How to Buy a Car for International Travel

According to recent statistics, international travelers who stay abroad for more than 30 days can save up to 60% by purchasing a vehicle rather than renting one long-term. But how exactly do you navigate buying a car in a foreign country?

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about buying a car for international travel—from weighing your options to handling paperwork and eventually selling your vehicle.

Understanding Your Needs: Renting vs. Buying

The first question most travelers ask is: “Should I rent or buy a car for my international trip?” The answer depends on several factors:

Consider how long you’ll be staying abroad. Generally, if you’re in a country for more than 3-4 weeks, buying becomes more cost-effective than renting. A 2023 study found that the break-even point occurs around the 25-30 day mark in most European countries.

Your travel plans matter too. Will you be based in one location or traveling between multiple countries? Crossing borders with a purchased vehicle requires additional documentation and sometimes temporary import permits.

Budget plays a crucial role. While buying requires a larger upfront investment, you can often recoup 50-70% of your costs by selling the vehicle before departing.

Think about your personal preferences as well. You might need specific features or vehicle types that are hard to find in rental fleets.

Sarah, an American traveler who spent six months exploring Australia, shares: “I bought a used Toyota for $5,000, added 15,000 miles exploring the country, then sold it for $4,200 before flying home. My transportation averaged about $133 per month—far less than renting.”

International Car Purchase Options

When buying a car abroad, you have several options:

Local dealerships offer new and certified pre-owned vehicles with warranties but typically charge premium prices. Private sellers usually offer better prices but come with fewer guarantees and potentially more paperwork challenges. Online marketplaces like Mobile.de (Germany), AutoScout24 (Europe), and Gumtree (Australia) list thousands of vehicles from both dealers and private sellers. Some companies in popular expat destinations offer specialized buy-back programs specifically for travelers.

The used car market offers the best value for international travelers. Vehicles 3-5 years old have already experienced significant depreciation but typically remain reliable for extended travel.

Tom, a Canadian who bought a car while working in New Zealand for a year, advises: “Look for popular local models. They’re easier to repair if something goes wrong, and easier to sell when you leave.”

Financing Your International Car Purchase

Financing a car purchase as a non-resident presents unique challenges:

Cash purchases are the simplest option, helping you avoid credit checks and residency requirements. Some global banks offer international banking that allows customers to access credit in multiple countries. Local financing options may require a local bank account, proof of income, and sometimes a local co-signer. For military personnel stationed overseas, credit unions like Navy Federal offer special programs.

Be aware of currency exchange considerations. Exchange rates can fluctuate, potentially affecting the total cost of your purchase. Using services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) can help minimize currency conversion fees.

Many travelers find that saving up and paying cash is the most practical approach, as Mark from the UK found when buying a car in Canada: “Local banks wanted two years of credit history. Paying cash for a three-year-old Honda was much simpler.”

Registration, Insurance, and Legal Requirements

Navigating paperwork is often the most challenging aspect of buying a car abroad:

Vehicle registration requirements vary dramatically by country. Some nations allow non-residents to register vehicles with tourist visas, while others require residence permits or local addresses.

International insurance is mandatory for all vehicles. You can choose from local insurance policies (often requiring a local address), international policies from global providers, or temporary insurance specifically designed for travelers.

You’ll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). This translation of your home driver’s license is recognized in over 150 countries and is typically valid for one year.

Don’t forget to research local traffic laws before your purchase. Remember that 65% of countries drive on the right side of the road, while 35% (including the UK, Australia, and Japan) drive on the left.

Lisa, who bought a car during her year in Spain, notes: “I needed to provide proof of address, my passport, visa information, and a Spanish tax identification number to register my car. Research these requirements before you arrive.”

Importing or Exporting Your Vehicle: Regulations and Logistics

If you’re planning to ship a car between countries, prepare for a complex process:

The documentation needed includes the original vehicle title, bill of sale, export permits from the origin country, import permits for the destination country, and emissions and safety compliance paperwork.

You have several shipping methods to choose from. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) is the most affordable option, where you drive your car onto a specialized ship. Container shipping is more expensive but offers better protection. Air freight is the fastest but most costly method.

