How much tax is paid when exporting a vehicle from the U.S. to Central America and the Caribbean?

Do you live in the United States and are thinking of shipping your car to your country in Central America or the Caribbean? In addition to the cost of shipping, it's key to know how much tax you pay when exporting a vehicle. These charges, which are applied in the destination country, represent a significant portion of the total expense.

In this guide we show you, with real examples, how much tax is paid when exporting a vehicle from the U.S. to different countries in Central America and the Caribbean. To make it clearer, we use a very common case study: a 2021 Toyota Corolla with a CIF value of $14,000 USD. This way you can better compare and plan your budget.

Factors that determine how much tax you pay when exporting a vehicle

The final amount of tax is not calculated the same in all countries. The main factors are:

• Tariff duties (DAI): base import tax.
  
• VAT / ITBMS / ISV / ITBIS: value added or sales tax.
  
• Additional fees: security, customs services, consular fees.
  
• CIF value vs. tax value: Some countries calculate on fiscal tables (e.g. Costa Rica, Guatemala), others on CIF value (cost + insurance + freight).
  

How much tax is paid when exporting a vehicle per country?

(Example: Toyota Corolla 2021, CIF $14,000 USD)

Important notice: These calculations are estimates. The final amount of how much tax you pay when exporting a vehicle depends on the year, displacement, engine type and condition of the car.

Breakdown by country

Panama

• Tariff: 15%
  
• ITBMS: 7%
  
• Other minor charges.
  Estimated total: $3,780 USD. One of the most agile destinations in customs clearance.
  

Costa Rica

• The official tax value is used, not the actual value.
  
• Tax burden: up to 52,29%.
  Estimated total: $7,320 USD. Of the most expensive countries in terms of taxes when exporting a vehicle.
  

Dominican Republic

• Tariff: 20%
  
• ITBIS: 18%
  
• Selective consumption (if applicable): 10%.
  Estimated total: $4,900 - $6,300 USD.
  

Guatemala

• DAI: 15%
  
• VAT: 12%
  
• Other minor charges.
  Estimated total: $3,920 - $4,200 USD, according to the tax value assigned by SAT.
  

Honduras

• DAI: 15%
  
• ISV: 15%
  
• Security and service fees.
  Estimated total: $4,340 USD.
  

Nicaragua

• DAI: 15%
  
• VAT: 15%
  
• Consular law: 5%.
  Estimated total: $4,900 USD.
  

El Salvador

• DAI: 25%
  
• VAT: 13%
  Estimated total: $4,200 USD.
  

How to save money if you are wondering how much tax to pay when exporting a vehicle

• Choose the right port of departure in the USA: Houston and Florida are the most used for Central America and the Caribbean. A proper routing can save you freight costs.
  
• Find out before you buy: some countries charge higher taxes on large engines or luxury cars.
  
• Evaluates inland and maritime transportation: container, RoRo, or sponsor truck; each modality changes the final cost.
  
• Plan ahead: having documents ready avoids delays and extra expenses.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are taxes the same for new and used cars?
No. In many countries used cars pay more taxes than new ones.

Should I be present at the port?
Not necessarily. A broker can represent you.

What if the car has accessories or modifications?
The tax value rises and, therefore, how much tax you pay when exporting a vehicle also increases.

Conclusion

Saber how much tax you pay when exporting a vehicle from the United States to Central America or the Caribbean is essential to plan your investment.

With this country-by-country guide and the practical example of the 2021 Toyota Corolla, you already have a realistic picture of the costs.

At Car Freight we accompany you throughout the process, making sure that your vehicle arrives in your country legally, quickly and without surprises.