So You Want to Import a Dubai Desert Burner to the Blighty Isles, Eh?
Let's face it, petrol (gasoline for our American chums) is cheaper than water in Dubai these days. And what better way to spend those savings than on a ridiculously flashy motor to tear up the (admittedly limited) British motorways? But before you swap your sandals for driving shoes, hold your horses (or, should we say, camels?), there's the small matter of getting your Dubai dream machine across the pond.
The Grand Total: Not Quite as Cheap as Filling Up in Dubai
The not-so-secret ingredient to the final cost is a dash of import duty and a healthy dollop of VAT (Value Added Tax). Here's the breakdown:
- Import Duty: Thankfully, you can usually dodge this one for cars coming from outside the EU (Dubai falls into this category). That's a win!
- VAT: Buckle up for this one. You'll be whacked with a whopping 20% VAT slapped onto the total cost of the car, including the purchase price, shipping fees, and any fancy extras you've thrown in. Ouch!
The Cost Conundrum: It's Not One-Size-Fits-All
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
So, how much are we actually talking about? Well, that depends on your chariot of choice. Importing a pimped-out Bentley will set you back a small fortune compared to a trusty Toyota Land Cruiser (although, let's be honest, where's the pizazz in that?).
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| How Much To Import A Car From Dubai To Uk |
Here's a very rough guide:
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
- Budget Buy (think banger, not Bond): £5,000-£10,000 for the car itself, plus shipping costs (think a few thousand more). VAT will add another £1,000-£2,000 on top, bringing the total to around £8,000-£15,000.
- Mid-Range Motor (think sensible saloon, not a status symbol): £15,000-£25,000 for the car, plus shipping. VAT adds a hefty £3,000-£5,000, bringing you to a ballpark of £18,000-£30,000.
- Luxury Liner (think chauffeured Bentley, not battered bus): Let's just say prepare to sell a kidney (or two). The car itself could set you back upwards of £50,000, and VAT will be enough to make you weep. We're talking totals well over £100,000.
Top Tip: Factor in the cost of getting your car UK roadworthy before you get too excited. You might need to adapt headlights, swap the speedometer to mph, and who knows what else.
FAQ: Importing Your Dubai Dream Machine - How-To Edition
How to actually import a car from Dubai?
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
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There's a bit of paperwork involved (shocker!), but a good shipping company can help you navigate the customs labyrinth.
How long does it take to import a car from Dubai?
Allow a good few weeks for shipping and paperwork processing. Don't expect to be tearing up the tarmac the day after you buy your car.
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
How do I make sure my Dubai car is road legal in the UK?
There will be checks to ensure your car meets UK safety and emission standards. Be prepared to make some modifications.
How can I save money on importing a car from Dubai?
The car itself is obviously a big chunk of the cost. Haggling skills are essential in Dubai!
How do I avoid getting ripped off when importing a car?
Use a reputable shipping company and get everything in writing. Don't get blinded by that Dubai sunshine!
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