Ship Car To French Polynesia | French Polynesia Transportation
Shipping A Car To French Polynesia.
Typical Transporting Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Hauling costs to French Polynesia from the U.S. start at $1,500 and go up to $4,000.
- The cost will depend mainly on the type and size of the vehicle and the port from which it is shipped.
Shipping a car to French Polynesia is difficult, but it is slightly easier because French Polynesia’s import laws are attached to those of France. Diplomats can import a vehicle duty-free and with minimal hassle.
Foreigners can also import a vehicle, but they are subject to pay specific duties and taxes. French Polynesia is located in the Pacific Ocean between Australia and South America. $1 USD is worth around 88 Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique (CFP). If you want to ship your vehicle to Tahiti, it will most likely arrive at the Pape’ete container terminal.
Popular Shipping Destinations
- Faaa.
- Mahina.
- Papeete.
- Pirae.
Expected Costs and Required Documents
All vehicles are subject to duties and import taxes, which are calculated based on the vehicle's value, model, year, size, and accessories. The owner of a car imported into France or French Polynesia will have to pay a 19.6% value-added tax (VAT).
If you are exporting from the United States (US), you will have to pay everyday customs and duty taxes, as the US is not a member of the European Union. Customs duties are paid at the port of entry, while the VAT is paid directly to the government. The approximate customs duty for a vehicle is around 10%.
Required Documents For Shipping A Vehicle To French Polynesia.
In addition to import taxes and customs duty, you will need to provide the following information and documents when importing a vehicle into French Polynesia:
- Original title and registration.
- You must provide a purchase invoice if the car is new (less than 6 months old).
- A valid driver’s license.
- Non-Sale Certificate.
- OBL states: state chassis, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.
Your shipping company will provide all of the necessary documentation for relocating. Granted, you have the required proof of ownership, legitimate intent, and the required funds. Hence, shipping a vehicle to French Polynesia is not as difficult as it is in some countries.
Shipping Methods
Depending on your needs, we offer several shipping methods to French Polynesia. The two most popular choices that we offer are the roll on, roll off (often referred to as RoRo) and container methods.
Roll on, Roll off
The roll-on, roll-off method is one of the most popular. Your vehicle is driven onto the ship, securely held in place, delivered to the port of choice, and then driven off the boat. For this method to be viable, your vehicle must be operable. If you use this shipping method, you cannot store personal items in your car.
Container Hauling
If you want to ship personal belongings with your vehicle, this may be the best method. Your vehicle and personal belongings will be securely held in place and stored in a shipping container.
Valuable Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to French Polynesia?
Shipping a vehicle to French Polynesia typically costs between $2,500 and $6,000 depending on departure port, vehicle size, shipping method, and seasonal demand. Most vehicles leave from West Coast ports like Los Angeles or Oakland, with ocean freight making up the largest portion of the price. Additional charges may include port handling, customs documentation, and island delivery. You can review typical price factors and estimates in the international car shipping cost calculator.
How long does it take to ship a car to French Polynesia?
Transporting a vehicle to French Polynesia generally takes 3 to 6 weeks from the United States. The timeline includes port scheduling, vessel transit across the Pacific, customs clearance, and final port processing. Ships commonly depart from California and arrive in Papeete, Tahiti. Delays can occur during peak shipping seasons, weather conditions in the Pacific, or port congestion, so most customers schedule shipments at least 4 weeks in advance for smoother coordination.
What shipping methods are available to ship a car to French Polynesia?
The two most common methods are Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping. RoRo transport loads the vehicle directly onto a vessel deck, making it the most cost-efficient option for standard vehicles. Container shipping places the vehicle inside a secured container, offering extra protection and the ability to ship personal items with the car. You can learn how RoRo pricing works in the Roll-on/Roll-off vehicle shipping cost guide.
What documents are required to ship a car to French Polynesia?
You typically need the original vehicle title, bill of sale or ownership proof, passport copy, and shipping authorization forms. French Polynesia customs may also require import declarations, vehicle value documentation, and proof of compliance with local safety standards. Vehicles entering Tahiti often undergo inspection before release from the port. Working with an experienced international carrier simplifies paperwork because documentation must be submitted before the vessel departs.
Can I ship luxury or classic cars to French Polynesia safely?
Yes. High-value vehicles such as classic cars, luxury models, and performance vehicles are commonly transported using enclosed containers for added protection against salt air, moisture, and movement during ocean transit. Container transport also reduces handling during port transfers, which is important for collector vehicles. Many owners choose specialized carriers experienced in high-value shipping such as enclosed auto transport services when exporting vehicles across the Pacific.
Can I ship personal belongings inside my car to French Polynesia?
Personal belongings are usually not allowed in vehicles shipped using RoRo vessels due to port security rules and customs regulations. However, container shipping may allow limited personal items if they are properly declared and secured inside the container. Keep in mind that extra cargo may increase inspection time, customs fees, and documentation requirements. Many customers choose container service when relocating or moving long-term to the islands.
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