Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Osaka to Santiago

Shipping a car from Japan to the USA generally costs $1,000 to $3,000+ for ocean freight, depending on the method (RoRo cheaper, container safer) and port, but the total import cost can balloon to $4,000-$7,000+ with extra fees like customs, taxes (2.5% auto/trucks), insurance, and inland transport. Expect 4-6 weeks transit time, and remember compliance, EPA/DOT forms, and local registration add significant costs.

Three years after purchase, every new car has to go through an expensive inspection process, and once every two years after that. Furthermore, vehicles older than 10 years have to pass the inspection every year. As a result, most car owners in Japan write off their cars after 10 years and buy new ones.

Budget: The shorter the distance, the more cost-effective it is to drive instead of ship your car. Regardless of the total distance, look at your total moving budget and how much you can afford to spend on car shipping services compared to a cross-country drive.