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What advice can you give for driving a car from Italy to Thailand, including customs and import regulations?
Visa rulesThai customsImport taxesDriving routes to ThailandCar import regulationsNon-O visaTemporary car importRoad travel from Europe to ThailandExpat advice
Sep 10, 2023
3 years ago
Paolo ************
ORIGINAL POSTERcould someone who has ever driven a car from europe (ITALY)
to thailand to give advice? example: best route, problems with customs, taxes, if i can enter thailand with the car i own (year 2006), if i can keep it in thailand forever or only temporary time, any useful advice, thanks to who wants to answer
to thailand to give advice? example: best route, problems with customs, taxes, if i can enter thailand with the car i own (year 2006), if i can keep it in thailand forever or only temporary time, any useful advice, thanks to who wants to answer
TLDR : Answer Summary
Driving a car from Italy to Thailand is a challenging endeavor that involves complex logistics including visa requirements, customs regulations, and taxation. Travelers need to secure a passport for their car and obtain visas for all countries they pass through. Significant costs may include high import taxes (up to 200% of the car's value) upon arrival in Thailand and the need for a long-term visa to facilitate the import process. It's important to be aware that currently, importing a used car into Thailand is largely restricted. Many community members suggested it might be easier and more cost-effective to sell the car and purchase a vehicle locally.
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Graham *******
I do not think u can get a tm30 for living out of your car! California, everyone does it!
Narong *******
I think u can do it...Drive it to Turkey....then Iran....is not a big issue...You Don't need visa Just stamp at the border then South of Iran and Pakistan ...then India . from there you would Probably have to ship it to Thailand.....You can Just enter as a Tourist with your own Vehicle....if you live in a Big City like Bangkok...Chiang Mai you could probably Hang about for a Year...maybe 2 if you Move a bit...Eventually you may Find a way to keep it.....Might need bending the rules slightly......You Got to be open minded......Good luck
Giorgio ******
@Narong ******
completely FAKE NEWSReply to
Giorgio ******
Reply
Brian *****************
Sounds like quite an adventure. Maybe you should do a blog so we can follow your process.
Sheikh *************
you can get information from customs clearing agent,they will guide you well
Angel ********
Can I go with you? 😎🥸🤣
Mark ********
“A person with a non-immigrant visa and a work permit valid to work in Thailand for at least one year may import one new or used vehicle for personal use.”
You may be able to with a Retirement visa as well. People do drive from Europe, some have gone through Myanmar, and before Covid it was possible to go through China, via the Karakoram road from Karachi. You might be able to drive to Egypt, and put it in a container to Karachi from there. No way would I drive through Afghanistan or Iran, and the northern route through Russia? Not on your life. But for sure, whatever you do will be an adventure.
You may be able to with a Retirement visa as well. People do drive from Europe, some have gone through Myanmar, and before Covid it was possible to go through China, via the Karakoram road from Karachi. You might be able to drive to Egypt, and put it in a container to Karachi from there. No way would I drive through Afghanistan or Iran, and the northern route through Russia? Not on your life. But for sure, whatever you do will be an adventure.
David *******
Tax is too high dont bother
Aaron *******
The fact it is a Lamborghini, makes it more likely, you will not make it safely through several marginal countries, along the way. Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia ...
John *******
@Paolo ***********
I hope you give this a try and report back. There's a lot of conflicting information here so it's hard to know what the real situation is. I've heard of people driving all over some continents in various vehicles and they some how get it done. One thing for sure is that the "rules" are merely suggestions in a lot of the countries you'd see along the way and that might mean its just a small bit of cash needed to solve the problems or it might mean insurmountable hurdles. Either way, it would be an adventure!Aaron *******
@John ******
Or someone will steal his Lamborghini, in one of these countries where "rules are merely suggestions."John *******
@Aaron ******
It is a risk everywhere in the world, rules or no rulesReply to
John *******
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Steven ***************
@John ******
. If his end goal is to.bring his car to Thailand permanently it's pointless because he can't bring it in , its not allowed. Rest of the journey would be futile then unless he's prepared to abandon his car at the thai border orship/drive it back, which defeats the purpose of the whole plan.John *******
@Steven **************
You are almost certainly right, at least from the technical perspective of what the rules say. I know of at least 2 cases of 'grey market' imported cars where taxes were never paid, however, so some people do indeed import used cars. Depending on one's willingness to test their negotiation skills, it may be possible in reality.Steven ***************
@John ******
. Only instances of success that you mention that I have heard of is when the vehicle is owned and registered by a Thai national. The rules are different then as a Thai is allowed to bring it in. But the car and owner must have spent at least 12 months outside Thailand and all documents to prove it. Only other exception is diplomatic vehicles.
John *******
@Steven **************
Yes, of course. You are technically correct. I'm thinking of the "reality on the ground" component where Thai authorities often don't utilize the rules as written or there are "unwritten rules" that are up to the local guy you're in front of at the moment, and suggesting it would be interesting to know if the OP is successful. Given that I know others who have been able to do this despite what is written, there is a non-zero chance that success is possible despite what we could ever know in advance.Reply to
John *******
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Martin *********
Fly 1st class, ship the car via sea in a container and pay the 200% import duty, you'll save money.
