How buying a car from abroad works

Most cars on this site are still overseas. Here is the usual path from a listing to your driveway in Rwanda.

1. 1

   Pick a car and call the seller

   Use the stock number when you call or send a WhatsApp message. Ask for extra photos, the auction sheet or inspection report, and the total price delivered to Kigali.

2. 2

   Check steering and taxes before paying

   Rwanda registers left-hand drive vehicles. Confirm the steering side and the RRA import taxes with us before you pay for a car. Import duty, excise and VAT are assessed by the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) and depend on the car's age, engine size and value.

3. 3

   Pay and receive shipping documents

   Pay the seller using the method you agreed. Keep the invoice, export certificate and bill of lading; your clearing agent will need them.

4. 4

   Shipping to the port, then by road

   Cars usually arrive by sea at Dar es Salaam or Mombasa and continue by road to Kigali. Ask the seller for the expected arrival date.

5. 5

   Clearing and registration in Kigali

   A clearing agent handles customs with RRA. After taxes are paid you register the vehicle and receive Rwandan plates.