calculated for vehicles in Turkey?
Import taxes and duties in Turkey are calculated based on the vehicle's CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value. Typically, a 10% customs duty and an 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) are applied. Additional fees may be incurred depending on the vehicle's specifications and compliance with local standards.
What is the typical transit time for shipping a car from the U.S. to Izmir?
The transit time for shipping a car from the U.S. to Izmir varies depending on the shipping method and origin port. Generally, it takes between 24 to 35 days. Additional time may be required for customs clearance and inland transportation within Turkey.
Can I ship personal belongings inside my car to Turkey?
While it's technically possible to ship personal items inside your car, it's generally discouraged. Turkish customs may inspect the vehicle thoroughly, and any undeclared items can lead to delays, fines, or confiscation. For a smoother process, it's best to ship personal belongings separately.
Dave C.
Courtney J.
Jeff D.
Maria L.
Share on Facebook
Share on LinkedIn
Share on Twitter
Google 
Instagram 