Bill *********
I am pretty sure (although not 100%) that cars in Thailand must be Right Hand Drive… just assuming that because you are coming from Italy that it will be Left Hand Drive.
Martin *****
Www.MuddyBumper.com
Martin *****
Go check out
@Muddy *******
Massimiliano ***************
********************************************
Andy ******
Thought you Cannot import second hand cars into Thailand but if you can the import tax will be about 200% ,not worth it really
Donna *******
Sounds like a great adventure , good luck . If its something u really want, go for it , no regrets . 🙏
Thomas *******
Frank **********
I hate to see what will happen if you break down on a road in some lawless country like Afghanistan.
Garrett ***********
Used cars cannot be imported into Thailand.
Marc *******
A couple on Ko Samui with camping mobile on the beach did this. It took 4 years. Don't listen to the Bollocks here. Wrong Forum!
Gerhard ***********
300% import tax plus VAT so if car worth say $50,000 thats $150,000 import tax
Garrett ***********
@Gerhard **********
Can't import used cars into ThailandReply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
Kool *******
The big problem is driving through Myanmar. It can not be done currently. Also, you can only get a transit carnet for Thailand, that after 30 days the car must leave Thailand. You can not keep the car in Thailand permenantly, unless it is an actual antique car, and even then it can not be licensed to drive. Currently you can not import a used car into Thailand, even if you drive it in.
Christine *******
Best to sell your Lamborghini and buy a Toyota when you arrive (by plane). Even if you manage to get your Lambo here, getting repairs for it will be a freakin' nightmare. Maybe if you live in Bangkok it won't be so bad, but I live in Chiang Mai and have a Malaysian car, and any time something goes wrong with it, I have to wait for parts to arrive from Malaysia, and there's only a few shops in town that will even attempt repairs on it. It's horrible!
Nick ****************
Years ago I worked for a TV program that did stunts like this. No way it could be done go or Thailand with any degree of guaranteed success due to rules, regulations, coups and despots on the route. We cut the route to starting in Thailand and did Vietnam, Laos, Vietnam etc. Nice idea but!!!!!
Håvard **********
Sounds like an epic adventure. A friend hitch hiked from Paris to Saigon and had an incredible journey. Wish you great a trip
Bob **********
@Håvard *********
Donald Trump 😎😎😎James *********
@Bob *********
I agree. dt massages huge donkey balls every night, he's great at it, get him a trophyReply to
James *********
Reply
Giorgio ******
@Håvard *********
that's an other story . we all know a guy who did something great .Reply to
Giorgio ******
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Av **********
U r gonna need car visa and personal visas for each country....good luck
Shaun ********
@Av *********
and then refused entry with the car when you arriveReply to
Shaun ********
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Hathaway *************
My son gave me the idea of getting a UK ice cream van to Thailand , wonderful idea but I really don't need the headaches.
Giorgio ******
@Hathaway ************
your son has strange ideas . why import ?they have all kinds of ice cream vans in Thailand . or you can build it there . they can do anything for you in Thailand . they're specialised in refrigeration .Giorgio ******
@Paolo ***********
which year and which road ??Reply to
Giorgio ******
Reply
David ***********
I met a guy who did this, he drove an old 1960 FB Holden from Italy to Thailand, he actually drove it all across Europe and Asia, I didn’t believe him at first, but he had photos. What an adventure
Giorgio ******
@David **********
ŵhen was that . which year ?. .it means he drove through Burma ???David ***********
@Giorgio *****
I’m not sure on the year, maybe in the nineties.Giorgio ******
@David **********
you're aware things kind of change since then. I myself once met the man who met the guy who knew the brother in law of THE man who killed the bear ! and he was proud of that
David ***********
@Giorgio *****
whatever mateReply to
David ***********
Reply
Phil ********
Not possible. Even if you drove it all that way and through all those dodgy Countries you cannot import a used car in to Thailand.
Lisa ********************
Get it shipped in a container
Martin ***********
Recommend 1963 Fiat 500
Mark *************************
Sounds more like a freaking great trip!
Steve *******
Dont even bother, you're barking up the wrong tree, it ain't going to happen! 😂😂😂
Henrik *****
I wish we had a world, where adventures like that would be no problem.
Giorgio ******
I've met some people drivi.g East . it was a big hussle all the way .and now it's very very rare to meet people who entered Thailand with a vehicle
Hovvard ******
Good luck getting through afghanistan, iran, myanmar, or the northern route, Ukraine.
Paul *******
Cannot import vehicles into Thailand anymore
Dave *********
Try putting on freight train from Hamburg to china then drive
Giorgio ******
@Dave ********
ahahahit's not the goal ( import a car in Thailand lol) that's important . it's the road that leads you there
Reply to
Giorgio ******
Reply
Maple *********
I really understand what you want to do. I heard someone they driven car from Europe to Thailand but it longtime. And I found Thai man driven from Thailand to Italy.
