Expert: Sandra - 4/16/2011

Question
Hi Sandra,

My wife is from Brazil and has lived in the US for eight years.  We are in the process of moving to Brazil.  We were married in the US.  I am trying to find out about the rules of bringing our car(s) and paying for containers to ship our belongings.  We have a used car in good condition and would like to purchase a new car in the US to bring with us to Brazil.  If you have any information on what types of cars..(used) are allowed and if taxes have to be paid it would be much appreciated!!  Thanks-Mike

Answer
Hi Mike.
Only used cars 30 years or older are allowed. You will pay tax on a new car equal to buying that model in Brazil (about double US price). I would just bite the bullet and buy again in Brazil to get a model that would stand up to the bad roads.
For containers, try Confianca. Get yourself a good despachante to move things along at the port in Brazil. Make sure you inform yourself about "extra" charges, over and above the fee to ship the container.
You have a limited time to bring in your belongings tax free.
Lots of info on these and other expat type questions on the forum at www.gringoes.com, if you can find your way around the trolls, alarmists, extremists, and idiots who also post there. ;-)
Best wishes for a happy life in Brazil.