Import Cost Guide
How much does it cost to import a car from USA to Georgia?
A complete, honest breakdown of every fee — from the US auction to your driveway in Batumi or Tbilisi.
The 5 components of your total cost
Real cost example: 2022 Hyundai Elantra 1.6
A real import we completed in 2026 — every fee, no rounding:
| Cost item | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Auction price | $3,800 | IAAI, clean title |
| Buyer's fee | $795 | IAAI standard gate fee |
| Ocean shipping | $1,600 | Boston → Batumi |
| Customs (excise + import tax + fee) | $570 | 1.6L LHD petrol, 2022 |
| Registration | $75 | 200 GEL at Revenue Service |
| Total landed cost | $6,840 | — |
| Same car at local dealer | ~$10,500–$12,000 | — |
You save $3,500–$5,000 compared to buying the same car from a local dealer. The exact customs amount varies by engine size, year, and fuel type — use our calculator for a precise figure.
Understanding Georgian customs duties
Customs is the most complex part of the cost. Georgia uses a three-part formula: excise tax + import tax + service fee.
Excise is calculated per cubic centimeter of engine volume and varies by car age. A 2.0L petrol car made in 2018 pays roughly 4.5 GEL per cc (1,800 cc × 4.5 = 8,100 GEL ≈ $3,000). Import tax is an additional 5–12% of the vehicle's declared value. Electric vehicles with left-hand drive pay zero import tax and zero excise — a major advantage.
Pro tip: Use our free customs calculator to get the exact excise + import tax figure for any specific car year, engine size, and fuel type before you bid.
Shipping from USA to Georgia: what to expect
All cars shipped from the US travel by ocean container. The journey takes 25–40 days depending on the departure port and routing.
Hidden costs that surprise buyers
How much should you budget?
As a general rule: the final landed cost of importing a car is roughly 1.6–2.0× the auction purchase price for petrol cars. On a $4,000 car, budget $6,500–$8,000 total. On a $8,000 car, budget $13,000–$16,000. Electric vehicles are cheaper due to zero excise and import tax.
- Add 10–15% buffer on top of your estimate for unexpected costs
- Get customs quotes before bidding — not after
- Factor in repair costs if the car has a salvage title
- Compare total landed cost, not just the auction price
- Request an itemized quote from your importer before committing
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions about import costs
Direct answers to the most common questions we get about pricing.
Get an exact cost estimate
Enter the car details into our calculator to see the full breakdown before you bid.