Stephenie **********
If you're doing in a fiat you'll never make it
Paolo ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stephenie *********
renault can make it?🤣Paolo ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stephenie *********
lamborghiniDan ********
@Paolo ***********
it'll be destroyed on the terrible roads en route,and if by some miracle you make it to Thailand intact then be prepared to pay 200% of the cars value in import taxes at the Thai border.Its a nice romantic idea...but a totally impractical, hideously expensive,bureaucratic nightmare in practice.Dont do it.Stephenie **********
@Paolo ***********
photoReply to
Stephenie **********
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John *******
I’d rather stick pins in my eyes
Michael ****
Sell your car and buy a car in Thailand again.
Don’t know your brand? But getting spare parts for European brands isn’t easy here. Better switch to a Toyota…
Don’t make yourself these headache. Greetings
Don’t know your brand? But getting spare parts for European brands isn’t easy here. Better switch to a Toyota…
Don’t make yourself these headache. Greetings
Ekkehard *******
@Michael ***
You can also buy Toyota cars in Germany.Andrew ********
@Michael ***
don't even dream about importing to Thailand cost is way more expensive than buying a new car herePaolo ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael ***
i see they have lamborghini hereMichael ****
@Paolo ***********
oh a German car, nice. 😁 yes they have lamborghini dealer in BKK..Paolo ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael ***
the 2006 still Italian😆Todd *********
@Michael ***
they do. But no roads you would want to drive a Lambo on hereReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Luc ************
555 check the rules regarding the import of a foreign car. You will be dissapointed.
Matteo ***********
At this point I would say. Get in the car, turn on the engine and go, see what happens.
Paolo ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
adventurePaul ********
@Paolo ***********
Bring big bag of moneyPaolo ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul *******
yes i havePaul ********
@Paolo ***********
Chok DeeReply to
Paul ********
Reply
Chris **********
Do you want driving to Thailand because you want import your car? I think temoprary time is possible but not forever
Bob **********
They now have airplanes
Paolo ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob *********
yes i know airplanes, or ships, but this is an adventure, and someone did it already, my friend told to me he met someone drove car already hereBob **********
@Paolo ***********
well good luck but you should check I’m not sure you can bring an older car into ThailandMarcus **********
@Paolo ***********
difficult task especially for certain countries like Pakistan/Russia/China. Motorbike is more common, and probably easier too to get through customs.Reply to
Marcus **********
Reply
Gordon *******
It is possible but you also need a guid to bring you through china which isn’t cheep , I’ve looked into it, import tax for your vehicle is extortionate , from the UK to Thailand was estimated around 2 weeks driving , would be a great drive and I might still do it
Giorgio ******
@Gordon ******
2 weeks driving???? what a joke !! looks like you've never been on those roads . 0Gordon *******
@Giorgio *****
I did say UK to Thailand 😂😂😂😂Giorgio ******
@Gordon ******
the guy asks from Italy to Thailand !!! but what difference does it makes ??? hope to have news when you or he will need a spare part while being in Afghanistan, or Baluchistan , or Burma . or stupidistan . or wherever !
if I understood he wants to drive a Lamborghini all the way to Thailand . how gross to drive such a car in the poorest countries of the planet , not mentioning war places , dictatorships etc...
the guy might live in a paralel world. , or in some kind of other dimension .
Reply to
Giorgio ******
Reply
Gordon *******
@Giorgio *****
as it says above it was estimated 2 weeks , and what roads are you talking about ?Reply to
Giorgio ******
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Giorgio ******
if you go the south route , you'll have to go through BALUCHISTAN , south Pakistan , if they let you enter Pakistan , then you'll be accompanied for your protection ,for about one week , by the local police or army .
Anyway you'll be the slave of your car all the way .
a full 100 pages book is needed to answer your questions
go ahead and discover the conditions on the road , so many changes can happen . each one his own trip . so many different unique experiences .
Anyway you'll be the slave of your car all the way .
a full 100 pages book is needed to answer your questions
go ahead and discover the conditions on the road , so many changes can happen . each one his own trip . so many different unique experiences .
Steven ***************
Yeah it's possible but why? You need a passport for your car and visas for you to enter all the countries on the route. And to keep the car in Thailand you will need an import permit and pay import tax on it up to 200% of your cars value. You'll also need a thailand long term visa to get these. A lot of headaches and expenses for a 17 year old car..
Paolo ************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steven **************
i have retirement visa, but what is the passport for car? import permit where office to ask?Steven ***************
@Paolo ***********
. You need a thai work permit too which is impossible to get on a retirement visa. Google car passport buddy.. you can't just drive a car registered in one country into any country you likeReply to
Steven ***************
Reply
Steven ***************
This is a link to a car importing/shipping company but the rules just for entering Thailand will also apply if you drive in.
***********************************************************************************
Reply to
Steven ***************
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