Ship your car from Singapore to Australia with confidence by understanding the costs, import regulations, and best shipping methods available. Relocating to a new country is an exciting adventure, and working with professional international moving services can make the entire process smoother—from shipping household goods to handling vehicle transport.
If you’re moving from Singapore to Australia, this is an especially important decision. Cars in Singapore are costly due to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), while Australia has different regulations, taxes, and road requirements. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how international car shipping works, what the costs look like, and whether it makes sense for your situation.
If you’re relocating to Australia, it’s important to plan ahead for both your household goods and vehicle shipping requirements.
Step 1: Understand the Import Regulations
Before you commit, research the import rules of your destination country. Australia has strict requirements under the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. You’ll need to apply for an Import Approval before your car even leaves Singapore.
If you plan to ship your car from Singapore to Australia, securing import approval is the first and most important step.
Some key points:
- Personal Import Scheme allows you to bring a car you’ve owned and used for at least 12 months.
- Vehicles must comply with Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for safety and emissions.
- Quarantine checks are mandatory – cars must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid bringing in soil, seeds, or pests.
Step 2: Choose Your Shipping Method
There are two main ways to ship your car from Singapore to Australia:
- Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo)
- Your car is driven onto the ship and secured for the journey.
- Usually the cheapest option.
- However, you can’t load personal belongings inside the car.
- Container Shipping
- Your car is loaded into a 20ft or 40ft container using professional container shipping services, either alone or shared with other cargo.
- More secure and allows you to pack some household goods with it.
- Often more expensive than RoRo.
At CM Relocation, we usually recommend container shipping for moves to Australia, especially if you want added protection or to combine it with household shipping. The method you choose when you ship your car from Singapore to Australia will affect both cost and transit time.
Many people combine car transport with shipping household goods overseas to save on overall relocation costs.
Step 3: Prepare Your Car for Shipping
A car can’t just be driven onto a vessel as-is. You’ll need to:
- Clean the interior and exterior thoroughly (Australia is very strict on quarantine).
- Drain most of the fuel (usually only a quarter tank is allowed).
- Remove personal items unless you’re shipping via container.
- Provide original documentation such as ownership papers, registration, and proof of use.
Before you ship your car from Singapore to Australia, proper cleaning and documentation are essential to avoid delays during inspection.
Step 4: Factor in the Costs
International car shipping is not cheap. When you ship your car from Singapore to Australia, it’s important to consider not just shipping fees but also taxes and compliance costs. For a move from Singapore to Australia, you can expect:
- Shipping fees: Typically between SGD 2,500 – SGD 5,000 depending on the method and destination port.
- Import duties and GST: Australia charges 10% GST on the Customs Value (which includes the car’s value, shipping, and insurance). Luxury cars may attract a Luxury Car Tax (LCT).
- Compliance modifications: Some cars need adjustments (e.g., headlights, seat belts) to meet Australian standards.
- Registration and licensing: You’ll need to register the vehicle once it passes inspection.
By the end, shipping and clearing your car in Australia can sometimes cost more than buying a good used car locally.
Step 5: Weigh the Pros and Cons
So, should you actually ship your car?
Reasons to Ship Your Car:
- You own a high-value or luxury vehicle that would cost far more to buy in Australia.
- Your car has sentimental value (e.g., a classic or collector’s car).
- You’ve used the car for over a year and qualify under the Personal Import Scheme.
Reasons to Buy in Australia Instead:
- Your current car is older or lower in value.
- Compliance and modification costs will be too high.
- You’d prefer a car suited to local driving conditions.
- You want to avoid paperwork and wait times.
For many expats moving from Singapore to Australia, selling your car before the move and purchasing one locally turns out to be more cost-effective and hassle-free.
Alternatives to Shipping
If you decide not to ship your car from Singapore to Australia, exploring local car options can often save time and money.
- Buy a used car: Australia has a wide second-hand car market at competitive prices.
- Lease or rent: If your move is temporary, leasing may be more practical.
- Public transport: In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, public transport is reliable and convenient.
Shipping your car internationally is possible, but it’s not always the smartest move financially. Before deciding, calculate the true cost of shipping, taxes, compliance, and registration compared to simply buying a car in Australia.
At CM Relocation, we’ve helped hundreds of families make this decision and can guide you through the process if you choose to ship. Whether you need door-to-door container shipping or advice on customs clearance, we’ll ensure your relocation is smooth from start to finish.
Thinking of relocating from Singapore to Australia? Book a free relocation consultation with CM Relocation today to discuss your shipping needs—cars, furniture, and everything in between.