I have successfully imported my car from Thailand to Ireland – it wasnt that difficult after all!
Many people told me that it wasnt possible and that it wouldnt be worth the hassle but those must have been the same people that told me that I wouldnt be able to get a mortgage in Thailand!
Some background information first
I came to Thailand in September 2001 and worked as an Expat for almost 5 years in Bangkok. I bought a Toyota Fortuner in 2006 and moved to Cha-am where I bought a villa on the beach. In early 2007 I decided to return to Ireland for a number of reasons and wanted to bring my car with me.
Stage 1.
First, believe that it can be done! It will make it easier if you have a Thai person to help you!
Stage 2.
It helps that you already own the car and for tax related purposes (expecially relating to IReland) you should own the vehicle for at least 6 months before you import it.
Stage 3
You must register the car in Thailand. THis means that you have to go to the Vehicle REgistration Office. It is located near BTS Mochit and Chutuchak park. Go to the first building on the left and go to the second floor. Inside on the left there is an information counter. Tell them what you want to do and they will give you the required paperwork.
Stage 4
Complete the paperwork and you must also bring your registration plates – that them off the fron and back of the car. Then you will have to go to a few different counters, smile, sign on the dotted line and hand over 75 baht!
Stage 5
Arrange for the car to be shipped home. I sent mine in a 40ft container but I was sending back personal goods and furniture. Most cars will fit in a 20 foot container. You should definitely shop around to get the best price on shipping costs Dont forget that there will be extra charges on the Bangkok side and the Dublin side. These charges are unavoidable!
Stage 6
When the container arrives, complete the RF100 and VRT4 forms. You should then submit these to the Revenue office in Dublin Port together with proof that you lived abroad for over 1 year and proof that you plan to live in Ireland permanently.
Stage 7
Once the Revenue clear the container then you can unload the car. Then you can drive it to Tallaght where they will help with the final registration. I did this in a couple of hours and there was no problem whatsoever. I then went and got my plates made up and I was driving in Dublin again.
Notes:
Remember the plates are different sizes. Its better to get the long plates so the car doesnt look like an import
My car is a Toyota Fortuner and I am not aware of any other Fortuners in Ireland. I have tinted windows so I look like a Hip Hop star!
There was no heater in the car and that is something I still have to organise that!
If you need any more help please get in touch.
Many people told me that it wasnt possible and that it wouldnt be worth the hassle but those must have been the same people that told me that I wouldnt be able to get a mortgage in Thailand!
Some background information first
I came to Thailand in September 2001 and worked as an Expat for almost 5 years in Bangkok. I bought a Toyota Fortuner in 2006 and moved to Cha-am where I bought a villa on the beach. In early 2007 I decided to return to Ireland for a number of reasons and wanted to bring my car with me.
Stage 1.
First, believe that it can be done! It will make it easier if you have a Thai person to help you!
Stage 2.
It helps that you already own the car and for tax related purposes (expecially relating to IReland) you should own the vehicle for at least 6 months before you import it.
Stage 3
You must register the car in Thailand. THis means that you have to go to the Vehicle REgistration Office. It is located near BTS Mochit and Chutuchak park. Go to the first building on the left and go to the second floor. Inside on the left there is an information counter. Tell them what you want to do and they will give you the required paperwork.
Stage 4
Complete the paperwork and you must also bring your registration plates – that them off the fron and back of the car. Then you will have to go to a few different counters, smile, sign on the dotted line and hand over 75 baht!
Stage 5
Arrange for the car to be shipped home. I sent mine in a 40ft container but I was sending back personal goods and furniture. Most cars will fit in a 20 foot container. You should definitely shop around to get the best price on shipping costs Dont forget that there will be extra charges on the Bangkok side and the Dublin side. These charges are unavoidable!
Stage 6
When the container arrives, complete the RF100 and VRT4 forms. You should then submit these to the Revenue office in Dublin Port together with proof that you lived abroad for over 1 year and proof that you plan to live in Ireland permanently.
Stage 7
Once the Revenue clear the container then you can unload the car. Then you can drive it to Tallaght where they will help with the final registration. I did this in a couple of hours and there was no problem whatsoever. I then went and got my plates made up and I was driving in Dublin again.
Notes:
Remember the plates are different sizes. Its better to get the long plates so the car doesnt look like an import
My car is a Toyota Fortuner and I am not aware of any other Fortuners in Ireland. I have tinted windows so I look like a Hip Hop star!
There was no heater in the car and that is something I still have to organise that!
If you need any more help please get in touch.
