Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Tokyo to La Paz

Japan's "3-year car rule" refers to the mandatory, costly vehicle inspection called Shaken, where new passenger cars first get a 3-year certificate, then renew every 2 years, encouraging frequent car replacement and boosting the used car export market, rather than a strict scrapping law. This system, along with higher taxes on older cars, makes it economically sensible for many owners to trade in before major maintenance, creating a large supply of relatively young used vehicles.

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances, but for long cross-country moves, the cost difference shrinks, and shipping can become comparable or even cheaper once you factor in gas, lodging, food, wear-and-tear, and your time, making the decision depend on distance, vehicle, your schedule, and budget. Driving saves money on carrier fees but adds wear on your car, while shipping costs more upfront but saves time, fuel, and stress.

Importing a vehicle into Belize involves several government charges. Import duty is typically 35% of CIF value, followed by 12.5% GST and an environmental tax around 3%. Rates may vary based on vehicle age, engine size, and fuel type.