Previously known as Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru is the capital of the Johor state in Malaysia. It is the part of the larger metro area of Iskandar. It was granted the status of a city in 1994 and has emerged as the second most populous city in the country. Whether you are moving here due to work or business and intend staying on a long term basis or even a few years, it helps to have your own vehicle.
When you are importing a vehicle in Johor Bahru, there are certain laws and regulations to meet. Like any other international shipment, there are documents to file and permits to receive before the vehicle can be transported to Malaysia. You’ll need to account in the weather as Malaysia is prone to hurricanes and cyclones in July-August, so it is best to work around that time or it can just delay the shipment. However, despite that it is easy to import goods all through the year.
Though it has positive relationship with USA and other Western countries, it is easy to navigate through the customs and regulations for a timely shipment. In the recent years, moving and trade with Malaysia has been strengthened as the country has benefitted with trade and travel enhancements.
Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Johor Bahru
| To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johor Bahru to (New York port) to New York, NY | $275 | $3300 | 5+39 days |
| Johor Bahru to (California port) to Los Angeles | $350 | $2500 | 5+28 days |
| Johor Bahru to (New York port) to Boston, MA | $400 | $3300 | 5+39 days |
| Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to Johor Bahru | $450 | $2500 | 5+28 days |
| Johor Bahru to (California port) to Seattle, WA | $550 | $2500 | 6+28 days |
| Johor Bahru to (New York port) to Detroit, MI | $575 | $3300 | 6+39 days |
| Chicago, IL to (New York port) to Johor Bahru | $675 | $3300 | 6+39 days |
| Denver, CO to (California port) to Johor Bahru | $775 | $2500 | 7+28 days |
| Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Johor Bahru | $800 | $3300 | 6+39 days |
| Dallas, TX to (California port) to Johor Bahru | $1,025 | $2500 | 7+28 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.
Before shipping your vehicle.
To start with, you need to work with a reliable international shipping service like ours. At A1 Auto Transport service, we have over 20 years of experience getting vehicles transported all over the world from USA. We can help you get your vehicle transported and customs cleared in Johor Bahru, so contact us today. Some important documents that are needed include:
- Car registration from home country.
- Purchase invoice of the vehicle.
- Title deed and insurance certificate of the car.
- Passport of the owner.
- Proof of ownership of the vehicle.
- Work/residence permit given by the Malaysian authority.
To get the latest details about the import, you can contact the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. It will help you get acquainted with the limitations and eligibility for the import of vehicles. You will need to ensure that to get the levy and taxes paid so remember than banks are closed on the weekends. You will need to ensure that your vehicle is ready to be shipped and there is no cause for delay in handling over in Johor Bahru. To do that you will have to make sure that the car is steam cleaned, devoid of personal belongings and only the floor mats, jack and spare tires are in it. This is especially needed if you intend sending the vehicle by Roll-on/Roll-Off method. These are some of the aspects of ensuring no delays and speedy deliveries as you have adhered to the requirements.
Vehicle transportation methods.
- Container shipping: If you have personal goods to ship along with the car, this method works best. Safety checks and shipping procedures are maintained. It is more expensive than RORO method but it is better for expensive vehicles and vintage cars as they are secure and protected within 20 feet or 40 feet containers.
- RORO: Roll on/Roll-off is a more cost effective method of shipping as the vehicle is driven on and off the ship. After it has been driven on the deck, it is secured along with other cars. That is one of the reasons that personal items are not allowed. However, it is affordable and the cheapest method of shipping on freight ships.
Upon Arrival In Malaysia.
When your car arrives in Malaysia, you will need to pay the required levies and custom taxes before it is handed over to you. You will need to apply for registration with the local government authorities and pay for insurance. After three months of being in Johor Bahru, you will need to get your requite Malaysia Driver’s License or the International driving license. To get the latest updates on shipping vehicles or driving in Malaysia, please check with the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia.
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.
