When you move to the scenic State of Johannesburg in South Africa, you may want to import your car so you will be able to drive to work or to go for a night out with coworkers or friends. Having to hire a car can be very expensive financially and you will find that you can actually save money when you have your car shipped overseas to Johannesburg. Johannesburg, which residents also call Jozi, has the most decadent weather of any State in South Africa. Keep in mind that seasons in Johannesburg are opposite to those in the U.S. The warmer months are the ones that are typically winter in the U.S. The roads are well developed through the area and there is an abundance of man-made forestry to enjoy while traveling.
You’ll want to have an auto shipping agency situated in the United States ship your car to Johannesburg. The company will be able to arrange to pick your car up in the U.S. and deliver it to the port for you. They can also have the car picked up in Johannesburg if you are not able to personally drive it to your destination. You will have to give the shipping agent specific paperwork and documents before your car is able to be shipped overseas. The legal documents will include your driver’s license, social security number, insurance paperwork and a signed Power of Attorney form. Your agent will discuss in detail any other necessary paperwork or specifics concerning your car shipment as well as thoroughly go over the cost of shipping and other details that you will need to be aware of.
Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Johannesburg
| To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA to (California port) to Johannesburg | $200 | $4500 | 5+45 days |
| Boston, MA to (New York port) to Johannesburg | $400 | $3700 | 5+36 days |
| Johannesburg to (California port) to Portland, OR | $475 | $4500 | 6+45 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to (California port) to Johannesburg | $550 | $4500 | 6+45 days |
| Johannesburg to (New York port) to Charlotte, NC | $575 | $3700 | 6+36 days |
| Johannesburg to (New York port) to Atlanta, GA | $700 | $3700 | 6+36 days |
| Denver, CO to (California port) to Johannesburg | $775 | $4500 | 7+45 days |
| Johannesburg to (New York port) to Memphis, TN | $800 | $3700 | 6+36 days |
| Miami, FL to (New York port) to Johannesburg | $925 | $3700 | 7+36 days |
| Johannesburg to (California port) to Dallas, TX | $1,025 | $4500 | 7+45 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save the ground transport cost 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.
A-1 Auto Transport ships vehicles worldwide. Click here or call 1-800-518-8708 to get a free, no obligation to buy price quote to ship your car.
Johannesburg Motor Vehicle Regulations for Importing
There are many motor vehicle regulations that you will need to adhere to when importing your car to Johannesburg. Right-hand drive cars only are allowed to be imported to Johannesburg. Each person is allowed to import only one car per individual or family. You must get a Special Import Permit from the South African Embassy while the car is still in the United States prior to importation. If you immigrating to Johannesburg you cannot sell the vehicle for at least two years once it is in Johannesburg. If you are a resident who may be returning to Johannesburg you must pay full import duties and taxes to customs. Temporary residents will need to pay full import duties and taxes and must have a valid temporary import permit. Foreign Diplomats do not pay any import duties or taxes but must provide a Diplomatic Certificate.
You can contact the South African Embassy in Washington, DC for more information on import and customs regulations for Johannesburg, South Africa.
Documents that are required
You will be required to have certain documents to provide to customs when your vehicle reaches Johannesburg. The required documents are:
- Temporary License
- Passport
- Bill of Sale
- Import Permit
- Original Vehicle Registration
- Car Title
- Forms D.A. 304A and P1.160 (three copies of each)
How can I ship to Johannesburg?
Once you have hired the transport company, your agent will fully explain all shipping information and will assist you with explaining the different types of available shipping from the U.S. to Johannesburg. Your choices will most likely be Roro , Container or Air Shipping to transport to Johannesburg. RORO Shipping lets your car be rolled directly onto the cargo ship and then tightly tethered onto the cargo dock for shipping. When the ship gets to the port in Johannesburg, the car is then rolled off the ship and you will be able to drive it through the customs check area. Roro is the most utilized way to ship cars overseas. Container Shipping makes it possible to ship items other than your car when you need to ship overseas. It’s a little bit more expensive than shipping by Roro but is nice to use when you need to completely relocate and need your household moved along with your car. For those who need to ship a classic or luxury car or may need their car in a more rapid amount of time, air shipping is also available. Shipping by air is the fastest way to ship internationally. Your agent will discuss the variables in each type of shipping and will be able to provide you with a detailed quote showing the total cost to ship your car to Johannesburg from the United States.
For more information on shipping abroad, export and import laws and regulations worldwide and important documents and safety tips for traveling internationally you can contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency.
Written By:Joe Webster
Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing.
After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood.
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.
Email me - info@a1autotransport.com
