Expert: Drew Wilmoth - 1/14/2007

Question
Hey Drew,

I currently live in south Florida. I'm 17 years old and i just bought a car in the us! so a day later i find out that were moving to the cayman islands in a month. is it possible to bring my car over there and register it and whatnot. also do the drive American cars down there?


Thanks so much

Answer
Yes, it is possible to import a car to the Cayman Islands.  Whether it makes economic sense is something you have to consider.

There is paperwork to do to export a vehicle from the US.  The shipping agents for the various carriers that deliver to Cayman can do this paperwork for a fee.  Additionally there is the actual fee for shipping the car and import duties upon bring it into Cayman.

The amount of import duties paid depends upon the type of vehicle and its cost.  For most vehicles the duty rate is 27% on the cost of the vehicle and the shipping and insurance.  For example, if your car costs US$4,000 and the shipping and insurance charge is another US$1,400  then you would owe 27% duty on US$5,400 which works out to US$1,458.  Additionally there are port charges, an environmental fee, and vehicle registration which can add another US$500.

Many people have imported US cars to Cayman.  Though road traffic drives on the left here, there are many US-style left hand drive cars on the roads.