Be prepared for various costs. These typically include shipping fees ($1,000-$5,000 depending on distance), import duties (varies by country, often 5-25% of vehicle value), customs processing fees, and modification costs to meet local standards.

James, who shipped his SUV from the US to Costa Rica, shares: “The entire process took about six weeks and cost around $3,800 including all fees. The key was working with a customs broker who handled the paperwork.”

European Delivery Programs: A Detailed Look

European delivery offers a unique opportunity to combine vehicle purchase with international travel:

These programs let you order a vehicle from a European manufacturer through your home country dealer, pick it up at the factory in Europe, tour the continent, and then have the car shipped to your home country. Participating manufacturers include Volvo (Sweden), BMW (Germany), Mercedes-Benz (Germany), and Porsche (Germany).

The benefits are substantial: discounts of 5-7% off MSRP, free factory tours, European vacation packages, exemption from European VAT tax, and potential savings on rental cars during your European travels.

For planning purposes, most programs require ordering the vehicle 3-4 months before your planned European trip.

Michael, who participated in Volvo’s overseas delivery program, raves: “We saved about $3,000 on our XC60, spent two amazing weeks driving through Scandinavia, and Volvo handled all the shipping and import paperwork. It was the perfect way to combine our love of travel with a planned car purchase.”

Selling Your Vehicle After International Travel

When your journey ends, selling your travel vehicle requires planning:

5 Essential Tips for Selling Your Travel Car:

1. Start early: Begin the selling process at least 2-4 weeks before your departure date to avoid time pressure and rushed decisions.
2. Choose the right selling platform: Online marketplaces reach the most buyers, dealerships offer quick but lower-value sales, expat communities often appreciate “ready-to-travel” vehicles, and some countries have specialized buy-back services.
3. Prepare all documentation: Gather your vehicle title/ownership papers, maintenance records, bill of sale, and tax clearance certificates where required.
4. Make your car attractive to buyers: Clean thoroughly inside and out, fix minor issues, and provide a complete maintenance history to build buyer confidence.
5. Be flexible as departure approaches: Consider lowering your price if needed as your departure date gets closer, and always have a backup plan in case the car doesn’t sell in time.

Emma, who sold her car after a year in New Zealand, advises: “I listed my car three weeks before flying home and accepted an offer five days before my flight. Start early, but be prepared to lower your price if time is running short.”

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Learn from the mistakes of others with these tips:

Research local regulations thoroughly. Different countries have wildly different rules for non-resident car buyers. Never assume the process will be similar to your home country.

Remember to budget for unexpected costs. Beyond the purchase price, set aside funds for registration fees, insurance, potential repairs, and selling costs.

Always inspect before buying. Have any used vehicles been inspected by a local mechanic before purchase? This typically costs $100-200 but can save thousands in repair bills.

Understand parking and storage options at your destination. Some countries and cities have strict parking regulations or limited parking availability.

Plan for documentation needs. Keep digital and physical copies of all vehicle documents. Consider having key documents translated if you’re traveling in countries with different languages.

Be aware of seasonal factors that might affect your purchase or sale. In many countries, selling a car during the summer tourist season is easier than during the winter months.

Carlos, who bought a car for his Australian adventure, shares: “My biggest mistake was not checking import compliance before buying. I found a great deal on a Japanese import vehicle, but later learned it would be nearly impossible to import back to my home country.”

Your International Car Buying Checklist

Before making any decisions:

• [ ] Research local car buying laws for non-residents
• [ ] Calculate total ownership costs (purchase, insurance, taxes, maintenance)
• [ ] Compare with long-term rental costs
• [ ] Verify your driver’s license validity and IDP requirements
• [ ] Research vehicle import/export rules if applicable
• [ ] Check if your travel insurance covers driving
• [ ] Join online forums for ex-pats/travelers in your destination

Buying a car for international travel opens up a world of freedom and flexibility that organized tours and public transportation can’t match. With careful planning, research, and the tips in this guide, you can navigate the process with confidence and focus on what matters most—the incredible journey ahead.

Have you bought a car during international travel? Share your experience in the comments below!

Looking for more international travel tips? Check out our guides on planning extended trips, managing finances abroad, and packing for long-term travel.